Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds Release Statements on EPA's Disappointing Renewable Volume Obligation Levels

Statement

Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released statements upon learning of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels proposal for 2017, and the Biodiesel Volumes for 2018.

In response, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds issued the following statements:

"Once again, we are disappointed to learn that the EPA has called for setting renewable fuel volumes below the levels Congress and President Bush set under the Renewable Fuel Standard. While we're encouraged that the EPA made slight increases with the volume levels, their proposal falls far short," said Branstad. "Maintaining a robust Renewable Fuel Standard is extremely important for Iowans and families across the country and we will not relent in our efforts to get the EPA and other federal leaders to adopt robust levels in the future that we know Iowa farmers can both produce and sustain."

"The newest Renewable Volume Obligations have again created uncertainty that has contributed to declining farmland values, farm income and commodity prices," said Reynolds. "We believe a more robust Renewable Fuel Standard is warranted. We will continue to pressure federal leaders to recognize the potential growth Iowa farmers can contribute to in the renewable fuel industry. While federal leaders missed a great opportunity to clearly show their commitment to growth in rural America, we welcome the slight increase that will modestly improve consumers' choice at the pump, create jobs, increase incomes, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Source