Open Fuel Standard Coalition forms

The Renewable Fuels Association, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, is joining with leaders in other alternative fuel industries to press Congress to enact an Open Fuel Standard (OFS).  On Capitol Hill, the effort is being championed by Representatives John Shimkus (R-IL) and Elliot Engel (D-NY) who have introduced H.R. 1687.

The collective effort is known as the Open Fuel Standard Coalition,

“Americans need a choice at the pump and the Open Fuel Standard would allow them to pick an ethanol blend that meets their needs,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen who will be a panelist at an October 25th Capitol Hill briefing.

“The OFS would also create market space for other alternative fuels that are critical to our nation’s energy future.  Giving Americans a choice in both the fuels they use and the vehicles they drive is quintessentially American and empowers them to take control of our energy future.  That means more alternative fueling infrastructure like blender pumps and more vehicles capable of using a range of fuel options.  At the end of the day, this isn’t about picking one alternative or renewable fuel over another.  This effort is about ending our costly and dangerous addiction to oil.”

Dinneen will be joining former National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane, NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, and other experts on alternative fuels and the dangers of our addiction to imported oil for a Capitol Hill event on Tuesday, October 25.

The OFS Coalition will present an Energy Security Roundtable, hosted by Reps. Shimkus and Engel, in 2218 Rayburn HOB from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  That event will be followed by media availability with Reps. Shimkus, Engel and representatives from the organizations forming the Open Fuel Coalition.