DES MOINES – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released statements upon learning of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalized Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule regarding volume obligations within the program that is vital to agriculture and rural economic development. With the final EPA rule, the State of Iowa is well-positioned to further advance our leadership in renewable fuels.
“I am very encouraged that the EPA has decided to increase its conventional renewable fuel volume requirement to the levels set by Congress for 2017, putting the program back on the right track,” said Governor Branstad. “Although the biodiesel numbers did not grow as much as the industry advocated, I understand that biodiesel is best positioned to compete for increased volumes in the increased advanced biofuels category. Federal decisions have led to unnecessary uncertainty in agriculture and the biofuels industry the last few years. In this week of Thanksgiving, Iowans should generally be thankful that our nation is moving back toward a robust RFS that is vital to the revitalization of rural America.”
“In America’s heartland, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is recognized as a vital Federal policy,” noted Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. “A strong RFS supports hard working farmers who rely on value-add opportunities for their commodities. Numerous Iowans have rewarding careers in the biofuels industry and the RFS also diversifies America’s energy portfolio that gives consumers true choices at the fuel pump. I’m grateful for these positive steps forward in the RFS.”
The EPA finalized a total renewable fuel volume of 19.28 billion gallons (BG) -- 4.28 BG is advanced biofuel and 311 million gallons is cellulosic biofuel. Thus, the RVO for conventional biofuels, like corn ethanol, increased from the 14.8 BG proposed in May to 15 BG in the final rule.
The State of Iowa has long supported the biofuels industry. Consumers deserve a choice at the pump and the RFS is important to ensuring they have that choice.
Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds have been engaged in calling for a strong and robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for several years.
Highlights of Iowa leaders’ engagement on the RFS include:
· State and Federal elected officials, including Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds, participated in a “Defend the RFS” event.
· Gov. Branstad traveled to Washington, DC, joining a group of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, to testify at the Federal government’s only public hearing and met with EPA Administrator McCarthy.
· Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a joint letter to Federal leaders advocating for the many benefits that flow from the RFS.
· Gov. Terry Branstad and Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) penned an op-ed in support of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.
· Gov. Terry Branstad brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong RFS.
· Leaders from across the Midwest joined Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their “Hearing in Heartland,” which was open to all interested citizens; 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy while only two individuals expressed opposition to a robust RFS.
· Gov. Branstad, in his Condition of the State address, called on the Iowa Legislature to pass a resolution in support of a robust RFS. The Legislature unanimously passed bicameral, bipartisan resolutions calling for the EPA to reverse course and support a strong RFS. View the resolutions: House Resolution 101 | Senate Resolution 101
· Governor Branstad traveled to Kansas City, Kansas to deliver testimony before the Environmental Protection Agency in support of a robust Renewable Fuel Standard.
· Governor Branstad received the 2016 America’s Fuel Award for his extraordinary efforts in promoting clean fuel and energy policies.
· Governor Branstad joined 7 Midwestern Governors and sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy requesting the removal of regulatory obstacles that effect the E15 blend of ethanol.
· Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds released a statement on the EPA’s renewable volume obligation levels.
· Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds joined other state leaders in commenting on the most recent EPA RFS proposed rule.
· Governor Branstad spoke with OMB Director Sean Donovan this fall and advocated for a strong RFS.
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