WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to President Donald J. Trump, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) warned against hurting Louisiana refinery jobs by relaxing the standard, summer-time prohibition on the sale of gasoline with more than 10% ethanol.
“Louisiana is the second largest oil refining state in the U.S., and we need to protect those jobs. Generations of Louisiana families have worked for the oil and gas industry” said Sen. Kennedy. “For years, we’ve avoided selling gasoline with higher amounts of ethanol during the summer months because of ozone level concerns. We need to keep the status quo and protect refinery jobs and the environment.”
The letter was signed by Senators Jim Inhofe, Ben Cardin, John Cornyn, Bob Menendez, John Barrasso, Tom Udall, Shelley Moore Capito, Joe Manchin, Orrin Hatch, Susan Collins, Mike Enzi, Johnny Isakson, Roger Wicker, John Boozman, Pat Toomey, Bill Cassidy, James Lankford, Steve Daines and Cindy Hyde-Smith.
A copy of the letter is below.
October 4, 2018
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
In recent months, media outlets reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering regulatory action to expand the sale of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol by volume (E15) year-round by waiving certain Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements related to Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). However, a one-sided approach to addressing concerns related to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that favors only one industry stakeholder is misguided. We are concerned that doing so would do nothing to address the policies impacting refinery jobs, could hurt millions of consumers whose vehicles and equipment are not compatible with higher ethanol blended gasoline, and risk worsening air quality. We write to express our strong opposition to this approach.
As you know, in an effort to address evaporative emissions from motor vehicles and off-road equipment, as part of the 1990 CAA amendments, Congress established a maximum RVP for gasoline of 9.0 psi for the high ozone season, often referred to as the summertime driving season.[1] Recognizing that gasoline’s volatility (or tendency to evaporate) increases with the blending of ethanol, the 1990 CAA amendments also provided an RVP limitation for fuel blends containing gasoline and 10 percent ethanol of 1.0 psi higher.[2] This “one pound waiver” applies only to fuel containing gasoline and 10 percent ethanol.
In 2010 and 2011, the EPA issued two partial CAA waivers permitting the use of E15 for model year 2001 and newer light duty motor vehicles.[3] The research to support the Agency’s decisions was based on the impact of E15 on emissions control systems, and those results were inappropriately assumed to determine the impact on engine and fuel system durability. Subsequent research revealed that millions of vehicles approved to use E15 by the EPA are susceptible to engine and fuel system damage from E15 fuel.[4] Automobile manufacturers have cautioned consumers not to use the fuel in vehicles not designed to use it. Additionally, consumers, using lawn equipment, motorcycles, boats, and other small engines not approved by EPA to use E15, do not have the benefit of a robust misfueling prevention system.
Significantly, the EPA premised the original E15 waiver on retaining the existing CAA RVP limits, as the Agency had previously determined it lacked the legal authority to grant an RVP waiver to gasoline ethanol blends beyond 10 percent ethanol, noting the “significant potential” for higher blends to increased emissions and risk compliance with air quality standards:
Additionally, as explained in the misfueling mitigation measures proposed rule, EPA interprets the 1.0 psi waiver in CAA section 211(h) as being limited to gasoline-ethanol blends that contain 10 vol% ethanol. Therefore, given the significant potential for increased evaporative emissions at higher gasoline volatility levels, and the lack of data to resolve how this would impact compliance with the emissions standards, today’s waiver is limited to E15 with a summertime RVP no higher than 9.0 psi.[5]
The Agency reinforced this determination eight months later when it declared “the text of section 211(h)(4) and this legislative history supports EPA’s interpretation, adopted in the 1991 rulemaking, that the 1 psi waiver only applies to gasoline blends containing 9–10 vol% ethanol.”[6]
In conclusion, a decision to grant such a waiver goes against the Agency’s long standing interpretation as well as a plain reading of the CAA. We urge you to engage in a collaborative and transparent process with robust engagement on any RFS reform efforts.
We look forward to working with you to address these issues to the benefit of all stakeholders and consumers.
Sincerely,
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[1] 42 U.S.C. Section 7545(h)(1).
[2] 42 U.S.C. Section 7545(h)(4).
[3] 75 Fed. Reg. 68094 (November 4, 2010); 75 Fed. Reg. 4662 (January 26, 2011).
[4] https://crcao.org/reports/recentstudies2013/CRC%20664%20%5bAVFL-15a%5d/AVFL%2015a%20%5bCRC%20664%5d%20Final%20Report%20only.pdf
[5] 75 Fed. Reg. 68094, 68096 (November 4, 2010).
[6] Fed. Reg. 44406, 44434 (July 25, 2011).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson this week asking him to waive regulations that threaten to severely limit the impact of the duplications of benefits’ fix just passed by Congress.
