Trump administration proposes plan to raise U.S. biofuels use - EPA
The Trump administration, in an effort to mend fences with the powerful corn lobby, proposed a new formula on Tuesday to boost biofuels demand, but the proposal instead only provoked more consternation from the industry.
Corn and soybean farmers have been angered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to greatly expand the number of exemptions given to smaller refiners from blending biofuels into the nation’s gasoline pool. They argue the expansion undercuts demand.
In response, the Trump administration has been negotiating for several months to find a way to boost demand for biofuels to satisfy farmers and rural voters. However, the proposed rule, issued in a supplemental notice by the EPA, was met with harsh criticism because it bases the biofuels volumes required for blending on U.S. Energy Department estimates - rather than actual exemptions.
“Only 11 days after President Trump’s landmark announcement, the EPA proposal reneges on the core principal of the deal,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Instead of standing by President Trump’s transparent and accountable deal, EPA is proposing to use heretofore secret DOE recommendations that EPA doesn’t have to follow.”
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Corn and soybean farmers have been angered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to greatly expand the number of exemptions given to smaller refiners from blending biofuels into the nation’s gasoline pool. They argue the expansion undercuts demand.
In response, the Trump administration has been negotiating for several months to find a way to boost demand for biofuels to satisfy farmers and rural voters. However, the proposed rule, issued in a supplemental notice by the EPA, was met with harsh criticism because it bases the biofuels volumes required for blending on U.S. Energy Department estimates - rather than actual exemptions.
“Only 11 days after President Trump’s landmark announcement, the EPA proposal reneges on the core principal of the deal,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Instead of standing by President Trump’s transparent and accountable deal, EPA is proposing to use heretofore secret DOE recommendations that EPA doesn’t have to follow.”
Click Here to read more.