WASHINGTON -- A representative for the Environmental Protection Agency said regulators will consider economic impact of renewable-fuel requirements when deciding whether to suspend rules on ethanol production.

Senate Republicans asked environmental regulators to use their power to halt the country's plans to expand ethanol production amid rising food prices. The agency has the power to waive or restructure federal requirements if they cause harm.

However, the EPS representative said that the Bush administration remains committed to ethanol as an alternative fuel because of its potential to get the country "off its addiction to foreign oil."

Analysts said lawmakers are unlikely to roll back popular ethanol subsidies during an election year.