Miller-Meeks, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Boost Energy Security, Support Farmers
Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act, legislation that would allow companies to preserve RIN credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for renewable fuel used for ocean-going vessels. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is leading this bill in the Senate.
“Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels,” said Miller-Meeks. “This legislation allows for RINs to be generated for renewable marine fuel without requiring an obligation on any parties. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation which opens the door for communities, like farmers in Iowa, to engage, and be involved, in the marine fuel industry and conversation.”
“Expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bipartisan bill will deliver new market opportunities for Nebraska farmers who have played a crucial role creating a strong renewable diesel economy.”
“Reducing emissions from cargo vessels and cruise ships means cleaner air and healthier communities. I am thrilled to introduce this new, bipartisan bill with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Gimenez, and Budzinski to support the global maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, renewable fuels,” said Garamendi. “And that transition can start in California with the Bay Area’s skilled, union refinery workers I am honored to represent in Congress who are ready, willing, and able to produce renewable biofuel for ocean-going vessels.”
“Expanding biodiesel use in the marine sector would strengthen the renewable fuels industry while driving demand for the soybean oil from the crops we grow,” said Brent Swart, president of the Iowa Soybean Association and a soybean farmer from Spencer, Iowa. “This initiative presents an exciting opportunity to align growing biofuel demand with the vital contributions of Iowa’s farmers.”
“The marine market presents a tremendous opportunity for biodiesel,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “A legislative change like this would break down a regulatory barrier that hinders U.S. biodiesel producers from meeting demand for affordable, accessible clean fuel in the marine market. Biodiesel producers in Iowa and across the country are facing challenges due to federal policy instability and this legislation fits with the President’s order to unleash American energy. We appreciate Rep. Miller-Meeks’ leadership in advancing policies that support biodiesel’s role in our energy future.”
“This legislation will help expand the use of biomass-based diesel in oceangoing vessels, which makes biofuels a low-cost, home-grown solution for the air, land and sea.” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “IRFA members thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for pushing creative solutions that drive demand for biofuels while enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and supporting farmers across the nation.”
"Biofuels are an important pathway for future fuels for the maritime industry. And the United States with its vast biofuel feedstocks and resources creates an enormous economic opportunity for the nation's farmers to produce fuels to meet the growing global demand for alternative fuels," said Jennifer Garson, Executive Director of the Sustainable Maritime Coalition. "However, in order to match this enormous supply with the maritime sector, the biofuels industry needs the Renewable Fuels for Oceangoing Vessels Act. This Act is critical for compliance, as RINS are the currency of the RFS program and we applaud its reintroduction in this Congress."
“Puget LNG, a bunker fuel provider in the Port of Tacoma, applauds the introduction of the Renewable Fuel for Ocean Going Vessels Act by Representatives Miller-Meeks and Garamendi. By allowing ocean going vessels the ability to participate in a program designed to incentivize new fuel types for maritime transportation, the domestic shipping industry can retain and grow important trade routes while exceeding International Maritime Organization clean air targets. This important legislation will not only help ensure that workers and environmentally sensitive areas around ports and waterways are better protected from pollutants, but it will also foster greater investment in domestic sustainable fuel production. We urge Congress to quickly pass this important legislation.”
Original Cosponsors of this also include U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Sharice Davids (D-KS).
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