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Growth Energy confident in Scott Pruitt

An official with Growth Energy says he believes new EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has a fresh perspective on renewable fuels.

Chris Bliley tells Brownfield the former Oklahoma Attorney General now represents President Trump, who touted the environmental benefits and energy security ethanol provides throughout his campaign.

“Some of what he did previously as the Attorney General of Oklahoma was specific to Oklahoma at the time.  Taking a broader look at this from a national level, we believe he certainly sees the benefits.  Not only for ethanol producers, but also for farmers (and) small local ag economies as well.”

The nomination of Pruitt as EPA director drew criticism from across the renewable fuels sector for negative comments he made about the Renewable Fuel Standard while AG of Oklahoma.

Bliley says Pruitt has given Growth Energy many reasons to feel confident EPA will be supportive of the renewable fuels industry.

“We’re encouraged.  We think he’s said a lot of positive things during his confirmation process.  We’ve been encouraged by the meetings that people have had with his people at EPA, and with the administrator himself.”

Brownfield interviewed Bliley earlier this week during NAFB’s Washington Watch in Washington, D.C.