WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.
“The EPA’s announced renewable volume obligations fall short of the full potential of the U.S. biofuels industry. That is disappointing, particularly the lack of increase for biodiesel levels and the cut in cellulosic level requirements. Increases in the volume requirements are justified and would be good public policy. Congress intended for the RFS to drive growth in biofuels across all categories. Contrary to that goal, this final rule does little to encourage investment and growth in advanced biofuels. While I hoped for higher levels, they aren’t unexpected and are unfortunately in line with EPA’s
original proposal. I’m glad that EPA backed off a later proposal, which would have represented an abandonment of President Trump’s stated commitment to biofuels and the integrity of the RFS. Iowa, rural America and the entire country are made stronger by the many jobs, increased energy independence and cleaner air that biofuels provide. The grassroots energy of this growing industry will continue to be a good news story for the nation. I plan to continue working to impress upon the Administration the capability to grow domestic energy production by unlocking the full potential of biofuels.”
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