INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman Todd Young is no friend of Hoosier farmers as he repeatedly voted to weaken the corn-based ethanol industry, which supports more than 25,000 Hoosier jobs. Indiana is the fourth largest ethanol producer in the United States and the ethanol industry is responsible for generating nearly $1 billion in the state. But Todd Young is rooting against it.
In Washington, D.C., Todd Young voted multiple times to repeal ethanol tax credits and weaken or even eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires a certain amount of ethanol mixed into regular gasoline and is responsible for tens of thousands of jobs in Indiana.
“We already knew Congressman Todd Young has turned his back on Indiana’s auto workers and Carrier employees, but he’s also voted to devastate Indiana’s ethanol industry that supports more than 25,000 Hoosier jobs, said John Zody, Chairman. “Weakening the ethanol industry like Congressman Young has proposed would be disastrous to our economy and Indiana’s job force. Congressman Young’s opposition to the ethanol industry and our corn farmers shows yet again that he doesn’t care about Hoosier workers. It’s obvious Todd Young will put special interests in Washington ahead of Hoosiers if it means helping his political career.”
Congressman Young’s anti-agriculture stance is consistent with his anti-Hoosier record. This includes describing the auto industry rescue – where 100,000 Hoosier jobs were saved – as “a waste,” saying the industry should have gone “belly up,” and supporting job-killing trade deals while also voting against federal aid to help Hoosiers laid off due to outsourcing.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Ethanol Plants Created Around 25,350 Jobs In Indiana. [Renewable Fuels Association, 2/21/13]
TODD YOUNG HAS REPEATEDLY SUPPORTED AND VOTED FOR EFFORTS TO REPEAL SUPPORT FOR ETHANOL AND INDIANA CORN FARMERS
TODD YOUNG CO-SPONSORED THE REPEAL ETHANOL SUBSIDIES TODAY ACT OF 2011
Todd Young Co-Sponsored Repeal Ethanol Subsidies Today Act of 2011. [H.R. 1188, Accessed 10/3/16]
Lead Sponsor Of Todd Young’s Repeal Ethanol Subsidies Today Act: “Congress Should Do Everything In Its Power To Eliminate Wasteful And Duplicative Programs” Like Ethanol Subsidies.” According to Congressman Lance: “In light of our Nation’s current fiscal challenges I believe Congress should do everything in its power to eliminate wasteful and duplicative programs that unnecessarily cost U.S. taxpayers billions each year,” Lance said. [Congressman Lance, Press Release, 4/19/11]
Lead Sponsor Of Todd Young’s Repeal Ethanol Subsidies Today Act Called Support for Ethanol “Fiscally Irresponsible.” According to Congressman Lance: “There is strong bipartisan support to eliminate taxpayer subsidies for the ethanol program. Leaders in Congress should allow an open, honest and fair debate on this fiscally irresponsible program.” [Congressman Lance, Press Release, 4/19/11]
Young Touted Support for Bill To Weaken Ethanol Industry Because Support For Ethanol Was “Costing Many Americans Their Jobs.” According to Young: “At the same time, we must also realize that our tax rates–especially on businesses–are among the highest in the world. That causes many businesses to move operations overseas, costing many Americans their jobs.” [Todd Young, Congressional Website, 8/16/11]
YOUNG VOTED TO REPEAL BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Young Voted To Repeal Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. In June 2013, Young voted for: “Marino, R-Pa., amendment that would replace a provision in the bill that would authorize $2 million per year from fiscal 2014 through 2018 for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program with language to repeal the program.” The amendment was rejected 194-230. [CQ, 6/20/13; HR 1947, Vote 271, 6/20/13]
YOUNG SAID DEBT CEILING WAS CONTINGENT ON POTENTIALLY ENDING ETHANOL SUBSIDIES FOR INDIANA CORN FARMERS
Bloomington Herald-Times: Young Said He Would Only Vote for Debt Ceiling If Paired With Spending Cuts That Might Include…Agricultural Subsidies Including Sugar, Ethanol And Cotton.” According to The Bloomington “Herald Times: “I don’t want to vote to raise (the debt ceiling),” Young said. “I only will vote for it if it is paired with significant spending concessions.” These might include eliminating earmarks; agricultural subsidies including sugar, ethanol and cotton; and energy subsidies — even green energy incentives. Young said it’s best to “leave it to the marketplace” rather than have entitlement programs “driving fiscal imbalance.” [Bloomington Herald-Times, June 29, 2011]
TODD YOUNG HAS REPEATEDLY TRIED TO WEAKEN THE RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD THAT HELPS INDIANA CORN AND ETHANOL
Todd Young Co-Sponsored Bill Which “Which Eliminates Corn-Based Ethanol Requirements, Caps The Amount Of Ethanol That Can Be Blended Into Conventional Gasoline At 10 Percent.” According to Agri-Pulse: In April 2013, the four lawmakers introduced H.R. 1462, the RFS Reform Act, which eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels.” [H.R. 1462, 4/12/13; Agri-Pulse, 5/29/14]
2012: YOUNG PUSHED FOR ADJUSTMENT TO RFS MANDATE DUE TO CORN SHORTAGE