More than 10,000 people received disaster loans from the Small Business Administration following the 2016 flooding in Louisiana. Because of low-to-moderate income criteria in the state’s disaster recovery plan, HUD expects only 22% of homeowners to be freed from duplication of benefits’ regulations that prevent them from using federal grants to repay their SBA loans.
“We fixed part of the problem. Now we need HUD’s help in fixing the rest of the problem,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Secretary Carson came to Louisiana and saw the devastation that the 2016 flooding caused. I’m confident that he can help us overcome the limitations put in place by the state’s plan. Every single homeowner impacted by the flooding deserves this assistance to recover and rebuild.”
October 3, 2018
The Honorable Benjamin Carson
Office of the Secretary
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th St. SW
Washington, D.C. 20410
Dear Secretary Carson:
I write to you today regarding the ongoing recovery from the historic flooding that devastated Louisiana in 2016 and urge you to waive low-to-moderate income (LMI) criteria associated with Congress’ recently-passed lifting of duplication of benefits policy for disaster recovery.
As you are aware, Congress passed legislation to eliminate federal duplication of benefits restrictions directly affecting homeowners approved for or having drawn down SBA disaster loans as they seek to rebuild. Soon, this legislation will be signed into law by President Trump. Once signed, this legislation will permit homeowners who qualified for SBA loans but were prohibited from seeking Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to either repay their SBA disaster loans with a grant or use it to supplement assistance for recovery purposes.
The Small Businesses Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Assistance has confirmed that there are 10,947 active disaster loans in Louisiana. I am concerned that applying LMI rules through the State of Louisiana’s plan will significantly limit the number of loans eligible to receive CDBG-DR funds. Furthermore, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officials estimate that only 22% of all active loans, or about 2,408 Louisianians, will be eligible for additional assistance under the duplication of benefits fix. Waiving the LMI criteria would ensure that more Louisiana families qualify and receive relief under the new provisions. I believe, through the generosity of the American taxpayer, the Restore Louisiana program has more than enough funding to help everyone adversely impacted by duplication of benefits policy in the state.
I am reassured that after nearly two years of work on this particular issue with you and the Trump Administration, we are close to finally cutting this bureaucratic red-tape that has plagued the recovery efforts of families and communities in Louisiana. Thank you for all of your leadership and continued work on important issues affecting the United States of America.
Sincerely,
John Kennedy
United States Senator
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‘Senate addresses duplication of benefits, school districts’ penalty’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U. S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) voted today in favor of two major solutions for victims of the 2016 Louisiana flooding. These solutions, which were attached to H.R. 302, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, include resolutions to the duplication of benefits issue for homeowners.
Duplication of Benefits: “Under the current rules, the federal government treats a loan from the Small Business Administration like a disaster benefit, which then often prevents people from qualifying for disaster grants down the road. We are essentially punishing people for being diligent about rebuilding their homes after a disaster, and enough was enough. I am hopeful that this legislation will help thousands of families who are still trying to recover from the flood. Sen. Cassidy deserves credit for taking the lead on this issue and bringing it over the finish line.”
Much-Needed Help for Flooded Schools: “The 2016 flooding was unprecedented and hit schools in Livingston, East Baton Rouge, and Ascension especially hard. School districts need to focus on students, not on battling bureaucracy. This solution ensures that districts won’t be penalized for every single structure that flooded. Instead, they'll only have to pay it one time, and one time only. They'll take a lick and be able to move on.”
Also included in the FAA Reauthorization Act, was Sens. Kennedy and Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.)’s bill, the Welfare of Our Furry Friends (WOOFF) Act. Their provision will make it illegal for anyone to place a live animal in an overhead storage compartment of an aircraft.
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Introduces No Red and Blue Banks Act To Prevent Trampling of Second Amendment Rights
Oct 02 2018
‘If you want to make banking a red versus blue issue, then you don’t need to do business with the federal government.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the No Red and Blue Banks Act to prohibit the federal government from giving contracts to banks that discriminate against lawful businesses based solely on social policy considerations. This legislation will ensure that banks like Citigroup and Bank of America, which enacted policies infringing on the Second Amendment rights of businesses, will not be awarded lucrative federal government contracts.
On March 22, Citigroup issued a press release detailing how it will penalize banking clients who follow federal, state and local laws. Citigroup’s new policy tells businesses what kind of firearms and accessories they can stock in their stores, and who they can sell them to. On April 10, Bank of America announced that it would no longer loan money to businesses that manufacture semi-automatic rifles. Sen. Kennedy has previously made remarks on the Senate floor about this important issue.
