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Naig and Reynolds: EPA's Ruling on RFS a Win for Iowans
Iowa Ag Connection - 02/23/2021

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Gov. Kim Reynolds each released statements Monday in response to the announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit's interpretation of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) small-refinery exemptions.

"The decision to uphold the RFS is great news for all Iowans -- our farmers, our rural communities, and our drivers who get more affordable, more environmentally-friendly choices at the gas pump," said Secretary Naig. "The renewable fuels industry plays a critical role in our state's economy and workforce. We must continue to invest in infrastructure that allows fuel retailers to offer biodiesel and ethanol at even more pumps around the state so we can continue to grow demand for this important Iowa-made product."

According to a recent study commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the production of ethanol and biodiesel accounts for nearly $4 billion in state GDP, supports 37,000 direct and indirect jobs, and boosts Iowa household income by $1.8 billion.

Iowa leads the nation in the production of ethanol and biodiesel. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 4.5 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 11 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 400 million gallons annually.

Gov. Reynolds said, "The small refinery exemption waivers have undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard for far too long, diminishing demand for ethanol and biofuels. Today's announcement by the EPA in defense of the Tenth Circuit Court's decision to rein in these waivers is a victory for Iowa farmers, our renewable fuels industry, and our rural economy. It is an encouraging sign from the Biden Administration on renewable fuel policy, but we cannot let up until the 10th Circuit's ruling is fully upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court."


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