WTAS: “Ricketts’ Legislation Would Fix the EPA’s Mistake and Provide Level Playing Field”
August 3, 2023
OMAHA, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), announced support from various Nebraska and national stakeholders for his Flex Fuel Fairness Act.
This legislation, introduced last week, would level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol by providing a meaningful incentive for automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) in addition to battery electric vehicles (EVs).
“We need to combat the Biden administration’s attempt to force drivers to switch to electric vehicles. This bill is just one of the ways we can do that,” Ricketts said. “Renewable fuels are a common-sense, proven Nebraska solution to our energy crisis. The Flex Fuel Fairness Act will level the playing field for vehicle manufacturers and give consumers freedom and choice by encouraging the use of flex fuel vehicles that can run on higher ethanol blends.”
Renewable Fuels Association President/CEO Geoff Cooper: “We thank Senators Ricketts and Klobuchar for introducing the Flex Fuel Fairness Act, which appropriately acknowledges the emissions benefits of FFVs and flex fuels and rewards automakers who continue producing these popular vehicles. This legislation helps unlock the potential of renewable fuels and puts more tools in the toolbox for automakers who must comply with increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards. By leveling the playing field for the production of all clean vehicle technologies, this bill allows low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol to work alongside clean electricity, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce emissions from transportation.”
Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell: “It’s good for everyone if our cars are more efficient and produce fewer carbon emissions. But the EPA’s proposed tailpipe CO2 standards seem to arbitrarily decide that the only way to achieve that goal is by picking one technology — battery electric vehicles — over others, including those that might reduce carbon emissions even more and at a lower cost. Thankfully, Senator Ricketts’ legislation would fix the EPA’s mistake and provide for a level playing field that encourages multiple approaches, such as flex fuel vehicles that rely on clean, renewable ethanol. We hope his colleagues follow his lead and pass this bill as soon as possible.”
Nebraska Ethanol Board Chairman Jan TenBensel: “We thank Sen. Ricketts for continuing to champion Nebraska biofuels, ensuring it stays top-of-mind amidst the heavy push for electrification. In the Midwest, it’s ethanol that continues to fuel our vehicles and our economy. Nebraska drivers are already saving at least $275 million annually by choosing ethanol-blended fuels. Within the recently proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards, the EPA’s claim that electric vehicles have zero emissions throughout production and electrical generation is far from accurate. If the goal is to reduce emissions, then we must have apples-to-apples comparison of lifecycle emissions for all fuels. Legislation that establishes incentives for the production of FFVs helps level the playing field for low-carbon ethanol and automakers looking to meet the needs of consumers seeking access to higher blends.
Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Chris Grams: “The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) thanks Senator Ricketts for the introduction of the bill as it supports the importance of keeping and increasing flex fuel vehicle production as a continued transition to mid and higher level fuel blends. There is a vital need to balance the harmful proposed regulations against internal combustion engines and utilize high octane low carbon fuels such as corn-based ethanol.”
###
Follow Senator Ricketts: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
To join Senator Ricketts’ press list, please click here.