Press Releases

Advanced Biofuel Leaders Say Senate Bill Helps Create Cleaner Air with Cleaner Fuels


More than 25 organizations sign letter to Senate Environment & Public Works Committee


Tuesday, June 13, 2017


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (June 13, 2017) – POET and POET-DSM today joined more than 25 of the nation’s leading advanced biofuel organizations in asking the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to pass the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517). This bill lifts outdated restrictions that limit access to environmentally-friendly biofuel blends, and works to incentivize further innovation and investment in clean fuel technologies.

“We ask you to stand with advanced biofuels and with clean energy to enable us to further reduce harmful emissions,” the organizations said in a letter sent to all 21 members of the committee. The group states that updating a decades-old rule would ensure access to 15 percent biofuel blends (E15) for consumers year-round and provide the regulatory stability required to give “advanced and cellulosic fuels an opportunity to compete at the pump.”

The regulation in question governs Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), a measure of evaporative emissions in fuel. Almost 30 years ago, 10 percent biofuel blends (E10) received a waiver due to their lower emission profile. E15, however, does not currently have a waiver, despite being a cleaner fuel with a lower overall vapor pressure. Consequently, access to E15 is severely limited in many regions of the U.S., especially during the summer driving season, creating confusion for consumers and discouraging many retailers from offering E15 altogether.

Allowing consumer-driven market growth is key to the success of advanced biofuels, POET-DSM Board Chairman Jeff Pinkerman said.

“For cellulosic biofuels to be successful, our elected leaders must remove barriers that unnecessarily restrict the availability and growth of biofuels in the marketplace,” he said. “Lifting this outdated regulation will help cultivate demand for cleaner-burning biofuels and provide a catalyst for expanded research and development of promising new clean fuel technologies.”

According to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, during the summer months alone E15 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 2.1 million vehicles off the road. In addition to the environmental benefits, the Energy and Environmental Studies Institute states that E15 can lower the public health impacts from transportation emissions, including reducing risks associated with cancer and asthma.

“This is about giving Americans the freedom to choose fuels that can actually help clean the toxic air we breathe,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. “We know drivers are pleased to find that E15 costs less – 5-15 cents per gallon – but when they learn E15 also substantially lowers emissions, they can be confident they’re filling up with a product that’s easier on their wallet and better for our planet.”

Signatories of the letter:

• Delaware Bio
• White Dog Labs
• BIO
• Advanced Biofuels Business Council
• Aemetis
• BIOCOM
• Bionebraska
• Cellerate
• California Life Sciences Association
• DSM
• Edeniq
• Enerkem
• Enogen
• Illinois Bio
• ICM
• Iowa Bio
• Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits
• Mascoma
• Novozymes
• Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
• Phytonix
• POET
• POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels
• Quad County Corn Processors
• Renmatix
• South Dakota Biotech
• Sweetwater Energy
• Syngenta

About POET

POET, the world’s largest biofuels producer, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 30-year-old company has a network of 27 production facilities. POET, through its joint venture with DSM, also operates a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in life sciences and materials sciences, DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets, such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

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