Recent Press Releases

Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune issued the following statement in response to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) approval of a so-called low-carbon fuel standard that unfairly penalizes biofuels:

"The California Air Resources Board's decision to unfairly target ethanol for carbon emissions from around the world is one that could have a significant negative impact on the renewable fuels industry in South Dakota and across the nation. By relying on outdated, inaccurate models to calculate the carbon output of biofuel production, CARB does a disservice to America's most abundant homegrown fuel supply.

"Some Members of Congress are advocating the creation of a similar low-carbon fuel standard at the federal level which would replace the Renewable Fuels Standard. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering new rules under the Renewable Fuels Standard that could penalize the carbon footprint of ethanol based on unfounded claims that ethanol production here in the U.S. alters land usage patterns in various corners of the world."

Senator Thune has previously expressed concern over reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering penalizing ethanol under the Renewable Fuels Standard under the theory that ethanol production produces an unacceptable amount of carbon emissions in other countries. Recent studies show that ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 59 percent, reaffirming that ethanol is a clean, renewable alternative to our nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil imports.

Senator Thune also believes that the action by CARB and the potential rule by the EPA would disadvantage domestic ethanol production, which will hinder efforts to commercialize the production of next generation biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.