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Jackson, Ryan[jackson.ryan@epa.gov] POLITICO Pro Tue 8/1/2017 5:08:53 PM Iowa, Nebraska governors ask EPA to pump up advanced biofuels
By Eric Wolff
08/01/2017 01:04 PM EDT
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, today asked EPA to increase the amount of biomass-based biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol in its final biofuels rule.
The two Republican governors, joined by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), told a panel of EPA staff that companies had the capacity to produce 2.75 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2019, far more than the 2.1 billion gallons the agency proposed.
"When you set the bar high, the industry has the ability to jump," Ricketts said at the EPA hearing on its Renewable Fuel Standards targets for 2018.
The group also asked EPA to increase cellulosic volumes, which EPA proposed to reduce 23 percent in 2018 compared to this year.
"Reducing volumes for biodiesel and cellulosic would create uncertainty," Ernst said. "Especially as rural communities continue to experience a downturn in ag economy."
All three praised EPA for getting a proposal out approximately on time, a dig at the Obama administration, which missed deadlines so badly it set requirements for 2014 and 2015 at the end of 2015, in conjunction with a rule for 2016. And they were pleased the agency kept conventional biofuels, typically filled by com-based ethanol, at the maximum level.
Ricketts and Reynolds told reporters after their testimony that they had each had an opportunity to speak with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt both in person and on the phone on at least four occasions, and they were pleased with his accessibility.
WHAT'S NEXT: EPA will take comment on the proposed volumes through Aug. 31.
To view online; https://www.politicopro.eom/agriculture/whiteboard/2017/08/iowa-nebraska-govemors-ask-epato-pump-up-advanced-biofuels-091341
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Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906
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