The outcome of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent public hearing on the 2014 Standards for the Renewable Fuels Standard Program elicited disappointment from the National Farmers Union.
“While we are pleased that the EPA held this hearing to gain feedback, NFU members are incensed with EPA’s initial proposal,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “At a time when the price of corn is below the breakeven point for farmers, EPA’s proposal slashes the corn ethanol requirement to a level below current production.
“This will have a devastating impact on farmers and the rural economy.”
“EPA has cited the so-called ‘blend wall’ as the reason for reducing the RFS targets,” Johnson said. “This excuse comes directly from Big Oil’s talking points. The RFS was not intended to be convenient for the oil industry. It is intended to provide consumers a choice at the pump and to increase our nation’s energy security.
“EPA’s proposal will hurt the advanced and cellulosic biofuels industry at a time when commercial-scale plants are coming online,” the farm leader added.
“Without a stronger commitment from EPA, investors will be reluctant to continue to pour billions of dollars into an industry that is creating good-paying jobs in rural areas, providing farmers with additional markets and mitigating climate change.”
