Statement: Environmental Agency Continues To Side With Oil Industry

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)—After a lengthy delay, Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) members are frustrated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) flawed tactic in implementing the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Following today’s proposal to lower corn-based ethanol targets, MCGA President Kevin Hurst of Tarkio, Mo., released the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a setback for consumers, a setback for the environment, a setback for energy security and a setback for jobs in America.

“The methodology behind today’s proposal shows EPA is continuing to cave to the oil industry. American farmers and consumers were promised the opportunity to utilize an American-made, cleaner, renewable alternative to oil. Corn growers and ethanol producers have worked hard to meet the renewable fuel requirements established by Congress to decrease our dependence on oil. Yet time and time again, they’ve been met with roadblocks designed by oil interests to keep renewable fuels out of the marketplace.

“A reduction in RFS levels benefits only the oil industry. Consumers are losing out on cost-saving options provided by additional biofuels in the marketplace. We are forced to depend on a finite resource and hostile, foreign nations for a considerable portion of our energy needs.”

Once the proposal has been posted to the Federal Register, comments will be accepted until July 27. The EPA plans to issue the final volume requirements by Nov. 30, 2015.