By Troy Bredenkamp, RFA Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs
As the calendar turned to 2023, the 118th Congress began with some significant changes in the legislative landscape. Republicans now have control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2019. With a split in Congress and changes in leadership, dynamics will be significantly different than the previous congressional session. It will be a challenge to move major pieces of legislation in this political climate.
Even with these dynamics in mind, RFA continues to work with partners across a broad spectrum on numerous legislative priorities for the 118th Congress. From finding a permanent solution to year-round E15 and the RVP parity issue, to exploring opportunities for high octane/low carbon/clean fuels legislation, to involvement in the next Farm Bill, plenty of priorities remain on the legislative agenda in Washington.
At the upcoming National Ethanol Conference, RFA is excited to bring together an all-star roundtable of experts to discuss legislative priorities and “the art of the possible” in this split 118th Congress. Headlining the panel is former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, previously representing the 17th District of Illinois, a stalwart supporter of the ethanol industry and principal architect of the Next Generation Fuels Act. Also joining us is Frank Macchiarola, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs for the American Petroleum Institute. Next is Chris Hessler, Founding Partner of the consulting firm AJW and principal organizer of the Drive Clean Coalition. The panel also includes Dan Bowerson, Senior Director of Energy and Environment for the Alliance of Automotive Innovation, the trade association for automotive manufacturers.
Don’t miss our session on Wednesday afternoon, March 1, as it will be a riveting and insightful conversation among experts on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the new 118th Congress. For more information on the NEC or to register, click here.
