Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa) and Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-Okla.) on Nov. 6 led a Democratic caucus letter to House leadership urging action to extend the biodiesel tax credit.
Specifically, the lawmakers asked for extensions of the biodiesel, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and second generation biofuel producer tax credits.
In the letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, the representatives wrote, “…we respectfully urge you to find a path forward for the expired clean energy tax incentives that have lapsed in recent years. Extending the biodiesel, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and second generation biofuel producer tax credits are especially important to the regions we represent. Their extension is not only a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions…, but also would bring much-needed relief to those that counted on these incentives.”
Lawmakers said in the letter that participants up and down the supply chain are experiencing hardship as a result of the lapse in the tax credits. Nine biodiesel plants have closed or significantly reduced production. Suppliers of seed, fertilizer and farm machinery have experienced a significant drop in demand. Farmers also have lost significant demand for biofuels feedstocks.
NATSO commended the 40 lawmakers who signed the letter, stating that it was an “extraordinary showing of support” for the biodiesel tax credit and other clean energy tax policies.
“What is especially significant is the ideological and geographic diversity of the Democrats who signed this letter,” NATSO Vice President of Government Relations David Fialkov said in a statement. “Many of them have very difficult re-election campaigns ahead of them next year. The fact that lawmakers representing places such as Oklahoma City, Upstate New York, Salt Lake City, and Southern California—areas far from the farming Midwest—strongly support biofuels incentives underscores the economic and environmental benefits that these clean energy tax extenders bring to their communities. NATSO is grateful to Representatives Abby Finkenauer and Kendra Horn for their continued leadership on this important issue.”
Casey’s General Stores and Road Ranger also expressed support for the extension of the BTC.
“Fuel retailers like Casey’s have made investments in biofuel infrastructure for many years because it good for the environment, our farmers and rural communities," said Douglas Beech, Legal Counsel and Director of Government Relations at Casey's General Stores. "These investments have helped us become more energy independent, environmentally friendly, and also to offer competitive fuel prices to our customers. We are grateful to Congresswoman Finkenauer for her leadership on this issue and encourage members of both parties to work together to extend the biodiesel tax credit."
R.J. Rymas, Vice President of Fuels for Road Ranger Truck Stops and Travel Centers, said, "The biodiesel tax credit helps Road Ranger bring to market cleaner burning fuels that support the local Iowa economy while also bringing down prices for our customers. It is a win-win for us. We are very grateful for Congresswoman Finkenauer's leadership in helping extend this important policy."
The letter was signed by Representatives; Cindy Axne (IA-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Collin Peterson (MN-07), T.J. Cox (CT-21), Jim Himes (CT-04), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), David Cicilline (RI-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Jim Langevin (RI-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Max Rose (NY-11), Sean Casten (IL-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ben McAdams (UT-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ann Kuster (NH-02), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Rush (IL-01), Ben Ray Luján (NM-03), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), John Garamendi (CA-03), and Peter DeFazio (OR-4).
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