As the Senate considers a bill to approve the contentious Keystone XL pipeline, two amendments of interest to ASA have been filed that could potentially impact the soybean industry.

One amendment offered by Sen. Toomey (R-PA) and Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) would repeal the conventional ethanol portion of the RFS, which is primarily filled by corn ethanol. The amendment would leave intact the biodiesel and advanced biofuel portions of the RFS. While the amendment does not have a direct adverse impact on biodiesel, ASA is concerned with any efforts to undercut agricultural biofuels and the precedent such an amendment would set for the RFS and biofuels in general.  It is not clear yet whether the amendment will gain traction or if it will come to a vote in the Senate.  Republican leaders and proponents of the Keystone bill, including the petroleum industry, have indicated their strong preference to keep the bill focused on Keystone and not include additional provisions.

Another amendment of interest is one filed by Sen. McCain (R-AZ) to repeal the Jones Act, which requires marine vessels operating between domestic ports to be U.S. flagged vessels. The ASA and many agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, that support promotion and expansion of trade and exports have long supported an end to the Jones Act requirement.  Opposition to the McCain amendment has mobilized from members of the House and Senate that are concerned with the impact that repeal of the Jones Act could have on the U.S. shipbuilding industry.  As a result of the opposition and the desire to keep the bill focused on the Keystone Pipeline approval, Sen. McCain has indicated that he is unsure if his amendment will come to a vote in the Senate.

The amendments are, at least in part, a result of a pledge from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to allow a more open process in 2015, creating the opportunity for senators to propose any energy related amendments for potential consideration on the floor.

ASA Washington staff is actively monitoring these issues and communicating our perspectives to Senate offices and ASA will keep members updated on their status as debate on the underlying Keystone bill continues over the next few weeks.