U.S. Congressman Max Miller and Colleagues Lead Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) led a resolution, H.Res 628, recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its foundational role in strengthening the United States’ energy security, supporting rural communities, and growing the American economy. Miller was joined by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) Rep. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Rep. Zack Nunn (R-IA), and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE). The Senate companion, S.Res.364, is led by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) along with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN).
“For two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard 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 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.”
“For two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a cornerstone of American energy independence and agricultural prosperity. As the nation’s second-largest ethanol producer, Nebraska demonstrates how the RFS program strengthens our rural economies while advancing environmental sustainability through reduced emissions and cleaner fuel alternatives,” said Rep. Bacon. “RFS continues to prove that American farmers and biofuel producers are essential partners in securing our energy future and meeting our nation’s climate goals.”
“For 20 years, the Renewable Fuel Standard has created incredible new opportunities for our farmers. I’ve seen firsthand the important markets it creates for our corn and soybean growers, and the cost savings it brings for folks at the pump. As we celebrate this important anniversary, I remain committed to championing renewable fuels every single day and pushing for policies like nationwide, year-round E15,” said Rep. Budzinski.
“Over the past two decades, the Renewable Fuels Standard has played a critical role in strengthening our nation’s economy, solidifying our energy independence and supporting our rural communities,” said Rep. Craig. “The RFS has enabled Minnesota’s farmers and producers to contribute to the all-of-the-above energy policy America needs, while helping to lower prices for consumers at the pump. It’s common-sense programs like this one that help our state, and our country stay ahead.”
“A strong Renewable Fuel Standard is vital to a vibrant agricultural economy and the success of Iowa biofuels. For twenty years, this American energy initiative has supported Iowa farmers, biofuels producers, and our rural communities by ensuring that Iowa ethanol, biodiesel, and other advanced biofuels are blended into our nation’s fuel supply. The RFS also helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lowers gas prices for families, and incentivizes rural energy production. Representing hardworking farmers and biofuels producers, I will always advocate for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard that invests in rural Iowa, supports the production of homegrown Iowa biofuels, and stands with our farmers and agricultural communities,” said Rep. Feenstra.
“Twenty years ago, the Renewable Fuel Standard ignited economic growth across our rural communities, as biofuel plants brought jobs and support for hardworking farmers. Today, American biofuels deliver cleaner, more affordable fuel to millions worldwide. Simply put: biofuels have proven their stay as a new cornerstone of innovation for our nation’s rural economies,” said Rep. Flood.
“For 20 years, the Renewable Fuel Standard has strengthened America’s energy security, lowered costs at the pump, and delivered real markets for Iowa’s farmers,” said Rep. Nunn. “It’s proof that homegrown energy can power our economy and support rural communities at the same time.”
“The RFS supports a growing domestic energy sector which provides more affordable fuel options and complementary markets for agricultural commodities. American biofuels and agriculture producers are leaders in innovation, and I am proud of the progress they have made over the past 20 years to maximize the value of every kernel of corn while producing more with less. As a co-chair of the Biofuels Caucus, I join in celebrating this anniversary of the RFS as we work to continue empowering American producers, retailers, and consumers through sound federal policy,” said Rep. Smith.
Support from Industry:
“The 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuels Standard is more than just a milestone for policy—it’s personal for farmers like me. The increased demand for ethanol created by the RFS helped open a door for me to come back to our family farm, raise my kids here, and build a future rooted in rural Ohio. It’s driven investment in our community, strengthened markets for our corn, and allowed my family and many others to keep doing what we love. The RFS hasn’t just fueled our cars, it’s fueled opportunity, growth, and resilience across the country.” Tyler Drewes, President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard’s establishment 20 years ago helped soybean oil go from a byproduct to a main driver of demand for America’s farmers in the form of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. Soy-based biofuels support the rural economy by providing over 107,000 jobs nationwide and contributing $42.4 billion to the U.S. economy. This kind of economic impact would not be possible without the RFS. As part of the RFS, the U.S. EPA recently proposed new renewable volume obligations that represent another significant step forward in protecting American energy independence.” Rusty Goebel, Ohio soybean farmer and Ohio Soybean Association President.
“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. Over the past two decades, the RFS has spurred demand for domestically grown oilseeds, encouraged investment in U.S. processing facilities, and supported the growth of advanced biofuels. By ensuring more of our soybeans are crushed here, the program adds value domestically and creates new opportunities for U.S. farmers and rural communities. NOPA remains committed to working with policymakers to ensure the RFS continues to advance American agriculture and our nation’s energy future.” Devin Mogler, President and CEO, National Oilseed Processors Association
“For 20 years, the Renewable Fuels Standard has strengthened American farmers, manufacturing, and energy security. Today, our domestic biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of good jobs across the American Heartland. Our farmers know that they have access to a key market and help fuel our cars and trucks. ADM appreciates the work of Congressman Miller, Senator Ricketts and all the cosponsors for recognizing the 20th Anniversary of this important policy. We remain committed to the continued growth and success of our domestic biofuel industry.” Nick Smith, President, North America Energy and Biofuels, ADM
“The RFS has created new grain markets and supported rural communities, all while lowering costs at the pump. As the bioethanol industry increased from less than one to over ten percent of the nation’s fuel supply, farm income nearly tripled, and land values more than doubled. Looking ahead, expanding biofuels in the U.S. will strengthen the nation’s energy security and deliver lasting benefits to America’s farmers and rural communities.” Joshua Shields, POET Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs.
“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.” Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO
“The RFS is the foundation of America’s bioeconomy. It supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs and has shielded an entire generation of drivers from volatility in global oil markets. More than 10 percent of U.S. fuel supplies now come from renewable sources like ethanol, representing billions of gallons in savings. And it’s still fueling growth. As part of a drive toward U.S. energy dominance, the U.S. EPA recently proposed to set biofuel blending at the highest volume in the history of the program. Those numbers aren’t yet final, and the EPA still needs to address petitions from refiners seeking to skirt the RFS, but if we remain on a growth trajectory, the benefits to American motorists and farmers are overwhelming.” Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO
The text of the Resolution can be found here