API Supports Senators’ Call to Protect Consumers from Expanded Biofuel Blending Requirements

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2020 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today welcomed the efforts of fifteen U.S. senators to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use all available authorities to protect American consumers from the unnecessary and costly impacts of expanding biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“We welcome the Senators’ recognition that the 2021 blending obligations should be set at achievable levels taking into account the reality of the unprecedented collapse in fuel demand,” API Vice President of Downstream Policy Ron Chittim said. “Mandating an irresponsible increase in blending volumes that could outstrip the ethanol ‘blend wall’ and constrain domestic fuel supply would burden American consumers and hinder our nation’s economic recovery.”

“Administrator Wheeler has the statutory authority under the Clean Air Act to prevent these unnecessary impacts, deliver regulatory certainty to America’s refiners and protect consumers. EPA should move immediately to employ a general waiver to limit the 2021 obligation and leverage additional authorities to further safeguard our nation’s fuel supply and prevent the reallocation of any volumes associated with Small Refinery Exemptions.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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