On Tuesday, various ag and ethanol groups took part in a virtual hearing from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the latest Renewable Fuels Standard volume targets for 2023-2025. Below is reaction, testimony and more from various groups:
Quote from Tom Haag, President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA):
“We support the growth trajectory in EPA’s proposal; however, with continued pressure on energy security and costs and the need to accelerate carbon emission reductions, biofuels can contribute even more. We ask EPA to continue working with us on complementary policies that advance higher ethanol blends, enabling ethanol to do more to cut both emissions and costs.” (Link to full NCGA news release)
Quote from Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy:
“We are greatly encouraged by EPA’s strong Set proposal with implied conventional biofuel volumes at 15 billion gallons for 2023 and increasing to 15.25 billion gallons for 2024 and 2025. Moving forward, our opportunities for growth across both conventional and advanced biofuels are linked, so it is important that the proposed volumes reflect industry growth and innovation. Specifically, we ask that EPA clear the backlog of pathway approvals for renewable fuels, including cellulosic biofuels from kernel fiber, advanced biofuels from corn oil produced at bioethanol wet mills, and bioethanol produced using carbon capture technologies.” (Link to full Growth Energy news release)
Quote from Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA):
“Overall, we believe the proposed ‘Set’ rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway for sustainable growth in the production and use of low-carbon renewable fuels. Once finalized, the rule will further enhance our nation’s energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the rural economy.” (Link to full RFA news release)
Quote from Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America (formerly NBB):
“The proposed rule significantly undercounts existing biomass-based diesel production and fails to provide growth for investments the industry has already made in additional capacity, including for sustainable aviation fuel.” (Link to full Clean Fuels Alliance America news release)
Quote from Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America (formerly NBB):
“Clean Fuels is once again frustrated that EPA has the wherewithal needed to determine current production, the knowledge of the investments being made, and the resources to accurately determine feedstock availability — yet proposes a no growth scenario.” (Link to full Clean Fuels Alliance America news release)
Quote from Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council (ABBC):
“We appreciate EPA’s commitment to setting a multiyear RVO, curtailing Small Refiner Exemptions (SREs), and establishing reasonable growth across all categories of biofuel. EPA did leave some tools on the shelf for promoting innovation in the cellulosic biofuels industry and optimizing U.S. investment in this critical, ultra-low-carbon liquid fuel sector. We look forward to working with EPA to maximize those opportunities in the final rule.” (Link to ABBC)
