Ag Groups React to RFS Volumes for 2018

Some advanced biofuels were cut when the Environmental Protection Agency released its proposed renewable fuels volumes for 2018. The American Soybean Association wasn’t pleased with the lack of growth proposed by the EPA in biomass-based diesel volumes as well as a reduction in advanced biofuels.

A.S.A. President and Illinois farmer Ron Moore called it disappointing and a missed opportunity for the administration to demonstrate support for biodiesel and soybean farmers. “A.S.A. believes the volumes for the biomass-based diesel category and the over-arching advanced biofuels category should be higher to capitalize on the opportunity to boost domestic biodiesel production,” says Moore.

The National Farmers Union was pleased that the conventional biofuels obligation remained consistent but said the overall proposal falls short of preserving the integrity of the RFS. “President Trump and his administration have assured family farmers and rural residents that this administration plans to support biofuels and uphold the intent of Congress as it relates to the RFS,” says NFU President Roger Johnson. “But today’s disappointing proposal seems to back off these assurances.”

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley called the lack of any biodiesel increase a “missed opportunity.”