Designates May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to highlight the economic, environmental, and energy independence benefits of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel.
Zachary (Zach) Nunn
Representative
IA-3
This bill expresses support for designating May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to highlight the benefits of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. It recognizes their positive impact on the economy, job creation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering fuel costs, supporting rural communities, and decreasing reliance on foreign oil. The bill emphasizes the role of biofuels in promoting energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Resolution Proposes 'Renewable Fuels Month' for May 2025, Citing Economic and Environmental Gains
This resolution throws its support behind designating May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month." It's essentially a formal nod from Congress recognizing the role fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel play. The main goal is to highlight their stated contributions, from potentially reducing carbon emissions and consumer fuel prices to boosting rural economies and lessening reliance on foreign energy suppliers.
Dollars, Jobs, and Diesel Drops
The resolution packs a punch with economic numbers, particularly from 2024 data. It credits the ethanol industry with supporting nearly 314,000 jobs (over 55,000 directly) and adding over $53 billion to the U.S. GDP. Biodiesel and renewable diesel aren't far behind, cited for a $23.3 billion economic impact and supporting over 75,000 jobs. For folks in communities where these fuels are produced, this translates to local employment and economic activity. Think farmers growing corn for ethanol or workers at biofuel processing plants – the resolution aims to put a spotlight on their contribution.
Greener Fuels, Cleaner Air?
Beyond the economics, the resolution emphasizes environmental benefits. It states that ethanol cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 44% to 52% compared to gasoline and reduces air toxins. Similarly, biodiesel and renewable diesel are credited with slashing greenhouse gases by at least 50% compared to petroleum diesel and emitting significantly less particulate matter – the stuff that impacts air quality. The text also mentions Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a way to decarbonize air travel using existing infrastructure. The underlying message is that these fuels offer a way to potentially lower the environmental impact of transportation.
The Big Picture: A Statement of Support
It's important to remember this is a resolution. It doesn't create new laws, mandates, or funding programs. Instead, it serves as an official statement recognizing the benefits attributed to the renewable fuels sector. By supporting the "Renewable Fuels Month" designation, the resolution aims to raise awareness and acknowledge the industry's role in the economy, environment, and energy landscape, citing its potential to lower consumer costs and enhance national energy independence.