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Ricketts: Trump Administration is more open-minded on biofuels

The chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, Nebraska Republican Governor Pete Ricketts, says the Trump administration is much more open to dialogue on renewable fuels than was the Obama administration.

“The last administration really ignored us,” Ricketts says. “It was kind of their way or the highway. Whenever we would testify in front of their panels and so forth, we really got the cold shoulder. This administration is really reaching out and seeking input.”

But even though they’re better listeners, Ricketts says, there is more work to be done.

“We still have to go in and make the case for things such as getting the E15 waiver that E10 has with regard to the Reid Vapor Pressure exception. We’ve still got work to do to get them to update their data and models for MOVES and their carbon lifecycle,” Ricketts says. “We’ve still got work to do to get the EPA to follow the Renewable Fuel Standard—you know, to follow the law. But I do think there’s a different attitude, at least from the top, with regard to that.”

Ricketts says he’s planning to set up a meeting with EPA administrator Scott Pruitt to discuss those concerns.

Ricketts spoke with Brownfield at a recent ethanol forum in Omaha.

AUDIO:  Governor Pete Ricketts