Reuters writers Alerie Volcovici and Rory Carroll reported today that, “Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign has solicited advice from California regulators on how to revamp a federal regulation requiring biofuels like corn-based ethanol be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply, according to campaign and state officials.
“The move is the clearest sign yet that, if elected, Clinton would seek to adjust the regulation, called the Renewable Fuel Standard, possibly hurting her chances in corn-growing states like Iowa where she faces a tough battle against Republican rival Donald Trump in the Nov. 8 election.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard, created by Congress in 2005, mandates that transportation fuel sold in the United States contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. It was intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions and expand the U.S. renewable fuels sector while lowering reliance on imported oil, but is opposed by the oil industry and environmentalists and has been criticized as a mere subsidy to corn producers.”
Today’s article stated that, “Clinton advisers have contacted the California Air Resources Board to discuss whether a policy like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a market-based system rather than a mandate, could be applied at a national level to replace or augment the Renewable Fuel Standard, CARB officials said.
“Mary Nichols, head of the CARB, said she discussed the state’s regulations with Clinton advisers.”
The Reuters reporters added that, “A Clinton campaign official, who asked not to be named, confirmed the discussions with CARB but gave no further details. A campaign spokesman said the campaign has been seeking advice from ‘a diverse set of stakeholders.'”Eht
