Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its foundational role in strengthening United States energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the United States economy, and improving environmental performance.
Summary
This House Resolution recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It acknowledges the RFS's role in strengthening U.S. energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the economy, and improving environmental performance. The resolution commends the RFS for building a robust domestic renewable fuels industry and its positive impacts on energy policy, agriculture, and the environment.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally recognize the RFS's contributions over the past two decades. It would affirm the importance of the RFS in advancing national energy, economic, and environmental goals. The resolution also supports continued implementation of the RFS as enacted in 2007.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened energy security through reduced reliance on volatile energy markets.
- Support for rural communities and farmers through increased demand for renewable fuels.
- Economic growth and job creation in the renewable fuels industry.
- Improved environmental performance through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Savings for consumers at the pump through higher level ethanol blends.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased food prices due to diversion of crops for fuel production.
- Possible negative impacts on land use and biodiversity if not managed sustainably.
- Concerns about the actual lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of some biofuels.
- Potential for market distortions and unintended consequences due to government mandates.
- Increased costs to consumers if renewable fuels are more expensive than traditional fuels.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the production and distribution of renewable fuels. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).