ICGA Responds to the U.S. EPA Proposed Blending Volumes

On December 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a biofuel blending volumes proposal, calling for an increase in the  biofuel blending requirement for 2022 of 22.77 billion gallons. The EPA also proposed to add 250 million gallons in 2022 and another 250 million gallons in 2023 in response to a 2017 court decision.

Illinois Corn Growers Association Martin Marr, a farmer from Jacksonville, IL, issued the following statement after reviewing the proposal:

“Corn-based ethanol can be an important part of our nation’s clean energy policy, so its exciting to see the U.S. EPA present a plan to use more ethanol in 2022 to accomplish the administrations climate goals. Unfortunately, the proposal also included a cut in the 2020 volumes which is an unprecedented move to impact the pursuit of cleaner air retroactively. This is a confusing idea from the EPA.

No matter what the U.S. EPA proposes, one important solution to our nation’s challenges will come from corn-based ethanol. It’s available right now, and increased ethanol blends using the infrastructure we already have in place will make an immediate positive impact in our air and climate. Our Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos understands this and has initiated positive change in the Next Generation Fuels Act. ICGA will continue to encourage passage of this bill.”

National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington issued the following statement on the proposal:

“Because low-carbon ethanol replaces high-carbon gasoline and cuts emissions from vehicles, the proposed volumes for 2022 would help the Biden administration meet emission reduction commitments and lower fuel prices. Denying pending refinery exemption petitions and restoring gallons improperly waived in the past are important steps toward restoring RFS integrity. These actions help move renewable fuels forward.

However, reopening 2020 volumes is unprecedented and rewards the use of more oil at the expense of the environment. We strongly urge EPA to move forward with finalizing the strong 2022 volumes while correcting course on the proposed retroactive cuts.”