WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce chairman has selected four Republican members to head a committee on Renewable Fuels Standard reform, E&E reports. Last week, NACS testified at a hearing on the RFS.

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) tapped Reps. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Lee Terry (R-NE), Steve Scalise (R-LA) and John Shimkus (R-IL) for the positions. The quartet will take the lead on writing legislation that will take into account concerns raised by NACS and other groups on the RFS, said Charlotte Baker, committee spokeswoman. No firm dates have been released as to any proposal deadlines.

During the hearing, Shimkus expressed his support of a solution that would benefit both ethanol producers and oil companies/retailers. “I'm standing squarely with a foot in both bodies, and it's my goal and desire to get to a solution that benefits us all, not one side over the other,” he said.

However, his colleague Scalise wants to fully repeal the mandate. “When I talk to my colleagues who represent those districts that are heavy, intensive with farmers, that maybe today are benefiting from this monopoly that they have with the RFS, they recognize that this is unworkable,” said Scalise, the committee’s leader. “They recognize that come next year, changes need to happen.”

NACS supports fuel liability reform.