On September 17, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released a brochure entitled The RFS Reality Gap. Through a series of charts, the API brochure unconvincingly attempts to make a case for repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). API rehashes disproven myths, uses manipulated charts and data, and omits key facts to suggest that the RFS is no longer necessary. In what has become a familiar refrain, API says the RFS should be repealed because of the so-called blend wall, falling gasoline demand, the recent boom in fracking, and slower-than-expected progress on cellulosic biofuels.
Its time for a reality check. As the centerpiece of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, the expanded RFS has been the nations most successful energy policy of the modern era. The program has reduced imports of petroleum products, lowered gas prices, enhanced farm income, and decreased emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe pollutants. The RFS has enabled ethanol to capture 10% of the gasoline pooland thats exactly why API wants to put a stop to the program. They fear, if given the chance, ethanol and other biofuels will continue to win favor with consumers and take more of Big Oils market share.
This reality check on APIs RFS Reality Gap report offers rebuttals to APIs far-fetched arguments, tells the rest of the story that was conveniently omitted from the reports misleading charts, and underscores the importance of staying the course with the RFS.
