Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Today, during an emergency session of the House Rules Committee, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), reaffirmed his commitment to securing nationwide, year-round E15 ahead of the summertime driving season.
During his testimony, Smith confirmed his participation in the newly formed E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. Additionally, Smith stressed a results-driven commitment to securing a viable path forward for the updated proposal of his Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act.
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Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important issue today.
America’s farmers have been clear from the very beginning: they need reliable markets to sell their products. They need certainty. They need opportunity. They need access.
My updated proposal of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act delivers exactly that. Expanding ethanol blends has a proven track record of expanding market access, lowering prices at the pump, and giving consumers more choices—without mandates or new costs to taxpayers. It works, and it works for everyone in the fuel supply chain.
The amendment before you today is the result of diligent discussions over the last few months. While I recognize there is still much to be ironed out, it is important to recognize how far we have come.
For the past two years I have been leading the charge to bring agriculture, biofuel, and petroleum stakeholders together in order to deliver regulatory relief and provide certainty. Something that strengthens every link in our domestic energy supply chain.
Now, I recognize there is still work to be done and I am encouraged by the creation of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council.
But let me be absolutely clear: this council is not a substitute for action, and I refuse to let it be utilized as a delaying tactic. It is a results-driven commitment.
My colleagues and I on this council will deliver a viable, durable path forward for nationwide, year-round E15.
Right now, Congress faces a choice. A simple choice. We can stick with the bureaucratic and uncertain status quo with patchwork regulations. Or we can work together to take meaningful action that supports America’s farmers, lowers fuel costs for families, and strengthens our nation’s energy security.