Microsoft Word - Senator Hirono Letter PDF.docx

The document argues that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has failed to meet its goals of producing clean renewable fuels and protecting consumers, instead primarily incentivizing corn ethanol. It highlights negative impacts including increased greenhouse gas emissions from land conversion, water pollution in the Mississippi River Basin and Gulf of Mexico, and increased food prices and land displacement in developing countries and the United States.

• The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has primarily driven the production of corn ethanol rather than advanced biofuels. In 2013, corn ethanol represented 83% of the overall volume mandate set by the EPA, while the production of advanced biofuels from non-food crops, such as cellulosic ethanol, has failed to meet 2007 congressional goals.
• Corn ethanol production may be increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. Between 2008 and 2012, 3.5 million acres of untouched grassland were plowed for corn and soy, releasing carbon emissions equivalent to the annual operation of 34 coal-fired power plants.
• The RFS has contributed to environmental degradation and food insecurity. Corn ethanol is cited as a major cause of water pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River Basin. Globally, the demand for biofuel feedstocks has led to unstable food prices and the displacement of smallholder farmers in developing countries.
• The RFS has increased food costs for US consumers and businesses. A 2013 study estimated that the average American family faced $2,000 in higher annual food costs, while small food-chain businesses could face costs increasing by tens of thousands of dollars per year.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (2015). Microsoft Word - Senator Hirono Letter PDF.docx. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/21093229/20150513-RFS-Response-Letter-Update.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Microsoft Word - Senator Hirono Letter PDF.docx. 2015. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/21093229/20150513-RFS-Response-Letter-Update.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Microsoft Word - Senator Hirono Letter PDF.docx |date=13 May 2015 |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/21093229/20150513-RFS-Response-Letter-Update.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{cleanairtaskforce2015microsoft, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Microsoft Word - Senator Hirono Letter PDF.docx}}, publisher = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2015}, month = may, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/21093229/20150513-RFS-Response-Letter-Update.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }