New York Times reports Senate Energy chair considering rewrite of Renewable Fuel Standard in light of ethanol industry woe; environmental groups, meat producers oppose E15 blending

The New York Times profiled the struggle of ethanol to compete with lower-cost gasoline and the response of industry to overcapacity in an extensive profile. In the article, Senate Energy committee chairman Jeff Bingaman speculates that “It’s possible we may have to look at the targets again,” referring to the Renewable Fuel Standard ethanol blending mandates.

Meanwhile, five environmental groups banded together to support the rewriting of the Renewable Fuel Standard on environmental grounds.  The Environmental Working Group, the Network for New Energy Choices, the Friends of the Earth, the Clean Air Task Group and the New York Public Interest Research Group called for: a repeal of the tariff on Brazilian ethanol; a halt to discussions aimed at increasing the ethanol blend level past 10 percent until a series of environmental and technical assessments is completed.

“We strongly support the development of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels, as well as policies that will help commercialize biofuels that will reduce our reliance on food and feed to produce fuel. However, we are opposed to efforts to increase the amount of biofuel blended into our fuel supplies until sustainable biofuel alternatives are commercially available, said the environemntal groups in a joint statement.”

The American Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council and National Chicken Council have also opposed the increased ethanol blending levels on economic grounds.

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