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EPA biofuel delays are hurting farm markets

The founder of a grassroots organization says the ongoing delay in finalizing biofuel blending requirements is costing producers demand and economic opportunity.

Steve Crim is the president and founder of Common Sense America. “They’re losing market producing these crops. That’s unsustainable. These farmers are now looking at these crops for next year and the year after that and what to do. The RVO and releasing these numbers would be a really good thing for the market.”

Last year, the U.S. EPA issued its proposed Renewable Volume Obligations at 15 billion gallons for ethanol and 5.61 for biomass-based diesel fuel for 2026.

He tells Brownfield if RVO’s are finalized at a higher level it could result in the need for crushing capacity in the U.S. “That would create an independent type of market for us where we don’t have to rely on foreign imports or feedstocks to meet the demand here in the U.S. for renewable fuels.”

And, Crim says, timely RVO’s could also strengthen rural economies and strengthen supply chains.

Common Sense America focuses on advancing practical policies that grow the economy, strengthen domestic supply chains and support American farmers.

Steve Crim: