Growth Energy and National Corn Growers Association Releases Concerning EPA’s Proposed 2017 Renewable Volume Obligation
From Growth Energy:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed 2017 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The conventional biofuel amount of 14.8 billion gallons is an increase from 14.5 billion gallons in 2016, but falls short of the RFS law. In response Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:
“We are encouraged that the EPA proposal takes a step forward, signaling the critical importance of cleaner burning, less expensive biofuels, like ethanol. However it still falls short of the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Ethanol producers, retailers and the current auto fleet are fully capable of providing consumers with a true choice at the pump.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard is our country’s most successful climate and energy policy. It continues to inject much needed competition and consumer choice into the vehicle fuels marketplace. It enables greater consumer use of cleaner biofuels that displace toxic emissions and reduce our carbon footprint, while creating American jobs, revitalizing rural America and lowering the price at the pump.
“Growth Energy is reviewing this proposal and will actively encourage our members and consumers to engage throughout the public comment period. The administration invested $100 million in biofuels infrastructure this past year and we look forward to working with EPA and the administration to finalize a rule with higher renewable fuel levels to ensure an open and fair fuel marketplace.
From National Corn Growers Association:
The following is a statement from Maryland farmer Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association, in response to today’s announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the proposed renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
“EPA has moved in a better direction, but we are disappointed that they set the ethanol number below statute. 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.
“In the past, the EPA has cited a lack of fuel infrastructure as one reason for failing to follow statute. 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.
“America’s corn farmers and the ethanol industry have done their job. NCGA will continue fighting to hold the government accountable for its promises. 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 RVO to statute.”