WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the leading voice for U.S. ethanol supporters and producers, released the following statement in response to an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) that they are deferring greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting requirements for carbon dioxide emissions from biomass-fired and other biogenic sources.
“This is a good first step. The proposed GHG tailoring rule — as initially finalized by EPA to include biogenic sources of GHG’s — would have imposed an unnecessary and financial burden on dozens of ethanol plants that otherwise would not have been subjected to requirements. Science shows that the domestic ethanol industry significantly enhances our nation’s environmental well-being by reducing harmful emissions from vehicles on the road. We applaud EPA for recognizing this important contribution and deferring the rule until a more thorough analysis of how biogenic emissions should be treated is complete. Growth Energy and its members stand ready to work with EPA to develop a sensible approach that will support the use of renewable fuels that reduce green house gas emissions.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.