Click here or the photo below to watch Sen. Kennedy’s remarks in the Senate Banking Committee today:
Constitutionally Offensive: “Targeting firearms owners and business owners is not only an affront to responsible gun owners across this country; it’s a threat to the sanctity of our Constitution and the Second Amendment.”
Red Banks and Blue Banks: “Citigroup and Bank of America have decided to make banking a red versus blue issue by trampling on the Second Amendment rights of small business owners. And if additional big consumer banks come out with similar anti-gun policies, it will get harder and harder for businesses in Louisiana and elsewhere to find banking services. We’ll have red banks and blue banks.”
Banks Should not be Rewarded for Discriminating: “I want to make sure that the federal government isn’t rewarding this behavior with even more taxpayer dollars. I have already petitioned the General Services Administration to cancel the federal government’s $700 billion contract with Citigroup.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, announced today that President Donald Trump signed H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act and Continuing Appropriations Act, into law on Friday. This legislation contains four amendments authored by Sen. Kennedy, including a historic 66% increase in funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
“It is absolutely tragic that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provide help and hope to those who don’t know where else to turn during a dark time,” said Sen. Kennedy. “In Louisiana alone, the suicide rate has risen by 29% from 1999 to 2016. I am very proud to lead this effort, and I will continue do what I can to uplift and support those who rely on this lifeline for help.”
In addition to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline funding, Sen. Kennedy authored three more amendments that were signed into law:
- S. Amdt. 3881, which reduces fraud and waste in the Department of Labor by implementing a plan to reduce improper payments.
- S. Amdt. 3880, which prohibits awarding federal contracts to companies that have unpaid federal taxes.
- S. Amdt. 3727, which bans using taxpayer dollars for monetary assistance to Iran.
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Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Announces $6.4 Million Grant for New Orleans Buses and Bus Infrastructure
Sep 26 2018
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) staff will host an informational meeting Saturday in Mandeville for prospective applicants to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Mandeville High School auditorium, 1 Skipper Drive, in Mandeville. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
It is absolutely free to attend Academy Day. Family members can accompany prospective applicants to the event.
“I’m honored that so many people want to serve our great country. They make Louisiana proud,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Academy Day is an opportunity to find out more about attending the finest academies in the U.S. You can ask 150 questions if you want.”
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) To Congress: Stop Playing Games With The National Flood Insurance Program
Sep 24 2018
“Congress needs to stop playing games; we need to reform the National Flood Insurance Program immediately”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) asked Congress to finally get down to the business of creating a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that middle-class families can afford. Sen. Kennedy previously introduced comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to reform the NFIP.
Click here or the photo below to watch Sen. Kennedy’s full remarks:
Affordable Flood Insurance: “Weathering a hurricane is difficult enough without the added burden of trying to do it without insurance. And a National Flood Insurance Program isn’t doing its job if it’s so expensive people can’t afford to buy it. Unfortunately, that’s precisely what has happened in North and South Carolina.”
What Gives?: “Why don’t people have flood insurance? Because the costs are out of control and middle-class families have little choice but to just roll the dice. Because Congress keeps playing games and people don’t have faith that the NFIP will be around to pay off. Because one or two members of Congress want to get a soundbite more than they want to help ordinary Americans protect their property. And if those members want to reform the program because they want to save the government money, they’re going about it the wrong way.”
What It’s All About: “Recovering from a natural disaster is about more than putting up drywall: It’s about our communities coming back safer, stronger and better prepared. The NFIP is an indispensable part of that effort to rebuild. But a flood insurance program isn’t useful if it’s too complicated to understand, or if it allows bad actors to take from hardworking families. We need rules that make sense, government websites that a normal person can navigate, quicker decisions by bureaucrats and a faster process to get disaster dollars to the folks who need them. Most importantly, though, people need to be able to afford buy a policy in the first place.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) staff will host an informational meeting Saturday in Bossier City for prospective applicants to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Bossier Parish Community College’s BPCC Theatre – Building C, 6220 East Texas St., in Bossier City. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
It is absolutely free to attend Academy Day. Family members can accompany prospective applicants to the event.
“I’m honored that so many people want to serve our great country. They make Louisiana proud,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Academy Day is an opportunity to find out more about attending the finest academies in the U.S. You can ask 150 questions if you want.”
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Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Announces $15.6 Million Grant for the Livingston Parish School Board
Sep 21 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that FEMA awarded a $15,694,059 grant to the Livingston Parish School Board to fund repairs to nine academic buildings and facilities at Southside Junior High School.
“The 2016 flooding is still impacting the daily lives of so many people in south Louisiana,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Grants like this from FEMA will help us rebuild, and it will allow students to get back into permanent classrooms and brand new school facilities.”
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