Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on the 2023, 2024, 2025 renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “Today, President Biden came through for our family farmers, all while working to reduce high prices at the gas pump and support environmental efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement will continue to expand the use of renewable fuels, lower everyday costs for families and drive economic growth for our rural communities. This is another step in the right direction... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) highlighted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded nearly $48 million in relief grants that will benefit producers in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Oregon. The grants, awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Biofuel Producer’s Relief Program, will be used to help biofuel producers recover from unexpected market losses suffered as a result of COVID-19. “The COVID-19 pandemic hit nearly every sector of our economy – including our biofuel producers in Northwest and Central Illinois,” said Congresswoman Bustos.... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), David Scott (GA-13) and Cindy Axne (IA-03) in a statement responding to the Biden Administration’s recent decision to rescind 31 oil refineries’ previously-granted waivers from biofuel blending requirements. In the statement, the Members applauded the Administration’s denial of Small Refinery Exemptions as a step in the right direction, while noting their disappointment that the facilities wouldn’t be required to purchase compliance credits or blend biofuels to fulfill their 2018 obligations. “Last Thursday’s... Read More

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined her colleagues on the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to prioritize homegrown, renewable biofuels as a replacement for Russian energy sources. The letter comes after Congress banned the importation of Russian oil earlier this month. In their letter, the Members applauded the decision to ban imports of Russian oil and natural gas into the United States and argued that a renewed emphasis on renewable fuels would lower fuel prices for American consumers by more than $12 billion annually, generate substantial... Read More

Today, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Home Front Energy Independence Act, which would expand the production and availability of American biofuels. In an effort to lower energy costs for working families and support economic growth in rural communities, Bustos joined the legislation following last week’s vote to ban imports of Russian energy products. Specifically, the Home Front Energy Independence Act would: Make E15 available year-round Establish an E15 Tax Credit and Extend the Tax Credit for Biodiesel Direct... Read More