FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2022
Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org, (202) 557-5328
Brings relief at gas pumps and increases America’s energy independence
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Biden announced an increase in ethanol blending mandates for 2021. The increase is above the figure proposed in December and will more accurately align with U.S. consumption levels.
Additionally, the Administration denied small refinery exemptions (SREs), getting the SRE program back on track after the previous administration inappropriately granted SREs.
National Farmers Union (NFU) has long advocated for the increased use of biofuels based on economic and environmental benefits and has urged the EPA to rethink prior retroactive cuts on volumes.
NFU supports today’s announcement, while noting use of higher-level blends of ethanol, like E30, would add additional benefits to the economy, the environment, and America’s farmers.
“We are encouraged that the EPA is taking biofuels policy in a promising direction,” said Jeff Kippley, NFU Vice President. “Farmers and biofuels producers need certainty in the industry, and we thank the EPA for recognizing the critical need to increase ethanol blending mandates.
“This announcement provides much-needed relief for consumers at the gas pump market and economic stability to America’s farming and rural communities,” Kippley added.
In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). As released, the new standards raised volumes moving forward; they also retroactively lower the already finalized 2020 volumes.
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National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of more than 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
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