CA AJR15

Urges the President and Congress to pass legislation reforming the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which requires the EPA to annually set renewable fuel volume requirements.

Cites concerns that the EPA has proposed lowering renewable volume obligations for the first time since 2005 due to market inability to sustain the federal ethanol mandate and constraints on ethanol blending capacity ("blend wall").

Identifies economic harms including diversion of 40 percent of U.S. corn crops to fuel production, corn price volatility, increased feed costs driving hundreds of California dairy closures, and an estimated $2,000 annual increase in food costs for the average family of four as of 2012.

Raises safety and consumer concerns that automobile manufacturers' warranties may be voided by high ethanol content gasoline, and that small engine equipment faces damage from ethanol-blended fuel.

Notes that EPA's repeated delays in finalizing renewable volume obligation levels create uncertainty and market volatility affecting California businesses and the state's economy.