AMA Calls For Overhaul of Failed Renewable Fuel Standard

Wayne Allard of the AMA said the Renewable Fuel Standard is a failed strategy during the National Renewable Fuel Standard "Day of Action," organized to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maintain its proposed 2014 renewable volume obligation and for Congress to take up legislative reform that would permanently address the problems inherent in the current RFS.

The federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard is a failed strategy that must be completely reconsidered and restructured, Wayne Allard, vice president of government relations for the American Motorcyclist Association, said Wednesday.

Allard’s remarks came during the National Renewable Fuel Standard "Day of Action," organized to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maintain its proposed 2014 renewable volume obligation and for Congress to take up legislative reform that would permanently address the problems inherent in the current RFS.

"The RFS is not working for Americans who breathe air, eat food, ride motorcycles, drive cars or mow their lawns. And, the action you’ll see around the U.S. today is emblematic of the wide-reaching support that exists for RFS reform. It’s time to readdress this flawed policy," said Allard, a former U.S. senator from Colorado.

Motorcyclists, environmentalists, farmers, and business leaders lobbied the EPA and key members of Congress before gathering for a press conference.

Their message: America’s engines, environment and food supply are endangered by the production, distribution and use of ethanol.

The AMA opposes E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol by volume) because inadvertent misfueling can cause engine and fuel system failure to the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use and can void manufacturers’ warranties.

"Groups from every corner of the country are here in Washington today for one reason: to demand action on the ethanol mandates that are impacting so many sectors of our economy," Allard said.

U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) has offered a number of potential solutions, including the "RFS Reform Act of 2013" (H.R. 1462).

"We urge other members of Congress to join Rep. Goodlatte in reforming this uniquely flawed policy," Allard said.

Others participating in the event included U.S. Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.); Justin Oldfield, of the California Cattlemen’s Association; Ron O’Connor, of the HeartLands Conservancy of Illinois; and Paul Navarro, of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The boards of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) voted unanimously to appoint Scott Schloegel as acting president and CEO of the associations. Diana Sanchez was appointed acting chief operating officer.

Schloegel and Sanchez, whose appointments are effective immediately, will also continue to serve in their current roles as senior vice president of government relations and vice president of operations respectively. The interim leadership was selected to ensure a seamless transition as the associations’ search committee continues to conduct a comprehensive review of the position of president and CEO, and a subsequent search to replace outgoing President and CEO Erik Pritchard.