Agricultural News
Cruz Flops Again on Ethanol Flip-Flop in Final Attempt to Win Over Iowa
Fri, 29 Jan 2016 14:23:09 CST
Position on Renewable Fuel Standard changes again hours before caucus, but is still anti-ethanol, anti-RFS
At the final Republican debate before the Iowa caucus Thursday night, Sen. Ted Cruz once again changed his position on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Sen. Cruz now claims he would phase out the RFS only alongside a phase-out of oil and gas subsidies. The Republican presidential candidate had previously called for a 5-year phase-out of the RFS regardless of other subsidies, and before that has called for an immediate repeal of the RFS. Cruz's pandering is a desperate attempt to fool Iowa voters, but the fact remains that despite his façade he is still anti-RFS.
"Sen. Cruz's re-revamped position on ethanol last night left Iowans with two major takeaways," said America's Renewable Future State Director, Eric Branstad. "First, Cruz's constant flip-flops on the RFS have revealed serious authenticity and consistency issues with the candidate. Second, when a Senator from oil-rich Texas who's accepted more donations from oil than any other candidate and is personally invested in oil companies claims he's pro-ethanol and wants to eliminate oil subsidies, it's clear how important the RFS and ethanol are to winning in Iowa. That's why every single Democratic and Republican candidate has gotten behind ethanol and the RFS, except for Sen. Cruz and Sen. Paul."
Cruz's comments come as presidential candidates have faced increasingly pointed questions about ethanol and the RFS. Cruz's campaign has said that ethanol is the number one issue they're questioned about at events, on the phones, and at caucus-goers' doors even as oil lobbyists have continued pouring millions of dollars into a desperate campaign to distract from the issue. "Cruz is trying to have it every which way on this issue, but Iowans can see that he is not to be trusted and that he is anti-RFS," added Branstad.
All three Democratic presidential candidates support the RFS, and candidates representing 67% of Iowa Republicans support the RFS, according to the latest polls. Ethanol is more important than ever, which is why 12 out of 14 candidates support the RFS realizing the economic, national security, and environmental benefits.
You can find a substantive look at candidates' positions in favor of the RFS below, and take a look at America's Renewable Future's efforts to hold Sen. Cruz accountable on the RFS here and here.
Candidate
Ted Cruz
BEFORE: Sponsored RFS repeal bill in 2013, and said the RFS's "impossible mandates are driving up the costs of fuel, food, and goods," and said there was insufficient supply.
NOW: Significant shift, publishing an op-ed touting ethanol, advocates for breaking through the blend-wall, citing oversupply, and delayed phase-out plan by three years to 2022.
Donald Trump
BEFORE: No position.
NOW: "n favor of ethanol, 100 percent," for a "higher ethanol mandate."
Chris Christie
BEFORE: No position.
NOW: Committed to "absolutely" support the RFS.
Ben Carson
BEFORE: No position.
NOW: Favors the RFS through 2022.
Carly Fiorina
BEFORE: Not a supporter.
NOW: Favors the RFS through 2022.
Jeb Bush
BEFORE: Not a supporter.
NOW: Supportive, saying the "law that passed in 2007 has worked for sure."
John Kasich
BEFORE: Opposed tax credits for ethanol.
NOW: Favors the RFS "the way it is."
Marco Rubio
BEFORE: Voted against tax credits for ethanol.
NOW: Supports the RFS as is.
Mike Huckabee
BEFORE: Supporter.
NOW: Still a supporter.
Rick Santorum
BEFORE: Supported it, helping him win the Iowa Caucus in 2012.
NOW: Still a supporter.
Hillary Clinton
BEFORE: Supportive.
NOW: Published an op-ed dedicated to the RFS and expanding biofuels.
Martin O'Malley
BEFORE: Applied for a waiver from the RFS as governor.
NOW: Now favors a robust RFS.
Bernie Sanders
BEFORE: No position.
NOW: Favors a robust RFS.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
