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NFU and NCGA issue White Paper stating EPA harm to agriculture

The National Farmers Union and National Corn Growers Association have released a document that they say shows the harm caused by EPA’s handling of the Renewable Fuels Standard.

 NFU president Roger Johnson said during a conference call with reporters this morning the White Paper outlines how uncertainty around the RFS has come with great cost.

“Several ethanol plants have actually halted production, and the USDA projected net cash income for American farmers and ranchers is expected to decline by 26 percent this year from 2013.”

 In May, EPA released its proposed renewable fuel volume standards for 2014, 2015 and 2016, with reductions from the original statute. A final ruling is expected November 30^th.

 NCGA president Chip Bowling says staying the course with the RFS benefits the entire nation.

“Construction and operation of ethanol plants has created additional jobs in the U.S.  It’s created jobs in the manufacturing of ag equipment and technology across rural America.  Meanwhile, market access to renewable alternative fuels has lowered gasoline costs to consumers, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased dependence on foreign oil.”

 Bowling was asked about what he was hearing from the agency ahead of the deadline.

“We haven’t had any more communication with the EPA.  We were hoping that with the stance we took, as far as try to communicate with them through the RFS and other matters with EPA, that we would’ve had more communication with them.  But, the lines of communication on their end have been silent.”

 The final sentence of the White Paper states “EPA is causing uncertainty throughout the whole renewable fuel and agriculture value chains, putting American jobs, innovations and investments at risk, and undermining the social and economic fabric of rural America.”