WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced the introduction of the Clean Fuels Deployment Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), would provide funding for installing and converting fuel pump infrastructure to deliver higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
The bill authorizes $500 million over five years to help retailers offer higher ethanol blends, expand the geographic area selling ethanol blends, support biodiesel, bioheat, and sustainable aviation fuel markets, and accelerate the deployment of fueling infrastructure. Given recent uncertainties in the renewable fuels industry, it is more important than ever to fund infrastructure improvements and remove market barriers to accessing clean and renewable fuels.
“The time is now to further diversify our fuel supply and move more biofuels into the market,” Finkenauer said. “Biofuels offer a proven path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing the transportation sector, driving economic growth and creating jobs. I’m grateful to have bipartisan support from Representatives Bacon, Craig and Marshall. Cleaner fuels are good for our economy and our environment, and we’re going to keep fighting for them.”
In addition to supporting the distribution of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends at fueling stations, the program could also be used to enhance pipelines and terminals to blend and carry ethanol and biodiesel. Funding from the clean fuels grant program could be used to incentivize the deployment of ethanol and biodiesel fueling infrastructure and convert existing infrastructure to deliver ethanol blends greater than 10 percent and biodiesel blends greater than 20 percent.
Support for Clean Fuels Deployment Act:
“The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association thanks Rep. Finkenauer for leading the way on legislation to expand consumer access to cleaner-burning biofuels. At a time when fuel demand is down nationwide and farmers and biofuel producers are hurting, it is more important than ever that drivers have access to higher blends of biofuels at the pump. When given the option, drivers choose time and time again to fill up with biofuel blends that are better for the environment and support American jobs. This bill would go a long way to ensuring more Americans have that choice.” — Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
“We commend Rep. Finkenauer for her leadership in the effort to accelerate consumer access to biofuels like biodiesel. The greatest remaining barriers to widespread biodiesel adoption are at the terminal and pipeline terminal level. We support incentivizing terminals and taking other steps to help increase the market penetration of this greenhouse gas-reducing fuel. This will also drive economic growth – an urgent need in America. Biodiesel producers and the farmers who supply the raw materials for it appreciate Rep. Finkenauer’s steadfast support, and the actions she has taken to promote greater biodiesel adoption. In these challenging times, both industries need all the support they can get.” — Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association director of market development
“Iowa soybean farmers thank Rep. Abby Finkenauer for working to break down market barriers and expand the availability of clean, homegrown renewable fuels. This legislation and investment is critical for fueling infrastructure. It will help drive soybean demand and significantly increase the access, sale and use of higher biodiesel blends.” — Tim Bardole, president of the Iowa Soybean Association
“The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) thanks Representative Abby Finkenauer for her work on the Clean Fuels Deployment Act that will expand long-term economic opportunities for farmers and biofuels producers. Additionally this bill will allow consumers to have greater access to homegrown, cleaner-burning fuels.” — Kelly Nieuwenhuis farmer from Primghar, Iowa and chair of Iowa Corn’s Industrial Usage committee.
“On behalf of NBB’s members, I’d like to thank Reps. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb) for being consistent champions of the biodiesel industry. The legislation they’ve authored will help expand critical infrastructure and increase consumer access to cleaner, better fuels in the future.” — Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).
“The National Corn Growers Association appreciates the leadership of Reps. Finkenauer, Craig, Marshall and Bacon to help grow the market for higher blends of ethanol. Expanding infrastructure for higher blends will help to increase future demand for farmers and ensure biofuels will continue to be included in federal efforts to provide consumers with cleaner, affordable fuels.” — Kevin Ross, Iowa farmer and president of the National Corn Growers Association
“The strong support of rural champions like Reps. Finkenauer, Marshall, Craig, and Bacon has never been more important, and we are grateful for their continued leadership on behalf of American farmers and biofuel producers. Through the original Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership grants and private fundraising, Growth Energy and Prime the Pump shattered the status quo and supported the installation of E15 at more than 2,000 retail locations. As we emerge from the COVID-19 downturn, this legislation offers a roadmap for the next wave of growth that will revitalize rural communities and expand cleaner, more affordable options at the pump for millions of American motorists. We urge House and Senate leaders to embrace this opportunity to support low-carbon biofuels and propel higher blends into the next decade.” – Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO.
“The renewable fuels industry is facing the worst crisis in its history today as a result of COVID-19, and producers across the nation are in need of immediate emergency relief to survive this catastrophe. Once the pandemic is behind us and economic recovery is well underway, expanding infrastructure for higher biofuel blends will be critical to the long-term future of the renewable fuels industry and rural America. We thank Reps. Finkenauer, Marshall, Craig and Bacon for their vision and we applaud their efforts to create a brighter future for biofuels.” — Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.
— Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer