The Renewable Fuels Standard, which requires a certain percentage of ethanol and biofuel diesel be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, was sold to the public largely on the basis of the mandated fuels being renewable.

The idea was to reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel and to promote homegrown jobs and industry. But what happens to that argument when the renewable fuel is imported from foreign countries? As crazy as it sounds, that’s the situation — an unintended consequence.