Legislation & Regulation

• The primary driver for the advancement of cleaner fuels has been legislation at both the federal and state levels. While the ethanol industry has matured and requires no subsidies, without legislation encouraging and even requiring the use of clean-burning fuels the markets would not have been developed and investment would not have occurred.

• CFDC is an industry thought leader when it comes to shaping legislation that will propel clean fuels to the next level. From meetings with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill to governors and state legislators across the country, CFDC helps guide public policy to ensure that the decisions are what is best for our country in the long-term. It’s public interest vs. special interest.

• Part of CFDC’s impact on the legislative process is achieved through providing factual and trusted information to the House, Senate, and Executive Branch.

• After Congress passes legislation, it is up to the different regulatory agencies to decide how the laws will be implemented. CFDC takes a very active role in helping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture implement the national renewable fuel standard, monitor the federal reformulated gasoline program, enforce the Clean Air Act Amendments, and meet the energy and environmental intents of Congress.

• There are several regulatory issues that are currently being decided with regard to fuel testing, emission modeling, CAFE standards, automotive technology, and octane standards for gasoline, mobile source air toxic emissions, and public health fuel-related research. Without the efforts of the CFDC and similar like-minded groups, there are no guarantees that fuels will continue to be cleaner and domestic energy producers will continue to grow and prosper.

Education

• One of the Coalition’s primary objectives is education. Without an appreciation for the benefits and value of clean fuels to our society, there will not be sufficient support at the Congressional and executive levels to change status quo and implement the new programs necessary to achieve those benefits. CFDC works with its members and other like-minded organization to compile and synthesize information that will stimulate the dialogue between industry, government, NGOs, the public, and the media to open the market and break down barriers to clean fuels.  CFDC publishes Fact Books, White Papers, Issues Briefs, and provides Congressional testimony.

• Through CFDC’s foundation, several educational campaigns have been developed such as the FlexFuel & FlexFuel Vehicle Awareness Campaign supporting alternative fuels and vehicles. The Ethanol Across America campaign produced radio shows, focused on regional education campaigns, and articles for the trade press and mainstream media.  Considered a thought leader in the area of clean fuels, CFDC is often called upon to provide a broader perspective as it is not a typical single issue trade association.