Agriculture Sector would suffer if RFS is waived
Montana’s growing biofuels industry is vital to our state economy, our energy independence and our nation’s security. But the growth of this industry is threatened by efforts to undermine or eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“We’ve seen Montana-grown and Montana-produced biofuels power commercial and military jets, trains and commuter buses,” said Chris Christiaens, legislative and project specialist for the Montana Farmers Union. “We are just at the beginning stages of exploring Montana’s potential in this area, which is enormous. But, without the RFS, we are in danger of losing momentum. The biofuels industry feeds our state economy, helps rural Montana, and provides the U.S. with energy security.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering a request to “waive” the RFS, which would have serious consequences for America’s rural communities. Montana biofuels stakeholders are joining in an effort launched by a new coalition, Fuels America, to defend the RFS and the economic, clean energy and national security benefits it provides.
As a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel and a Montana rancher, Richard D. Liebert also strongly supports the Renewable Fuel Standard.
"Our country, and our troops, benefit from energy independence. By reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we help keep our nation strong and safe,” Liebert said. “Biofuels would allow the Department of Defense to run on homeland fuel and provide the public with cleaner energy, while also helping to revitalize our struggling ranches and farms."
"We need to keep moving forward and not let up. This isn't the time to slow down. America should be a leader in this field," Liebert said.
Biofuels in Montana
Montana farmers harvest about 9.5 million pounds of camelina each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Air Force and Navy are investing a combined total of $16 million in Montana for 140,000 galls of camelina-based biofuels for aviation testing and certification.
Seven proposed new biodiesel plants and two proposed ethanol plants are in the works in Billings, Big Horn County, Butte, Chester, Livingston, Miles City, Glendive, Polson and Wolf Creek. Biodiesel production is ongoing in Florence, Great Falls, Helena, Livingston and Simms, according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Montana residents also travel on biofuels: In our state, we blend 17.5 million gallons of ethanol into our gasoline each year, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
In January, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a $647,748 grant to Montana State University-Northern to expand its biodiesel program and the North Central Montana Renewable Industry Initiative. The project is intended to commercialize new technology, create new high-skill, living-wage jobs and is expected to generate $90 million in private investment, reports the National Center for Appropriate Technology.
About Fuels America
“Fuels America is built around one core idea: renewable fuel is essential to the U.S. economy, our nation’s energy security, our rural communities and the environment,” said former Congressman Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). “More than 400,000 American jobs are supported by renewable fuel, and America leads the world in renewable fuel innovation. That is why Fuels America’s diverse membership has come together to reset the national conversation on renewable fuel, protect the progress that has been made and ensure that America’s Renewable Fuel Standard continues its success.”
About Fuels America: Fuels America is a coalition of organizations committed to protecting America’s Renewable Fuel Standard and promoting the benefits of all types of renewable fuel already growing in America. Fuels America is founded on a simple core principle: renewable fuel is good for the U.S. economy, for our nation’s energy security and for the environment. Learn more at FuelsAmerica.org and follow on Twitter @FuelsAmerica.
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