Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on EPA 2014 Volume Standards

Randall Weiseman Corn, Energy, Field Crops, General, Industry News Release, Soybeans

WASHINGTON, November 15, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statements on EPA’s proposal of 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards:

“The Obama Administration remains committed to the production of clean, renewable energy from homegrown sources, and to the businesses that are hard at work to create the next generation of biofuels.

It’s important to take a long-term approach to the RFS. Clearly, as Governor of Iowa and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, my support for the RFS has been steady and strong. But I also believe that improved distribution and increased consumer use of renewable fuels are critical to the future of this industry. We are proud of our record to support increased demand for renewable fuels. USDA has invested in the creation of advanced biorefineries across the nation; developed a unique partnership with the U.S. Navy and Department of Energy to create new biofuels for marine and aviation use; and boosted markets for nearly 3,000 U.S. companies that are creating biobased products from homegrown materials.

I am pleased that EPA is requesting comments on how we can help the biofuels industry expand the availability of high-ethanol blends, and I hope the industry uses the comment period to provide constructive suggestions. Together, we will be able to chart a path forward that maintains President Obama’s strong commitment to an “All of the Above” energy strategy for our nation.”