NMMA pushes ethanol reform, tackles aluminum sheet tariff

President Donald Trump met Tuesday with U.S. senators representing oil refiners and those representing corn and ethanol producers to discuss options for reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard.

NMMA, along with its partners in creating a “Smarter Fuel Future,” released the following statement in response to the meeting, whose interests were not represented:

“For the last 10 years, the current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has proven time and time again that it has not been working for the American public. From consumers forced to pay more for their food and shoulder the burden of engine failure, to makers of truly advanced fuels that have been undermined by the ethanol mandate, to the wildlife that have seen their habitats disappear, to the fisheries and drinking water supplies that have been fouled by chemical runoff, to all federal taxpayers who pick up the tab for distorted energy and agricultural markets, these impacts have been pervasive and affected far more facets of society than the two industries represented in today’s White House discussions.

“As we move forward to address this broken policy, we would remind decision-makers that any meaningful reform must include the broad range of stakeholders and American values that have suffered under the RFS. We urge Congressional leaders to engage in an inclusive process for action on the ethanol mandate.”

NMMA member companies including Avalon Pontoons, HydroHoist, Florida Marine Tanks, and SeaArk Boats are joining the NMMA federal government affairs team this week on Capitol Hill to press the trade organization’s case on the downstream consequences of the aluminum sheet anti-dumping case, which was recently self-initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

NMMA members arrived in Washington on Tuesday and met with key legislative leaders from their districts. They will participate in a Wednesday briefing for national and regional media covering the aluminum issue including Bloomberg and the Financial Times followed by a meeting with the Department of Commerce. Members depart Wednesday evening.

The efforts undertaken by these members are significant. Having them in Washington, D.C. sharing their point of view on why a high tariff on aluminum sheet will have an impact on their business, employees and community, makes a true impact on our potential for success.

For questions regarding either issue, please contact NMMA’s Vice President of Federal and Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at nvasilaros@nmma.org

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