WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to support the production of vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol.
“Vehicles that utilize higher blends are good for the economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Klobuchar. “Currently, flex fuel vehicles are not given full credit for their ability to reduce carbon emissions. My bill will change that and encourage the use of renewable fuels and flex fuel vehicles.”
“We thank Senators Klobuchar and Ricketts for introducing the Flex Fuel Fairness Act, which appropriately acknowledges the emissions benefits of FFVs and flex fuels and rewards automakers who continue producing these popular vehicles,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This legislation helps unlocks the potential of renewable fuels and puts more tools in the toolbox for automakers who must comply with increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards. By leveling the playing field for the production of all clean vehicle technologies, this bill allows low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol to work alongside clean electricity, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce emissions from transportation.”
“NFU appreciates Sens. Klobuchar and Ricketts introducing this important legislation supporting low carbon fuels, like ethanol, and providing automakers with the flexibility to pursue innovative strategies for decarbonizing vehicles,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.
The Flex Fuel Fairness Act would ensure that flex fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 receive full credit under the rule for burning E85 at all times.
Klobuchar has long supported legislation to make higher blends more readily available.
In June 2021, Klobuchar announced the introduction of a new package of bipartisan bills to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol.
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