API Launches New RFS Advocacy Campaign Focused On Consumers

Recently API launched a new multi-faceted Renewable Fuel Standard advocacy campaign that includes TV and online advertising. The campaign will focus on how higher ethanol mandates can hurt consumers and threaten to reverse America’s energy renaissance which has made the United States the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world.

“The American consumer is seeking relief from the broken and outdated RFS mandate,” said API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola. “This mandate and the high ethanol blends it will bring can result in damaged engines and fuel systems potentially forcing drivers to pay for costly repairs, according to extensive testing by the auto and oil and natural gas industries. This broken RFS mandate could also raise prices at the pump.”

A recent poll showed that 77 percent of registered voters are concerned about government requiring increased amounts of ethanol in gasoline and 73 percent agree that federal regulations could contribute to increased costs at the pump. The ethanol mandate aims to force consumers to use high ethanol blends they don’t want and don’t need. The Congressional Budget Office found that forcing ethanol consumption to statutory levels, mainly by using higher ethanol blends like E85, could cost consumers an additional 26 cents per gallon at the pump.

“These new ads will help further inform voters about the potential dangers of the broken ethanol mandate, and increase calls on Congress to fix the RFS,” said Macchiarola.

About API
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.