A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its foundational role in strengthening American energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the United States economy, and improving environmental performance.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 364
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S5211-5212)
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-12T16:15:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 364) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a policy first enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007. It highlights the RFS's role in boosting U.S. energy security, aiding rural areas, expanding the economy, and enhancing environmental outcomes through domestic renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.
Key Provisions
The resolution consists of introductory "Whereas" clauses that outline the RFS's history and benefits, followed by a "Resolved" section where the Senate formally:
- Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the RFS as a key achievement in energy, economic, and environmental policy.
- Praises the RFS for fostering innovation and growth in the domestic renewable fuels industry.
- Acknowledges its positive effects on U.S. energy strategy, agriculture, and the environment over the past two decades.
- Reaffirms the RFS's ongoing value in meeting national goals for energy, economy, and sustainability.
- States that increasing domestic renewable fuels strengthens the economy, enhances security, and improves environmental results.
- Endorses the continued enforcement of the RFS as established in 2007.
The "Whereas" clauses emphasize:
- Annual volume targets for various renewable fuels (e.g., biodiesel, cellulosic, advanced types) to promote steady growth and private investment.
- Requirements for fuels to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (a measure of total emissions from production to use) by 20-60%, depending on the fuel type.
- Investments leading to over 275 facilities in 36 states, producing more than 25 billion gallons yearly, supporting a bioeconomy worth $210 billion and 644,000 jobs in 2023.
- Benefits for farmers through stable domestic markets, especially amid export uncertainties.
- Widespread use of renewable fuels (e.g., 98% of gasoline contains at least 10% ethanol; biodiesel covers 10% of on-road diesel).
- Consumer savings (e.g., 10-30 cents per gallon for E15 ethanol blends; 4% reduction in diesel prices).
- Reductions in emissions and adaptation to new technologies over 20 years.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It does not amend the RFS or any statutes but expresses congressional support for its original 2007 framework, including the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) flexibility to adjust targets based on production.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Reinforces the EPA's role in administering the RFS, potentially encouraging consistent implementation without new mandates. It may guide future policy discussions on energy and agriculture.
- Citizens: Highlights economic benefits like lower fuel prices and job creation, particularly in rural areas, but has no direct regulatory effects.
- International Relations: Promotes U.S. energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fuels, which could indirectly strengthen domestic positioning in global energy markets without altering trade policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Farmers and Rural Communities: Benefit from stable demand for crops used in biofuels, supporting local economies and providing a buffer against export market fluctuations.
- Renewable Fuels Industry: Gains recognition for investments and innovations, with over 275 facilities and billions in private sector funding.
- Consumers: Experience potential savings at fuel pumps through blended renewable fuels.
- Environmental Groups and Broader Economy: Affected by emission reductions and the $210 billion bioeconomy contribution, including 644,000 jobs.
- Energy Sector: Includes oil and fuel producers adapting to RFS targets for diversified supplies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it carries no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it simply expresses the Senate's view and was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for consideration.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight of energy and commerce under Article I, but remains symbolic without enacting policy.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) for the RFS amid debates on energy security and climate goals. It could influence future legislation by affirming the program's value, potentially countering calls for reform, and underscores agriculture's role in national energy strategy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S5211-5212)
- 2025-08-01: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its foundational role in strengthening American energy security, supporting rural communities, growing the United States economy, and improving environmental performance. — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (5 pages)