Candidates & Biofuels: Kistner, Craig

  • Monday, 24 October 2022 09:09

Kistner Craig Web 1

Today, we take a look at Minnesota's Second Congressional District where Tyler Kistner is challenging incumbent Angie Craig. Here are their responses to our queries:

Tyler Kistnercropped Tyler Kistner (R) US District 2

Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, more widely available to consumers by investing in infrastructure incentives like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Higher Blends Infrastructure Investment Program (HBIIP)?

A. Yes. The ability to allow gasoline stations to sell E15 and higher blends of corn-based ethanol year-round is a positive step in the right direction toward ending the misguided summertime ban that remains on the books.

The delivery infrastructure for E15 is a critical piece of the equation if we are to build upon this opportunity. I believe programs, such as the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) that provides federal grants to transportation fueling facilities to expand the availability and sale of higher blends of ethanol, are good examples of the private and public sectors working together.

Taxpayer investments and public-private partnerships in renewable energy such as HBIIP drive our economy help our Nation remain competitive.

Q. Do you support legislation to amend the Reid Vapor Pressure limitation established under the Clean Air Act to allow year-round sales of E15?

A. Allowing for year-round E15 sales would be a natural step in the progression of increased ethanol blends in our fuel supply. At its inception the Clean Air Act required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit the evaporative emissions of gasoline from June 1 through September 15.

In 1990 Congress gave EPA the authority to allow the use of E10 (the maximum amount of ethanol allowed in gasoline in 1990) during the June 1 through September 15 season. In 2011 EPA approved the use of E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and eighty-five percent gasoline.

Not only does E15 cost less and have lower evaporative emissions than gasoline and E10, it has also been approved for use in 8 out of every 10 cars on the road today.

The EPA’s refusal to allow E15, a cleaner and less emitting fuel, to be used in many parts of the country during the summer prohibits many gas station owners who want to meet market demand by offering the blend year-round and denies consumers the opportunity to purchase a lower cost product.

Q. Do you support the policy known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires that a minimum volume of ethanol be blended into gasoline each year? If yes, how would you go about providing for certainty in the program to allow for continued growth and innovation?

A. The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and it’s guarantee of biofuels demand over a specified period of time has reduced the risk of investing in renewable biofuels and moved significant investment capital into the marketplace.

The ethanol sector is not immune to the ongoing headwinds facing our economy and can ill-afford to lose more ethanol demand. Regulatory uncertainty stifles innovation and opportunity and agencies such as the EPA must adhere to timely and transparent timelines. Stepped-up Congressional oversight should be the rule, not the exception.

Q. Do you support the Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 5089/S. 4621), which is a proposal to expand the sale of fuels with higher-octane ratings and increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply?

A. As a Nation we must, again, become energy independent. Every time Americans go to the gas pump, they are hit with sky-high gas prices, adding to the uncertainty of managing the family budget. Allowing the sale of higher blends of biofuels would increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply, in turn lowering prices at the pump for consumers.

Legislation such as the Next Generation Fuels Act would gradually ramp up the use of homegrown ethanol at gas stations across the country and make America less reliant on foreign oil. Saving consumers money, lowering carbon emissions and expanding the market for farmers and ethanol producers is definitely a “win-win”.

Q. Do you believe that biofuels, including ethanol, have a role to play in legislation that would establish a national clean fuel policy or low carbon fuel standard?

A. Ethanol absolutely has a role to play in development of a national clean fuel policy or low carbon fuel standard but it is critically important that it is done right.

There is the possibility for development of cross-sector partnerships but it takes time for policies such as these to be developed. The agriculture sector has legitimate questions as to whether clean fuel policies would be a net benefit or cost. They must be at the table throughout the process.

Angie Craigcropped Angie Craig (D) US District 2

Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, more widely available to consumers by investing in infrastructure incentives like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Higher Blends Infrastructure Investment Program (HBIIP)?

A. Yes. I am a strong supporter of higher ethanol fuel blends like E15. I have fought hard for additional funding for higher blend infrastructure investments, and I will continue to do so. I was proud to vote in favor of a $500 million dollar investment in Biofuels infrastructure that was signed into law in the 117th Congress. 

Q. Do you support legislation to amend the Reid Vapor Pressure limitation established under the Clean Air Act to allow year-round sales of E15?

A. Yes. I am the House lead on the Year Round Fuel Choice Act, which would amend the RVP language in the Clean Air Act to allow year-round sales of E15. I got this bill passed in the House for the first time ever during the 117th Congress. 

Q. Do you support the policy known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires that a minimum volume of ethanol be blended into gasoline each year? If yes, how would you go about providing for certainty in the program to allow for continued growth and innovation?

A. Yes. I am a strong supporter of the RFS. I am the House lead on the RFS Integrity Act, which would require small oil refineries to submit a petition for an RFS hardship exemption by June 1st of each year, allowing EPA to properly account for exempted gallons in the annual Renewable Volume Obligations. The bill would also increase transparency by mandating the public disclosure of data surrounding SREs. In addition to the RFS Integrity Act, I continue to push for additional transparency in the program and to ensure that RVOs reflect statutory obligations. 

Q. Do you support the Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 5089/S. 4621), which is a proposal to expand the sale of fuels with higher-octane ratings and increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply?

A. Yes. I am a cosponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act. This is an important bill.

Q. Do you believe that biofuels, including ethanol, have a role to play in legislation that would establish a national clean fuel policy or low carbon fuel standard?

A. Yes. Biofuels have a key role to play in any national clean fuel policy that's established. And I have been working hard to ensure that my Democratic colleagues understand this point. 

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