Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its foundational role in strengthening United States energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the United States economy, and improving environmental performance.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 628
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-12T16:15:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 628) aims to formally recognize the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a policy established by Congress in 2005 and expanded in 2007. The RFS requires increasing amounts of renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel made from plant-based sources, to be blended into the U.S. transportation fuel supply. The resolution highlights the RFS's role in boosting U.S. energy security (reducing dependence on foreign oil), supporting rural economies, driving economic growth, and improving environmental outcomes through lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context and Goals: Acknowledges the RFS's creation to promote domestic renewable energy production, with annual volume targets for different types of renewable fuels (e.g., biodiesel, cellulosic fuels from non-food sources, and advanced biofuels). These targets encourage private investment and innovation while allowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) flexibility to adjust them based on actual production.
- Environmental Requirements: Mandates that renewable fuels achieve life-cycle greenhouse gas reductions of 20% to 60% compared to traditional fossil fuels, depending on the fuel type.
- Achievements Highlighted:
- spurred billions in private investments, leading to over 2,700 facilities in 42 states producing nearly 28 billion gallons annually.
- supports a bioeconomy contributing $210 billion to GDP and nearly 644,000 jobs in 2023.
- provides markets for U.S. farmers, stabilizes rural communities, and ensures domestic demand amid export uncertainties.
- enables 98% of U.S. gasoline to include at least 10% ethanol; biodiesel and renewable diesel make up about 10% of on-road diesel.
- delivers consumer savings (e.g., 10-30 cents per gallon for E15 ethanol blends; 4% reduction in diesel prices).
- contributes to emissions reductions and adapts to new technologies.
- Resolution Actions: The House of Representatives:
- Recognizes the anniversary as a milestone.
- Commends the RFS for building a domestic renewable fuels industry.
- Notes its positive effects on energy policy, agriculture, and the environment.
- Affirms the RFS's ongoing importance.
- Supports diversifying fuel supplies with more domestic renewables for economic, security, and environmental benefits.
- Backs continued implementation of the 2007 RFS law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It expresses congressional support for the RFS without altering its structure, targets, or administration by the EPA.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces the EPA's role in administering the RFS, potentially encouraging consistent enforcement and adjustments to targets. It may influence future funding or regulatory priorities for energy and environmental agencies.
- On Citizens: Highlights benefits like lower fuel prices and job creation, particularly in rural areas, but has no direct enforcement power. It could indirectly support policies that maintain or expand consumer access to affordable renewable fuels.
- On International Relations: Promotes U.S. energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fuels, which may strengthen domestic energy security without directly affecting trade relations. It underscores a commitment to domestic production over foreign oil dependence.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Renewable Fuel Producers and Industry: Benefits from recognition of investments and innovation in biofuels.
- Farmers and Rural Communities: Gains from stable markets for crops used in fuel production (e.g., corn for ethanol, soybeans for biodiesel), supporting jobs and economic stability.
- Consumers: Positively impacted through potential fuel cost savings and cleaner air from reduced emissions.
- Environmental Groups: Acknowledges emissions reductions but may raise concerns if first-generation biofuels (from food crops) compete with food production.
- Energy Sector (Oil and Gas): Indirectly affected by promotion of fuel diversification, which could shift market shares toward renewables.
- Government (Congress and EPA): Shapes political discourse on energy policy without binding obligations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature. It reaffirms the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (which expanded the RFS) without proposing amendments.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role in commerce, energy, and environmental policy under Article I, but carries no enforceable mandates.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Republicans with co-sponsors from both parties) for the RFS amid debates on energy independence, climate goals, and agricultural subsidies. It could bolster advocacy for the program in future legislation, especially during election cycles focused on rural economies and green energy transitions, while avoiding controversy over biofuel sustainability critiques.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-08-01: Submitted in House
- 2025-08-01: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its foundational role in strengthening United States energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the United States economy, and improving environmental performance. — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (5 pages)