WASHINGTON, D.C.–Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement regarding the ongoing suspension of rail operations by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at two crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.
“Every day, millions of gallons of American bioethanol and key coproducts like high-protein animal feed are transported safely and efficiently by rail. The impact of any rail shipping closure ripples out to impact the entire North American rail system, including the routes most relied upon by American farmers and biorefiners. Mexico is also a critical export market for American bioethanol and animal feed, meaning the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso are uniquely challenging for our industry.
“CBP’s concerns are important, but these closures have a severe impact on important agricultural trade with Mexico that affects the livelihood of many Americans. We urge CBP to rethink its approach and to immediately reopen these crossings before the disruption worsens and damages American agriculture, particularly during the busy holiday season.”