FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2017

Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the Trump Administration’s first proposed set of volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The proposal maintains the conventional biofuel amount at 15 billion gallons, yet lowers obligations for advanced biofuels, including biodiesel, and ultimately falls nearly 7 billion gallons short of the levels prescribed by Congress in the RFS statute.

In response to the proposal, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement:

“While we’re pleased to see proposed conventional renewable fuels obligations remain consistent with the RFS statute, the overall proposal falls short of preserving the integrity of the RFS – which is to drive the biofuels market and grow the industry.

“For the past year, President Trump and his administration have assured family farmers and rural residents that this administration plans to support biofuels and uphold the intent of Congress as it relates to the RFS. But today’s disappointing proposal, by lowering volume obligations for the next generation of biofuels, seems to back off these assurances.

“As family farmers navigate a severely depressed farm economy, this is a time the administration should be raising expectations for a policy that drives many economies in rural America. We urge the administration to reconsider this action and to increase these proposed obligations to meet the levels as written by Congress.”

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To download an audio file of Roger Johnson’s statement, visit our website at nfu.org/audio.

About NFU
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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