out that these jobs, heavily concentrated in rural areas, provide a much-needed economic boost to otherwise depressed places. E85 , almost half of new vehicles produced by Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors are flex-fuel, meaning roughly one-quarter of all new vehicles sold by 2015 are capable of using up to E85. However, obstacles to widespread use of E85 fuel remain. A 2014 analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association found that oil companies prevent or discourage affiliated retailers from selling E85 through rigid franchise and branding agreements, restrictive supply contracts, and other tactics. The report showed independent retailers are five times more likely to offer E85 than retailers carrying an oil company brand. Committees The RFA convenes four concern-specific committees. Technical Committee focuses heavily on fuel specifications and standards such as ASTM International, National Conference of Weights and Measures, ISO, Canadian General Standards Board, and other international fuel requirements. Environmental Compliance Committee examines and provides guidance on the myriad of environmental regulations pertaining to ethanol production facilities. Co-Products Committee focuses on issues relevant to all ethanol co-products, from research and educational programs to regulatory issues and trade. Plant and Employee Safety Committee works with federal, state and local governments as well as industry partners, to bring attention to hazardous materials regulations and other safety requirements. See also Renewable Fuel Standard Canadian Renewable Fuels Association Renewable energy commercialization in the United States Solar Energy Industries Association Renewable energy commercialization American Council on Renewable Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory References External links Renewable Fuels Association Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Canadian Renewable Fuels Association Fuels America Al-Corn Clean Fuel: About Bioenergy organizations Biofuel in the United States Renewable energy organizations based in the United States