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RFS targets bring cheers and jeers

While many are cheering the Trump Administration’s new renewable fuels targets, others say they are disappointed in the levels set for biodiesel and next-generation cellulosic ethanol.

The CEO of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Craig Floss, says they are pleased with the EPA’s decision to keep conventional ethanol at the 15 billion gallon level for 2018.

“We have a lot of piles of corn out there, so every bit of good news that we can possibly get is really important for future profitability,” Floss says. “This is definitely good news to see that limit stay where it’s at.”

But Monte Shaw of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the proposal to keep biodiesel levels frozen at 2.1 billion gallons falls well short of the U.S. biodiesel industry’s capabilities.

“If that were finalized—and, of course, this is only a proposal and we’re going to try to move that needle during that public comment period—but if it were finalized, that would be the first time since biodiesel had an RFS level that it was not increased,” Shaw says. “So that would be kind of troubling.”

National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson criticized the administration for lowering the obligations for advanced biofuels, including biodiesel.

“While we’re pleased to see proposed conventional renewable fuels obligations remain consistent with the RFS statute, the overall proposal falls short of preserving the integrity of the RFS – which is to drive the biofuels market and grow the industry,” Johnson said.

“For the past year, President Trump and his administration have assured family farmers and rural residents that this administration plans to support biofuels and uphold the intent of Congress as it relates to the RFS. But today’s disappointing proposal, by lowering volume obligations for the next generation of biofuels, seems to back off these assurances.”

AUDIO: Monte Shaw, IRFA