This resolution formally recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and affirms its foundational role in boosting U.S. energy security, supporting rural economies, and improving environmental performance.
Max Miller
Representative
OH-7
This resolution formally recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and celebrates its foundational role in strengthening U.S. energy security and supporting rural economies. It highlights the RFS's success in driving domestic fuel innovation, creating jobs, and improving environmental performance. The measure affirms the ongoing importance of the RFS in achieving national energy, economic, and environmental goals.
Congress Celebrates 20 Years of the RFS: What the Resolution Says About Your Gas Tank and the Farm Economy
This resolution is essentially Congress throwing a 20th birthday party for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Unlike most bills we analyze, this one doesn't change a single law, create a new program, or cost taxpayers money—it’s a formal statement celebrating the RFS and affirming its importance to the country. It’s a big, official nod to the policy that puts ethanol and biodiesel in your fuel supply.
The Policy That Fuels the Farm
What the resolution does is lay out a detailed case for why the RFS is a success story. It highlights the policy’s foundational role in strengthening U.S. energy security by increasing the supply of domestically produced renewable fuels. Think of the RFS as a mandate that guarantees a market for American-made energy, which is a big deal for reducing reliance on foreign oil. This is explicitly tied to supporting the agricultural sector, which provides the corn and soybeans needed to make these fuels. The resolution notes that the renewable fuels industry contributed a massive $210 billion to the Gross Domestic Product in 2023 and supports nearly 644,000 jobs, many of which are in rural areas. For a farmer, this policy means reliable demand and a more stable income stream.
Filling Up and Cutting Emissions
The resolution also focuses on two things that impact every driver: costs and emissions. It claims the RFS has helped consumers save money—specifically, 10 to 30 cents per gallon on average when using higher ethanol blends like E15, and a 4% reduction in traditional diesel prices due to biodiesel use. Whether you’re driving a delivery truck or commuting in a sedan, the claim is that this policy is keeping fuel prices in check. On the environmental side, the resolution praises the RFS for requiring renewable fuels to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 60% compared to traditional fuels. This means the policy is intended to make the transportation sector cleaner, which is a significant factor in meeting broader climate goals.
The Takeaway for the Real World
Since this is a non-binding resolution, its real-world impact isn't regulatory; it’s political. By formally recognizing the RFS’s successes and affirming its continued importance, the House is sending a clear signal to the renewable fuels industry that the policy framework—established back in 2007—is here to stay. For the people who work in ethanol plants, the farmers who supply them, and the investors who fund them, this resolution provides policy stability. It tells them to keep investing and innovating because the government supports the mandate. While the resolution is entirely positive, it’s worth noting that it doesn't address the complex debates or implementation challenges the RFS has faced over the years. It simply says, loud and clear: the RFS is working, and we should keep it going.