BUTLER COUNTY – Sen. Chuck Grassley
(R-Iowa) today issued the following statement regarding reports that the EPA
has recommended to lower the minimum renewable fuels volumes that must be
supplied to the markets in 2021.
“I’m disappointed to hear the EPA is
planning to lower the minimum required renewable fuels volumes for this year. If
the reports are true, then once again, the EPA is giving a gift to Big Oil and
is playing games with the Renewable Fuel Standard law. This has been a
particularly difficult time for Iowa farmers and producers and they don’t need
the additional uncertainty this announcement brings.
“Releasing the proposed volume obligations
for 2021 when we are already more than halfway through the year is completely
unfair to members of the biofuels community. EPA can’t just keep painting over
this gaping hole of a problem that leaves the regulated community with more
questions than answers.
“President Biden must keep his promise to
biofuels producers to limit welfare to Big Oil, and promote greater reliance on
renewable fuels. The President has the opportunity to ensure that his EPA
follows the law to maintain and grow the amount of biofuel that are
required to be blended. Farmers and biofuels producers know and feel the
negative impact of the agency’s reported actions. The Renewable Fuel Standard
makes gasoline more affordable, generates good-paying jobs, reduces oil imports
and reduces our country’s greenhouse gas emissions. I’ll continue working to
ensure the administration follows the law and keeps its commitments to
America’s renewable fuels producers.”
