[Rich]

I just received an update from Senator Kelly Ayotte on this:

June 1, 2015

Dear Rich:

Thank you for contacting me regarding our nation's ethanol policy. I appreciate hearing from you.

On February 26, 2015, Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015 (S. 577), which was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. If enacted, S. 577 would amend the Clean Air Act to terminate the corn ethanol mandate included in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

I strongly oppose our nation's erroneous ethanol policy and will work to repeal its misguided use of taxpayer dollars. Our nation's energy policy has subsidized domestic ethanol production for nearly four decades. Congress mandates ethanol's use through federally directed markets and the RFS, subsidizes its production through tax credits, grants, and loans, and protects it from competition through tariffs.

Although I am not a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, please be assured that I will continue to work toward ending our nation's flawed and costly ethanol policy.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. It is important for me to hear from you regarding the current issues affecting New Hampshire and our nation. Please do not hesitate to be in touch again if I may be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Ayotte
U. S. Senator