FYI...............
This is a response I received to my petition letter sent to the senator’s office. I'm sure it is a typical pre-typed letter they send out to anyone who contacts them on this topic as it is rather vague and does not even address the concerns I expressed to them about fuels containing ethanol.
Thanks for dodging the issue senator!
Dear Mr. McDuff:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the use of ethanol and renewable fuels as part of our national energy policy. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter.
As you may know, the federal government has historically subsidized the production and mixture of ethanol into gasoline. The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit provided gasoline suppliers a tax credit of 45 cents for each gallon of ethanol blended into gasoline, and was based on a similar tax incentive first enacted in 1978. Additionally, in 1980, Congress enacted a tariff on ethanol to discourage competition from foreign biofuel imports. However, both of these laws expired on December 31, 2011, and I am pleased that Congress chose not to renew either policy.
In 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L 109-58) and further expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140). The RFS requires that domestically sold fuel must contain a specified volume of renewable fuels.
I recognize that there is a place for renewable energy in the power and transportation fuel markets. However, I share your concerns regarding our current renewable fuels policy, and you may be certain that I will continue to monitor the effect the RFS has on consumers.
I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texas in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
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