February 5, 2013

CONTACTS:
Steve Ellis, 202-546-8500 ext 126

Remarks of Steve Ellis, Vice President, Taxpayers for Common Sense moderating the Reform the Renewable Fuel Standard Briefing

WASHINGTON, DC — For more than a decade, biofuels have been sold as a way to help achieve American energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and spur rural economic development. However, the industry has fallen short of achieving these goals while spurring numerous unintended consequences and long-term liabilities that have resulted in more harm than good. Taxpayers have also paid out billions of dollars in subsidies, special interest tax breaks, and a variety of other supports over the years. Adding insult to taxpayer injury, biofuels enjoy a guaranteed market since production is mandated by the government through the renewable fuel standard – the subject of today’s briefing. All of the organizations represented on the call have different missions and interests, but we can all agree that the RFS is not working and needs reform. From Taxpayers for Common Sense’s perspective, you don’t have to look any further than the corn ethanol portion of the mandate to see this. Corn ethanol is well-established fuel and does not require a mandate. But there’s a lot more to this. To hear more about it, we have a great panel to discuss the issues. After everyone is finished talking, we will have time for questions. Thank you for your interest.

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Taxpayers for Common Sense is an independent and nonpartisan voice for taxpayers, working to increase transparency and expose and eliminate wasteful and corrupt subsidies, earmarks, and corporate welfare. For more information, visit: www.taxpayer.net