News

Walz says keep dukes up in fight against RFS waivers

The co-chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition wants to keep up the fight against RFS waivers. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who along with Kristy Noem of South Dakota chairs the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, says there needs to be pushback when the EPA grants small refinery exemptions.

“And it’s a powerful thing when we can do it in a bipartisan manner.”

Speaking at the MN Ag Expo in Mankato Wednesday, Walz drew parallels to boxing, saying the Midwest punches way above its weight in terms of innovation.

“Especially around biofuels. But again, there are going to be folks that want to shrink that market because if we’re able to expand the market, that means the need for oil starts to decrease. And we’re going to see people push back.”

Biofuels groups including the Renewable Fuels Association have filed several legal challenges against the EPA, most recently in August after 31 additional waivers were granted.