Washington, D.C. – After filing comments to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to amend the Renewable Fuel Standard program, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis released the following statement today:
“Growth Energy specifically outlined changes to the rule because we see the opportunity in renewable fuels, like ethanol, to reinforce America’s national and economic security, cut greenhouse gas emissions and create U.S. jobs. But first, the rule needs to be done right. EPA must follow the intent of Congress it passed the 2007 energy act, and amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to encourage the production of renewable fuels – not erect new obstacles to biofuels.”
The Growth Energy filing includes comments on a number of provisions in the EPA proposal, including:
* There is a lack of scientific consensus on whether production of biofuels, such as corn ethanol, generates international Indirect Land Use Changes, and in fact there is data that shows no connection between ethanol production and ILUC; Growth Energy urges EPA to bifurcate the rulemaking process so final rules for ethanol production from current facilities can be published without further delay.
* How EPA will treat corn ethanol from plants that were in operation or under construction when EPA passed the 2007 Energy Act. It is Growth Energy’s position that the EPA staff proposal ignores the intent of Congress, as directed in the law, to allow first-generation ethanol plants to continue full production. Not permitting those plants to remain viable would run counter to the direction of Congress when it passed the 2007 bill.
* The EPA should consult with and listen to the other federal agencies that have an important role and expertise in studying ethanol production, including both the Energy Department and the Agriculture Department. It’s not clear from the staff proposal whether EPA fully accounted for the views of Energy and Agriculture.
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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.