Raskin Statement on H.R. 1346

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1346, legislation that allows for the year-round sale of gasoline mixed with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15):

"In a desperate attempt to put a Band-Aid on the Trump Administration's ongoing public relations debacles, the Republican-led House passed a bill they claim will lower the astronomically high gas prices caused by the President's illegal war of choice on Iran. What this bill will actually do is further degrade our environment and exacerbate the climate crisis. E15 will make our air and water quality dramatically worse: scientists warn that it will increase smog, particularly during the summer months, and threaten water supplies through the runoff from millions of acres of new corn fields. It will sharply increase carbon emissions and reduce biodiversity while destroying the forests and grasslands we need to absorb carbon dioxide. As for the reputed financial benefit to consumers E15 yields lower gas mileage than the gasoline most widely available now, meaning that Americans will need to fill their tanks more often."

"The average gas price in Maryland has surpassed $4.40 per gallon and the national average is even higher. This bill is a farce, not a solution, and the American people won't be fooled. When my Republican colleagues are ready to bring down these exorbitant, Trump-induced fuel costs for our people, I'd welcome them into our bipartisan coalition working to pass a War Powers Resolution to end this lawless and extraordinarily costly conflict in Iran. They have another chance to vote with us this week."

###