WASHINGTON, October 2, 2014 – API is concerned the Obama administration is playing politics with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), one of the nation’s most far-reaching energy policies, API Downstream Group Director Bob Greco told reporters in a conference call Thursday.

“Signals from the White House indicate the administration is considering raising the mandated amount of biofuels that must be used by consumers this year. . .But the year is nearly over and refiners can’t retroactively put more ethanol into gasoline. Furthermore, raising ethanol mandates could force us through the 10 percent ethanol blend wall – the point at which the government mandates more ethanol than refiners can safely squeeze into gasoline. . .Studies show raising ethanol mandates could raise gasoline and diesel costs, hurt our economy, damage engines, and void auto warranties.

“The White House seems to be focused on one goal – keeping control of the Senate after next month’s election. Namely, they want to give cover to the Democrat running neck and neck with his opponent in the Iowa Senate race.

“For the sake of consumers, and for the sake of our economy, we call on the administration to keep ethanol mandates well below 10 percent of gasoline demand. That will temporarily fix the ethanol blend wall and allow retailers to carry some non-ethanol gasoline for farmers and other consumers who demand it.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 20 million Americans.