WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2017 - Four republican governors sent a letter to President Trump this week expressing concerns with recently proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and urging the president to keep his promises to rural America to support the RFS. The letter was signed by Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota, Eric Greitens of Missouri and Sam Brownback of Kansas.
“The renewable fuels industry in our states – and others – is poised to grow if the EPA sends positive and consistent market signals through increases in the required volumes,” the governors wrote. “That will enhance America’s energy security, value-added agriculture and rural economic prosperity. We urge you to continue to fulfill your promises, to continue your support for all biofuels under the RFS and to continue to put America first.”
The letter was in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent request for comments on a proposal to reduce previously finalized volumes required by the RFS program and on using waiver authorities to further reduce biodiesel volumes.
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) said it has serious concerns with EPA’s recent actions and coordinated closely with these governors to communicate their concerns to the administration. Specifically, NBB said, the latest proposed cuts to the RFS volumes threaten jobs in rural America, negatively affect the companies who have invested to comply with the law and undermine the energy security goals of the RFS program.
“NBB appreciates the principled stand these governors have taken,” said Doug Whitehead, NBB’s chief operating officer. “They are right to remind the president that millions of citizens from their states are ardent supporters of his, and he made explicit promises to farmers to protect biofuels investments and the Renewable Fuel Standard. President Trump knows that a strong, growing RFS is needed to uphold his promises and to stave off a recession in rural America.”
In the letter, the governors called on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to support the job creation and agricultural benefits that they say higher volumes of biofuels provide.
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