The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program for 2018, and biomass-based diesel for 2019. “Maintaining the renewable fuel standard at current levels ensures stability in the marketplace and follows through with my commitment to meet the statutory deadlines and lead the Agency by upholding …
NCGA Statement on EPA’s Final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in response to the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “NCGA is pleased to see the EPA meet the Administration’s commitment to keep the RFS on track when it comes …
Biodiesel Industry Lobbying for Tax Credit
Nearly 100 members of the National Biodiesel Board are on Capitol Hill this week encouraging lawmakers to reinstate the biodiesel tax credit, which expired in December 2016. As part of an annual fly-in to the Capitol, NBB members are meeting with lawmakers to support the tax credit to “stabilize the business environment” for the industry, according to NBB CEO Doug …
Growth Energy Applauds EPA Point of Obligation Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency decision to reject changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard point of obligation means consumers will continue to enjoy increasing choices at the pump. Growth Energy applauded the EPA for rejecting requests to change the point of obligation, a move that would have caused confusion in the marketplace. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the move to …
Ethanol Groups Applaud EPA Point of Obligation Announcement
Last week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject petitions to change the Renewable Fuel Standard point of obligation drew applause from ethanol groups. The American Coalition for Ethanol, known as ACE, said in a statement that the coalition is “grateful EPA is rejecting to change the rules for a handful of greedy refiners” who they say want …
EPA Maintains RFS Point of Obligation Requirement
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided Wednesday to maintain the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) Point of Obligation. A Farm Futures Dot Com report notes that EPA administrator Scott Pruitt followed through on a promise to a group of Midwest senators that he would deny a petition from oil refiners to change the point of obligation. He followed through on Wednesday …
What Growers Need to Know about New Restrictions for Dicamba
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced an agreement with Monsanto, BASF and DuPont on measures to further minimize damage to neighboring crops from the use of dicamba formulations used to control weeds in genetically modified cotton and soybeans. Senior Scientist for Regulatory and Environmental Issues at the National Cotton Council (NCC), Steve Hensley, has information for growers on what …
New Reporting Rule Takes Effect, Will Impact Animal Agriculture
Starting Nov. 15, Alabama farmers may be required to report the release of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from their farms under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This new requirement stems from an April 2017 court decision that struck down a rule exempting farms from reporting the releases. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of …
Less Than Two Percent of Food Violates Pesticide Residue Standards
Every year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests food for pesticide residues that violate the limits allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The FDA enforces those standards in both domestically-produced food as well as imported food. As late as the fiscal year 2015, the FDA found that most foods were well within the allowable standards, with domestic food …
GAO to Investigate Pruitt NCBA Videos
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will investigate an appearance by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt in a video by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Pruitt appeared earlier this year in a promotional video against the EPA Waters of the U.S. rule. In the video, Pruitt called for public comments in favor of repealing the rule. The GAO has been …