H.R.2460 - Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2460, the "Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act," seeks to repeal the Renewable Fuel Program (RFS) administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill specifically targets Section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act, which established the RFS. It also includes conforming amendments to other sections of the Clean Air Act and the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to remove references to the RFS.
The primary goal of the bill is to eliminate the RFS, arguing that it has destructive outcomes. This would remove the mandate for blending renewable fuels into gasoline.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2460 would eliminate the RFS, removing the requirement for oil refiners to blend biofuels into gasoline. This could lead to changes in the composition of gasoline and potentially affect fuel prices.
The repeal could also impact the biofuel industry, potentially reducing demand for renewable fuels like ethanol. Environmental impacts are uncertain, with potential benefits from reduced land use for biofuel crops but potential drawbacks from increased reliance on fossil fuels.
Changes to the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act would ensure that regulations in effect before the repeal remain relevant.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in the cost of gasoline if the RFS mandate increases fuel prices.
- Reduced land use for biofuel production, potentially freeing up land for other agricultural purposes or conservation.
- Elimination of regulatory burdens on oil refiners associated with complying with the RFS.
- Possible reduction in indirect emissions associated with biofuel production, such as those from land conversion and fertilizer use.
- Could lead to more market-driven energy solutions rather than government-mandated ones.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impacts on the biofuel industry, leading to job losses and reduced investment in renewable fuels.
- Increased reliance on fossil fuels, potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced energy security due to decreased diversification of fuel sources.
- Possible negative impacts on rural economies that rely on biofuel production.
- Could undermine efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality primarily falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The repeal of the RFS would directly affect the regulation of fuel standards, which are considered part of interstate commerce.
Furthermore, Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). The original enactment of the RFS was arguably under this power, to promote energy security and environmental protection, and the repeal is similarly within Congress's purview.
The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).