FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2016

Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2016) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed today its Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVO) for 2017 at 18.8 billion gallons, which fall more than 5 billion gallons below the statutory volume levels set by Congress.

Pointing to the connection between reliable implementation of the RFS and achievement of the Administration’s climate goals, the National Farmers Union (NFU) released the following statement in response to today’s announcement:

“I’m deeply disappointed to see the EPA undermine the RFS once again by falling significantly short of the statute with their proposed volume obligations. This simply does not track with other admirable, important advances on climate this Administration has made.

“Farmers and ranchers understand the impacts that climate change has on our planet, our environmental resources, and our ability to feed a growing world population. The investments made in renewable fuels and advanced biofuels have helped bridge a divide between our current environmental impact and the climate goals set forth by the Administration – goals that we cannot meet without the participation of our family farmers and ranchers. 

“The oil companies have had plenty of time to build out the distribution infrastructure to deliver more biofuels to the consumer and commercial markets that seek this environmentally-friendly energy source. They have simply refused to do so, and EPA’s negligence in adhering to the statutory levels has significantly undermined the plan laid out by Congress in 2007.

“Unfortunately, this action comes at a time when economic distress is increasing in farm country and this half-hearted proposal from EPA will add to that distress. It is time that the Administration stop placing the agenda of Big Oil above our own climate objectives.

“NFU urges the Administration to return the volume obligations to their statutory levels in the final rule.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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