Industry and retailers call on EPA to protect consumers from broken fuel policy

WASHINGTON, November 16, 2016 – API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola along with the National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) held a conference call with reporters to discuss EPA’s 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements. 

“The renewable fuels standard is broken,” said Macchiarola. “The well-being of American consumers hangs in the balance as EPA continues to push more and more ethanol into the fuel mix. Study after study has shown that the RFS could raise fuel costs for consumers and damage car engines.

“The RFS also impacts corn prices, which then impact the price of food and other goods and services.

“The market has shown that the RFS is outdated, and more Republicans and Democrats understand that the policy is broken and that there is a real opportunity for reform.”

API strongly supports the Flores-Welch RFS reform bill, which has broad bipartisan support and 117 co-sponsors in the House.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.