WASHINGTON, D.C. – With reports indicating the Biden administration is weighing bailouts for Big Oil and undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined her colleagues in calling on President Biden to uphold the promises he made on the campaign trail to support the biofuel industry and the family farmers who rely on it.

The letter, led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), reminds the president of his statements during his campaign supporting biofuel.

“Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a U.S. industry that has not been negatively affected by tariffs and the trade war,” the senators wrote. “These industries and businesses have faced increased costs, lost sales and market access, and competitive disadvantages due to the tariffs. Moreover, many businesses have described that the primary beneficiaries of the trade war are their foreign competitors that do not face the same tariff costs.”

The lawmakers wrote: “During your campaign for President, you indicated your support for biofuel and your intent to “promote and advance renewable energy, ethanol and other biofuel.” […] Yet now that you are president, having no doubt heard the same tired and debunked complaints from big oil refiners about the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) harming them, you are reportedly considering bailouts for these refineries, which would undermine the biofuel industry and the family farmers who rely on it.”

They go on: “While we are aware of the power of the oil lobby, and its efforts to influence your administration, I urge you not to bend to their demands to undercut the RFS, by either reducing annual blending obligations, or any by other means that destroys demand for clean renewable ethanol and biodiesel. The farmers and biofuel industries in our states would welcome the same access to your National Climate Advisor to discuss shared priorities.”