Corn growers push for changes to 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard

The corn growers association encourage the EPA to make further changes to the renewable fuel standard proposal.
The corn growers association encourage the EPA to make further changes to the renewable fuel standard proposal. | File photo
Leaders with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently released a statement urging further changes in the Renewable Fuel Standard from the Environmental Protection Agency.

“EPA has moved in a better direction, but we are disappointed that they set the ethanol number below statute,” NCGA President Chip Bowling said. “The Renewable Fuel Standard is working for America. It has made our air cleaner. It has spurred investment in rural communities and created high-tech jobs. It has given drivers more choices at the gas pump. And it has reduced our dependency on foreign oil. Any reduction in the statutory amount takes America backward – destabilizing our environment, our economy, and our energy security.”

The NCGA encourages the EPA to make further changes to the proposal despite the agency’s protests.

“In the past, the EPA has cited a lack of fuel infrastructure as one reason for failing to follow statute,” Bowling said. “Our corn farmers and the ethanol industry have responded. Over the past year, we’ve invested millions of dollars along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership to accelerate public and private investment in new ethanol pumps and fuel infrastructure. The fact is, today’s driver has more access than ever to renewable fuel choices.”

With the proposal, the EPA is letting down the very farmers that are working so hard to improve the U.S.

“America’s corn farmers and the ethanol industry have done their job. NCGA will continue fighting to hold the government accountable for its promises,” Bowling said. “We call on the EPA to follow the law, and raise the ethanol volume to statute. In the coming weeks, the EPA needs to hear from all of us: farmers, neighbors, community leaders and anyone who cares about stability for our rural economy. If you want clean air, a strong economy and vibrant rural communities, and energy independence, we need you to help stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard. Ask the EPA to raise the [return value optimization] to statute.”