Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has led a bipartisan resolution in Congress marking the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The initiative was co-led by Senator Amy Klobuchar, with Representatives Max Miller (R-OH-07) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) also serving as lead sponsors. Ricketts has been an advocate for renewable fuels, sponsoring annual resolutions to designate May as Renewable Fuels Month and supporting legislation aimed at expanding biofuel markets.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard is one of the federal government’s most successful clean fuels policies,” said Senator Ricketts. “For two decades, renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel have saved consumers money, supported Nebraska agriculture, cleaned our environment, and unleashed American energy. I appreciate my colleagues’ support for this resolution.”

Representative Miller emphasized the policy’s impact on energy security and rural economies: “For two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been one of the most successful federal fuels policies improving energy security, lowering consumer fuel prices, creating good-paying jobs in rural America, and boosting the farm economy,” said Rep. Miller. “I’m proud to join the effort to drive energy dominance and economic opportunity here in Ohio and throughout the nation.”

The resolution has attracted support from several lawmakers across both chambers. Co-sponsors include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA); Representatives Max Miller (R-OH-07), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Adrian Smith (R-NE-3), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Mike Flood (R-NE-1), Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-1).

Industry leaders have praised Congress’s recognition of the RFS milestone.

“Over the past two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard has delivered tremendous benefits for our nation-reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering fuel costs for consumers, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across rural America, and strengthening the agricultural economy,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of Renewable Fuels Association. “It has spurred market competition and expanded choices at the pump for drivers nationwide. We’re thrilled to see Congress commemorating this milestone with a strong bipartisan resolution, and we applaud Senator Pete Ricketts, Representative Max Miller, and the many lawmakers who joined in honoring one of the most successful and forward-looking energy policies in U.S. history.”

Kenneth Hartman Jr., Illinois farmer and NCGA President, stated: “Since it was signed into law, the Renewable Fuel Standard has provided immeasurable benefits to Americans. It has dramatically increased demand for corn, provided significant savings to consumers at the pump and strengthened America’s energy dominance.”

Kurt Kovarik from Clean Fuels Alliance America noted growth in biodiesel production: “Clean Fuels thanks Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Max Miller and their colleagues for honoring the Renewable Fuel Standard’s foundational role in strengthening America’s energy and farm security... Under the RFS, U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production has grown from a few hundred million gallons to 5 billion gallons, meeting 9 percent of the nation’s on-road diesel demand. Biodiesel and renewable diesel production is vital for America’s economy... With robust RFS volumes proposed for the coming years, the benefits keep growing.”

Tue Micheelsen of Novonesis North America highlighted innovation: “For 20 years, the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a powerful tool in providing policy certainty and market access for the biofuels industry... At Novonesis, we’re proud to have been a trusted partner throughout this journey—and we’re just getting started... We remain committed to supporting the RFS for decades to come by delivering cutting-edge biosolutions that help our customers maximize value... leading to prosperous rural economies.”

Devin Mogler from National Oilseed Processors Association commented: “As the Renewable Fuel Standard marks its 20th anniversary... Over two decades, it has spurred demand for domestically grown oilseeds... NOPA remains committed to working with policymakers to ensure RFS continues to advance American agriculture.”

Joshua Shields from POET described changes since adoption: “The RFS has created new grain markets... As bioethanol industry increased from less than one to over ten percent of fuel supply... Looking ahead expanding biofuels will strengthen nation’s energy security…”

Emily Skor at Growth Energy added: “The RFS is foundation of America’s bioeconomy… More than 10 percent of U.S. fuel supplies now come from renewable sources like ethanol… And it’s still fueling growth… if we remain on a growth trajectory benefits are overwhelming.”

Nick Smith from ADM stated: “For 20 years… our domestic biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of good jobs across American Heartland… ADM appreciates work recognizing 20th Anniversary… We remain committed…”

Nebraska plays a significant role as one of America's top ethanol producers; it ranks second nationally with 25 plants producing nearly 2.2 billion gallons each year. These facilities provide more than 1,800 jobs averaging nearly $80,000 annually per worker while contributing over $6 billion annually in economic impact.

Established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard requires oil refiners nationwide to blend set volumes of renewable fuels into transportation fuel supplies—a move that prompted major investment in biorefineries across multiple states.