At the request of many of her farmer constituents, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) met with the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy yesterday to express concern over the EPA’s recent proposal to reduce the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Bustos told the EPA Administrator that lowering the amount of renewable fuels in gasoline could hurt rural communities across Illinois, jeopardize local jobs, raise prices at the pump and deter investment in biofuels and biofuel infrastructure.

Bustos, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has been a strong supporter of Illinois biofuels and recognizes the important role the industry plays in rural economies.

Illinois Corn Growers Association applauds Bustos for her assertiveness and attentiveness to farmer constituents on this issue.  Bustos has also spearheaded a letter from many members of Congress to the U.S. EPA concerning this issue and has been a leader for Illinois agriculture and renewable fuels industry as we try to explain to the U.S. EPA the effects of their proposed rule.

                                                                                                                        Congresswoman Bustos met with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Rep. Collin Peterson

                                                                                                                       (MN-7), the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee to discuss the EPA’s

                                                                                                                       proposed rule that reduces the amount of ethanol retailers must use in 2014.