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The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), part of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, has been a great success for both farmers and consumers. In 2012, over 13 billion gallons of ethanol was produced in America, bringing much needed jobs across the country and adding money to local communities. The RFS helps promote fuel choice while supporting American jobs and the rural economy. In 2013 the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce began reviewing the (RFS) and many challenges to this vital piece of legislation were brought up all throughout the House and Senate. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed changing the RFS to reduce the amount of ethanol that is required in our nation's fuel supply. In response to these attacks the MCGA began a communications campaign aimed at pushing back against these challenges and hopefully, preventing efforts to weaken or repeal the RFS. Highlights of the campaign are below. Michigan Corn also commissioned a study by Michigan State University that shows the benefits Michigan consumers receive because of the RFS.
Impact of the RFS StudyIt can be estimated that if the RFS were eliminated, Michigan would lose:
• $260.5 million in economic activity from lower corn prices
• $172.8 million in economic activity from reduced ethanol production
• 288 jobs in the ethanol industry and general economy
Comments Submitted to EPA
16,439 from a petition on Change.org
1,563 from the MCGA website
412 written comment cards
48 from Michigan legislators
Communications Campaign Highlights
5 Press Conferences
10 Press Releases
7 Printed Op-Ed Articles
14 Submitted Letters to the Editor
7 Email Blasts Sent to MCGA Members
3 YouTube Testimonials
6,241 Participants in the Telephone Town Halls
Published Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor
Ann Arbor News
Allegan News
Argus Press
Bay City Times
Detroit Free Press
Detroit News
Ionia Sentinel
Lansing State Journal - January 13, 2014
Lansing State Journal - November 24, 2013
Macomb Daily
MLive
Traverse City Record Eagle
