Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about continuing to fight for policies that expand production of Wyoming’s affordable, reliable energy as well as strengthen markets for safe, high-quality Wyoming beef.
Senator Barrasso discussed his opposition to the House-passed, year-round E15 mandate, which would raise gas prices and hurt small Wyoming refineries.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“The people of Wyoming ask Washington, D.C. for one simple thing: Let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best. Let Wyoming power our country. Let Wyoming feed our country. That is what we do. We’ve done it for generations.
“We will do it for generations to come.
“The American people want energy that is affordable, available, and reliable. Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We produce twelve times the energy we consume.
“Congress is currently discussing new mandates – mandates that would force more and more ethanol into our fuels. The House voted on this just last night. I oppose the year-round E15 mandate. That is what is currently under debate. I oppose it because it hurts small oil refineries and all of the people who work at them.
“In Wyoming, we have several small refineries. They employ thousands of people. Refineries receive hardship exemptions from something called the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate. They depend on these exemptions to survive.
“Small refineries already face higher costs under federal renewable fuel rules. Without additional relief, the new mandate will likely raise gas prices all across the country by up to 35 cents a gallon. Small refineries have been ignored so far in the current E15 debate. It’s time for their voices to be heard.
“Affordable, available, reliable American energy never comes from one-size fits-all government mandates. It comes from regulatory certainty. It comes from permitting reform. It comes from people working hard every day like Wyoming energy workers.
“My message is simple: let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best.
“That same principle applies to our ranchers. Americans want U.S. beef on their tables. Wyoming ranchers produce the best beef in the world. Wyoming beef is safe. It is the highest quality. It is also our state’s #1 cash crop.
“Wyoming ranchers care for the land and support our communities. Ranching is part of Wyoming’s rich history and heritage. It is also part of Wyoming’s bright future.
“Our ranchers do not ask for special treatment. They simply want a fair marketplace. They should not have to compete unfairly against foreign beef. It is Washington’s job to ensure there is a fair playing field.
“The Trump administration recently unveiled a voluntary label. It’s called ‘Product of the USA.’ It means Americans can trust what they’re buying.
“Just this week, the administration rolled back the Biden administration’s disastrous public lands rule. In Wyoming, nearly half of our land is owned by the federal government.
“Federal law has long recognized the value of land that has multiple uses – including for grazing. The Biden rule changed multiple use into no use. It was designed to shut down federal grazing across the West. It was an attack on our Wyoming way of life.
“I aggressively fought back against Biden’s punishing regulation here in the Senate. I am glad the Trump administration overturned it. Our ranchers will now be able to expand their operations and produce more high-quality Wyoming beef.
“I will continue to fight for policies that expand American beef production. It needs to be easier – not harder – for Wyoming ranchers to feed America.
“Let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best.”
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Office of Senator Barrasso
