With record ethanol production and the lowest gas prices in years, 2014 was a banner year for the renewable fuel industry. This is good news for the farmers, small business owners, and workers who rely upon this growing sector for their livelihoods. As the new Congress gets to work, it's important for them to know that:
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In 2014, biofuels production reached 14.4 billion gallons -- a record -- in the United States. As biofuels production soared, U.S. gas prices fell to their lowest levels since 2008 and 2009.
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The renewable fuel industry now supports more than 852,000 jobs and 184.5 billion in economic output across the country. This means that more jobs than ever are supported by renewable fuels -- especially in America's rural economies. These are homegrown American jobs that can't be outsourced.
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In 2014, three new commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facilities came online in America's Heartland. They will produce the world's cleanest motor fuel from agricultural waste like corncobs.
All of this progress has been made possible by the Renewable Fuel Standard. At a time of crisis and instability around the globe, we have achieved unprecedented levels of energy independence.
With so much on the line, the United States can't afford to turn its back on renewable fuels. Congress, the President, and the EPA should keep the progress going and support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.
