NMMA pleased to see oil state senators urge Trump to facilitate biofuel deal
On Thursday, nine senators from states with oil refineries sent a letter to President Trump asking for a meeting to address necessary changes to the country's biofuels policy-- a move that's seen as a positive by NMMA. This action comes on the heels of meetings and outreach that the NMMA federal affairs team has been doing with key Senate offices to note the significant need for reform to the Renewable Fuel Standard and why doing so is critical to the U.S. recreational boating industry.
U.S. News & World Report notes that, "The letter reflects growing tensions between refiners that oppose the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard - a law requiring them to blend increasing amounts of ethanol into the nation's fuel each year - and the Midwest corn lobby that supports it."
Recently, the Trump administration succumbed to pressure from Midwest lawmakers, assuring them it would ditch proposals to overhaul the biofuels policy. The Senators' letter notes that, "If your administration does not make adjustments or reforms on matters related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, it will result in a loss of jobs around the country, particularly in our states," according to the letter, which was signed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey and six others."
The U.S. News & World Report story continues that, "In the letter, the senators asked Trump for a meeting within the next three weeks that would include them, a number of Midwest lawmakers and relevant administration officials "to discuss a pathway forward toward a mutually agreeable solution."'
NMMA’s federal affairs team will continue to monitor the situation as a potential meeting unfolds between the Senators and President Trump, and will also continue to do outreach to both Senate offices and the Administration.