Feinstein-Toomey Bill Seeks To Push Other Biofuels Over Corn Ethanol

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

With one attempt shot down thus far, two U.S. senators are issuing a standalone bill to reduce the use of corn-based ethanol at the pump.

According to Hemmings Daily, the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015 introduced by Dianne Feinstein of California and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania would call for a modification of the Renewable Fuel Standard that would push other biofuels, such as biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, over corn-based ethanol. Feinstein explains:

Our infrastructure has a ceiling for the amount of corn ethanol that can be used, and we’re rapidly approaching it. Companies are physically unable to blend more corn ethanol into gasoline without causing problems for many gas stations and older automobiles.

The Feinstein/Toomey bill joins four others seeking similar action, including three in Pennsylvania, Oregon and Hawaii that would seek to eliminate the mandate of E10 sales altogether.

Meanwhile, ethanol supporters like the Renewable Fuel Association, the National Corn Growers Association and the Advanced Ethanol Council oppose the bill as an assault on the RFS, and call upon the Environmental Protection Agency to increase ethanol use further, despite the EPA’s acknowledgment regarding the limits to blending ethanol with gasoline.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Drzhivago138 Drzhivago138 on Mar 09, 2015

    Just to be "that guy:" what are the chances of this making any progress?

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    • 05lgt 05lgt on Mar 09, 2015

      @Truckducken Remind me again why both parties have to hold first primaries in the same gifted states every election cycle? I'm so sick of corn based and or fed everything.

  • TW5 TW5 on Mar 09, 2015

    Took long enough for signs of intelligent life to emerge. The US benefits from blending domestically produced biofuel into the gasoline supply. Ethanol has numerous problems, including possible damage to vehicles and conflict with arable land needed for global food supply. The natural solution is to mandate a different biofuel that doesn't cause hell for refiners, auto industry, and global food supply. Blend algal oil into the gasoline supply. Tight oil isn't going to last forever. Creating a market for domestic energy to replace imports is not a bad idea, even if it smacks of mercantilism. Then we just need to balance trade with China.

    • See 2 previous
    • Landcrusher Landcrusher on Mar 09, 2015

      @TW5 I don't follow you. Are you for or against mandating renewables? Are you not paying attention to our ability to be energy self sufficient using only oil and gas if we so choose? We have it. We just don't have it where we can drill for it cheaply because of a combination of mandates in some places and past drilling in others.

  • Drzhivago138 Drzhivago138 on Mar 09, 2015

    Just spent the morning hauling several loads of corn (1700+ bushels worth) to the ethanol plant in a '76 Ford L700. AMA (Although I might not respond promptly, because right now I've got to take the cat to the vet, and then after that, I don't know what we'll be doing.)

  • SunnyvaleCA SunnyvaleCA on Mar 10, 2015

    Maybe Feinstein could figure out why I just paid $3.50 for 91 octane "premium" when the average national price for 93 octane is $2.85. Oh, right... we have all sorts of additional state regulation. Thanks; I feel better for venting. :-)

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