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Report: EPA instructed to back off on RFS changes

Bloomberg reports White House officials have directed the EPA to back off on proposals that would weaken the Renewable Fuels Standard.

Citing “people familiar with the decision”, Bloomberg says the EPA has been instructed to abandon two proposed changes: a reduction in biodiesel requirements and a proposal to allow export ethanol to count toward domestic quotas.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss phone conversations she had earlier in the day with both President Trump and EPA administrator Scott Pruitt. Reynolds says both men assured her they are still committed to the RFS.

“They are feeling the pressure and that’s why we need to keep it up,” Reynolds says. “We can’t let down. We need to continue to talk about the importance and why it’s necessary to show growth and to stand behind a robust Renewable Fuel Standard.”

Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, tells Brownfield Trump’s involvement is encouraging.

“His call with Governor Reynolds today confirms that step one is accomplished, which is the President is aware of the situation and he’s engaging,” Shaw says. “So I do feel better today than I did yesterday, because we’ve accomplished that.”

But Reynolds and Shaw both say the fight is not over and they will continue to put pressure on the administration to follow Congress’ intent on the RFS.

AUDIO: News conference with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and other Iowa biofuels advocates

 

AUDIO: Interview with Monte Shaw