The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is a rule designed to reduce the carbon emissions of the fuels used by our transportation sector. This rule limits the burning of fossil fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, and promotes the use of biofuels, natural gas, propane and electricity. In 2011, California adopted LCFS regulations along with a cap-and-trade program. Oregon soon followed and Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa are considering low carbon fuel standard programs too. To comply with the low-carbon standard, oil companies could blend more ethanol into gasoline products, purchase credits from electric utilities supplying electricity to electric vehicles, or sell hydrogen for vehicles powered by fuel cells.

Environmentalists claim LCFS rules are a state response to our federal government’s inability to pass legislation to reduce greenhouse gases. They say that about 30% of our air pollution is caused by gasoline and diesel-burning engines, and claim that if overall emissions are to be reduced, low carbon fuel standards must play a role.
Opponents claim LCFS rules will drive up gasoline prices and result in higher prices for other consumer goods in which transportation costs are a factor.

Pending Legislation: H.R.4864 - Ethanol for America Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA)
Status: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chair: Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY)

• I oppose reforming current Low Carbon Fuel Standard policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).
• I support streamlining regulations for E15 ethanol fuel by:
  
  1.) Requiring the EPA to finalize the specific proposed rule regarding E15 labeling and underground storage tank (UST) compatibility within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
  
  2.) Directing the EPA to adopt one of the co-proposals from the 2021 rulemaking to create a clearer, more consumer-friendly E15 label for fuel dispensers.
  
  3.) Requiring existing fuel infrastructure, including most underground storage tanks and piping, is compatible with E15, and would not require costly upgrades for retailers.
  
  4.) Mandating that any new or replaced components in fuel systems for on-road vehicles be compatible with fuel blends up to 100% ethanol.
  
  And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.