from the National Farmers Union

National Farmers Union  submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today expressing deep concern with EPA’s proposed 2014 volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA’s proposal reduces overall volumes by 16 percent. This is the first time in the program’s history that EPA has reduced overall targets.

“EPA’s proposal is a big step backward in the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ending our reliance on foreign oil, and giving consumers a choice at the pump,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “The RFS is a principle driver of the cellulosic and advanced biofuels industry. This proposal would strand billions of dollars of investment in the next generation of biofuels and send those investment dollars overseas.”

“The ethanol industry supports nearly 400,000 jobs nationwide. If the current proposal is finalized, it will reduce farm income and damage rural economies,” Johnson continued. “EPA wrongly justified its action based on the so-called ‘blend wall.’ This is a creation of the oil industry in order to protect its market share. EPA needs to stand up to Big Oil and support an American-produced, environmentally responsible alternative.”

Under section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to set the renewable fuel targets for the following year.

Click Here to Read NFU’s Comments Submission to the EPA