Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 12, On August 8, 2025, the U.S. renewable fuels industry celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a significant milestone in America’s energy policy. Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the RFS aimed to promote renewable energy use, especially biofuels. Federal lawmakers also marked the occasion, with resolutions introduced in both the House and Senate earlier in the month, acknowledging the program’s success in strengthening energy security, supporting rural communities, and boosting environmental performance.

Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Representative Max Miller (R-Ohio) introduced the resolutions on August 1, praising the RFS for its positive impact on U.S. energy policy, agriculture, and the environment. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) published a report noting that the RFS has significantly lowered gas prices, enhanced energy security, and supported the agricultural economy. Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the RFA, highlighted the RFS’s success in reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering fuel costs, and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across rural America. “We’re thrilled to see Congress commemorating this milestone with a strong bipartisan resolution,” said Cooper.

Growth Energy, a major industry association, also applauded the RFS, pointing out that U.S. biorefineries have produced over 250 billion gallons of ethanol since 2005. This output has supported the purchase of 92.7 billion bushels of corn, generating over $425 billion in revenue for American farmers. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, emphasized the RFS as the foundation of the bioeconomy, supporting rural jobs and shielding consumers from global oil price volatility. She added that renewable fuels now account for over 10% of U.S. fuel supplies, contributing to billions of dollars in savings. Growth Energy also noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed setting biofuel blending levels at the highest volume in the history of the RFS, further strengthening the benefits for American drivers and farmers.

Clean Fuels Alliance America also expressed its appreciation for the resolutions and acknowledged the RFS’s impact on the U.S. biobased diesel industry. Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs at Clean Fuels, noted that under the RFS, U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production has increased from a few hundred million gallons to 5 billion gallons, now meeting 9% of the nation’s on-road diesel demand. This growth has supported $42.4 billion in economic opportunities, benefiting U.S. farmers, especially in the soybean industry, where biodiesel contributes to 10% of the value of every soybean grown. The Clean Fuels Alliance also welcomed the proposed increase in RFS volumes, which will further enhance the program's economic and environmental benefits.

In conclusion, the 20th anniversary of the RFS marks a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the U.S., with broad bipartisan support and continued growth in the renewable fuels industry, providing economic, environmental, and energy security benefits.