Building Coalitions

The development of the concept of an RFS marked the first time that agriculture, the oil industry and environmental interests agreed on the role that renewable fuels such as ethanol will play in our nation’s effort to reduce reliance on imported oil, improve air quality and increase domestic fuel supplies.

Oil interests were involved because they are interested in providing refiners and petroleum marketers with increased flexibility in fuel formulation, transportation and marketing. With a clear role defined for renewable fuels in the nation’s fuel supply, petroleum marketers can more easily comply with clean air requirements and better manage the distribution of transportation fuels in the United States.

Groups interested in the environment joined the coalition because renewable, oxygenated fuels have been proven to reduce toxic emissions and improve air quality in major American cities such as Denver, Albuquerque, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Additionally, the phase-out of MTBE is of particular interest to these groups because of MTBE’s history of polluting groundwater supplies.

Farm groups support the RFS because it helps create additional markets for ethanol made from corn. Increasing ethanol production leads to increased corn consumption, thus helping reduce agriculture’s dependence on government support programs. Ethanol production increases economic activity in rural communities and provides economic opportunities for farmers in a value-added industry.

While each member of the coalition has its reasons for supporting the concept of a Renewable Fuels Standard, the RFS transcends parochial interests and puts the interest of America first and foremost.