U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt committed to Thune and other senators that the EPA would abandon proposals that would have significantly hamstrung the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Earlier this week, Thune met with a number of his colleagues from biofuel-producing states to press Administrator Pruitt on this issue, as well as President Trump’s previous support for biofuels.
“When I met with Administrator Pruitt to discuss the importance of maintaining a strong RFS, I relayed an important message to him: Renewable fuels support America’s heartland, and they promote our home-grown energy independence,” said Thune. “I’m glad Administrator Pruitt not only listened to my concerns, but took quick action to withdraw the agency’s concerning proposals. Renewable fuels are important to America’s all-of-the-above energy supply, and they support jobs and economic growth in states throughout the country, including South Dakota. Today’s announcement is welcome news, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the administration to strengthen the RFS in the weeks and months ahead.”
Administrator Pruitt also suggested that the EPA could provide “definitive analysis” on whether the agency has the authority to provide for year-round sales of E15 fuel. Thune has pushed for such regulatory relief to expand consumer choice at gas pumps and provide additional market opportunities for South Dakota farmers.
Full text of the letter from Administrator Pruitt to the seven senators who participated in the October 17 meeting can be found here.