When motorists in Florida gas up their cars and trucks, they might notice a sticker on the pump that says the fuel contains up to 10 percent ethanol.
Congress first passed a law in 2005 to require oil companies to blend renewable biofuels, including ethanol, with gasoline. In 2007, lawmakers expanded the requirement to diesel and substantially raised the future targets for the total volume of biofuels to be added to the nation's transportation fuel supply.
This federal mandate, known as the Renewable Fuel Standard, was intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, curb greenhouse-gas emissions, and spur the growth of the biofuels industry. But it has drawn heavy flak from critics.
Opponents of the standard, including one of today's columnists, argue it raises the cost of food and fuel, hurts the economy, and damages engines in cars, boats and equipment. They contend that an increase in domestic energy production has made a biofuels mandate unnecessary.
Supporters, including today's other columnist, counter that opposition is driven by the oil industry's desire to monpolize the nation's fuel supply. They maintain that the standard remains good for the economy, the environment and the nation's energy security.
Last year the Florida Legislature repealed a state law requiring ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. It was a symbolic move, however, because the federal mandate still stands. Its future will be settled in Washington, not Tallahassee.
Read more about it
•For a history of the federal biofuel mandate, go to epa.gov and search "renewable fuel standard."
•For the American Petroleum Institute's critical view of the mandate, search "renewable fuel standard" at api.org.
•The Renewable Fuels Association lays out its case for biofuels at ethanolrfa.org.