EPA Increases 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard for Ethanol, Falls Short for Biodiesel

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2017 and biomass-based diesel volume for 2018. In a significant achievement, the EPA reached the 15 billion gallon level required by statute for conventional biofuels, a victory for corn ethanol producers in Iowa. For biodiesel, the agency continues to set levels below the potential of the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries. Senator Grassley made the following comment.

“This announcement is good news for Iowa, and in particular corn ethanol producers. While more work needs to be done to increase levels for biodiesel, this is the first time that the EPA has reached the statutory level for traditional corn ethanol. This achievement marks significant progress for renewable energy and is a tribute to Iowa's clean energy leadership.”

Grassley fought efforts by the EPA, Big Oil and Big Food to reduce the RFS. Earlier this year, Grassley led a bipartisan coalition of 39 senators to urge the EPA to abide by the congressionally-passed Renewable Fuel Standard for traditional ethanol. Grassley also led a bipartisan coalition of 40 senators urging the EPA to increase biodiesel levels.

More information from the EPA about this announcement can be found here. 

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