Young Letter: “We Urge You To Adjust The RFS Mandate For 2012 To Account For The Anticipated Severe Shortage In Corn.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “Relief from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is extremely urgent because another short corn crop would be devastating to the animal agriculture industry, food manufacturers, foodservice providers, as well as to consumers. We urge you to adjust the RFS mandate for 2012 to account for the anticipated severe shortage in corn.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
Young Letter: “When Congress Enacted The Expanded RFS In The Energy Independence And Security Act Of 2007 (EISA), The Structure Was Complex.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “When Congress enacted the expanded RFS in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), the structure was complex. Given the 15 year statutory schedule imposed by the law – including the specification of four different fuel mandates, each with a separate scheulde – Congress also wanted to ensure that certain ‘safety valves’ for the RFS would be available.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
Young Letter: “The Waiver Provisions In CAA … Are An Important Part Of Congress’ Intended Implementation Of The RFS. They Help Ensure That The Domestic Economy And Environment Are Protected.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “The waiver provisions in CAA section 211(o) (7) are an important part of Congress’ intended implementation of the RFS. They help ensure that the domestic economy and environment are protected as we ramp up production and use of renewable fuels and move to broader use of advanced biofuels. Clearly, the Congress in 2007 anticipated that unforeseen circumstances would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exercise flexibility with the RFS.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
Young Letter: “U.S. Corn Prices Have Consistently Risen, And The Corn Market Has Been Increasingly Volatile Since The Expansion Of The RFS In 2007.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “As you are aware, U.S. corn prices have consistently risen, and the corn market has been increasingly volatile since the expansion of the RFS in 2007. This reflects the reality that approximately 40 percent of the corn crop now goes into ethanol production, a dramatic rise since the first ethanol mandates were put into place in 2005.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
Young Letter: “By Adjusting The Normally Rigid Renewable Fuel Standard Mandate Down To Align With Current Market Conditions, The Federal Government Can Help Avoid A Dangerous Economic Situation Because Of The Prolonged Record High Cost Of Corn.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “Ethanol now consume more corn than animal agriculture, a fact directly attributable to the federal mandate. While the government cannot control the weather, it fortunately has one tool still available that can directly impact corn demand. By adjusting the normally rigid Renewable Fuel Standard mandate down to align with current market conditions, the federal government can help avoid a dangerous economic situation because of the prolonged record high cost of corn.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
Young Letter: “We Therefor Urge The EPA To Consider A Fair And Meaningful Nationwide Adjustment To The Renewable Fuels Standard.” In an August 2012 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency that Congressman Young signed, the group wrote, “We therefore urge the EPA to consider a fair and meaningful adjustment to the Renewable Fuels Standard. Prompt action by the EPA can help to ease short supply concerns, literally save jobs across many U.S. industries, and keep families fed. We strongly urge you to exercise your authority and take the necessary steps to protect American consumers and the economy.” [Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Letter to EPA, 8/1/12]
2016: YOUNG PROMISED TO ELIMINATE SUPPORT FOR ETHANOL AND RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD
Young: “I Am Cognizant Of The Difficult Long-Term Planning So Many Hoosiers Farmers Must Undertake Each Season. Such Planning Efforts Are, In Part, Made Difficult Through The EPAs Continual Delays And Changes To The RFS Requirements.” In a response to an April 2016 Indiana Corn Growers Association questionnaire, Congressman Todd Young wrote, “I am cognizant of the difficult, long-term planning so many Hoosiers farmers must undertake each season. Such planning efforts are, in part, made difficult through the EPAs continual delays and changes to the RFS requirements.” [Indiana Corn Growers Association, 4/25/16]
Young: “I Promise To Work To Instill Free Market Principles In The Renewable Fuels Sector That Allows This Vibrant Industry To Operate Efficiently And Effectively Without The Need For Government Mandates And Market Distorting Subsidies.” In a response to an April 2016 Indiana Corn Growers Association questionnaire, Congressman Todd Young wrote, “I promise to work to instill free market principles in the renewable fuels sector that allows this vibrant industry to operate efficiently and effectively without the need for government mandates and market distorting subsidies.” [Indiana Corn Growers Association, 4/25/16]
###
