Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has led a bipartisan resolution in Congress to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The resolution was co-led by Senator Amy Klobuchar, with Representatives Max Miller (R-OH-07) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) joining as leads in the House.

Senator Ricketts has consistently supported renewable fuels, including sponsoring annual resolutions for Renewable Fuels Month and legislation aimed at expanding biofuel markets. Nebraska is recognized as the second-largest ethanol producer in the United States, with its 25 ethanol plants generating nearly 2.2 billion gallons annually. These facilities provide over 1,800 jobs averaging close to $80,000 per year and contribute more than $6 billion to Nebraska’s economy each year.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard is one of the federal government’s most successful clean fuels policies,” said Senator Ricketts. “For two decades, renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel have saved consumers money, supported Nebraska agriculture, cleaned our environment, and unleashed American energy. I appreciate my colleagues’ support for this resolution.”

Representative Miller emphasized the policy's impact on energy security and rural economies: “For two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been one of the most successful federal fuels policies improving energy security, lowering consumer fuel prices, creating good-paying jobs in rural America, and boosting the farm economy,” said Rep. Miller. “I’m proud to join the effort to drive energy dominance and economic opportunity here in Ohio and throughout the nation.”

The resolution is backed by several senators including Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), as well as representatives from multiple states.

Industry leaders highlighted various benefits of the RFS since its inception under the Energy Policy Act of 2005—which requires oil refiners to blend set volumes of renewable fuels into transportation fuel supplies—leading to significant investment in biorefineries nationwide.

Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of Renewable Fuels Association said: “Over the past two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard has delivered tremendous benefits for our nation-reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering fuel costs for consumers, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across rural America, and strengthening the agricultural economy. It has spurred market competition and expanded choices at the pump for drivers nationwide. We’re thrilled to see Congress commemorating this milestone with a strong bipartisan resolution, and we applaud Senator Pete Ricketts, Representative Max Miller, and the many lawmakers who joined in honoring one of the most successful and forward-looking energy policies in U.S. history.”

Kenneth Hartman Jr., Illinois farmer and NCGA President added: “Since it was signed into law, the Renewable Fuel Standard has provided immeasurable benefits to Americans. It has dramatically increased demand for corn, provided significant savings to consumers at the pump and strengthened America’s energy dominance.”

Kurt Kovarik from Clean Fuels Alliance America noted growth within his sector: “Clean Fuels thanks Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Max Miller and their colleagues for honoring the Renewable Fuel Standard’s foundational role in strengthening America’s energy and farm security... Under the RFS, U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production has grown from a few hundred million gallons to 5 billion gallons... supporting $42.4 billion in economic opportunity... With robust RFS volumes proposed for coming years,the benefits keep growing.”

Tue Micheelsen from Novonesis North America commented on innovation: “For 20 years,the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a powerful tool... laying foundation [for] American bioeconomy... The RFS helps drive innovation... reduce emissions from transportation sector,and bolster U.S.energy security... We remain committed ...to supporting [it] for decades.”

Devin Mogler from National Oilseed Processors Association stated: “As [the] Renewable Fuel Standard marks its 20th anniversary,we reflect on a landmark program that has strengthened America’s energy security while delivering significant benefits to American agriculture… NOPA remains committed ...to ensure [it] continues ...advancing American agriculture ...and our nation’s energy future.”

Joshua Shields from POET highlighted market effects: “The RFS has created new grain markets … As bioethanol industry increased ...farm income nearly tripled,and land values more than doubled.Looking ahead,...expanding biofuels ...will strengthen ...energy security ...deliver lasting benefits…”

Emily Skor from Growth Energy described broader impacts:“The RFS is foundation … supports hundreds of thousands … shielded an entire generation … More than 10 percent … come[s] from renewable sources like ethanol… EPA recently proposed… highest volume… Those numbers aren’t yet final…and EPA still needs… address petitions…but if we remain on growth trajectory,the benefits … are overwhelming.”

Nick Smith at ADM concluded:“For 20 years,the Renewable Fuels Standard has strengthened American farmers,… manufacturing,and energy security… Our domestic biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands …jobs across Heartland.Our farmers know they have access…help fuel cars/trucks.ADM appreciates work …for recognizing…the Anniversary…”

The full text of this congressional resolution can be found here.