Iowa’s economy thrives on renewable fuels. New markets for corn and soybeans have brought better prices for Iowa commodities, created jobs in our communities and generated all kinds of economic activity.
Renewable fuels are also good for the nation at large by:
• Reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil
• Improving our environment by decreasing fossil fuel emissions
•Lowering the price of fuel at the pump
That’s why we support the national Renewable Fuels Standard, which calls for a certain number of gallons of renewable fuel to be sold nationwide, providing essential support to these homegrown fuels.
Unfortunately, large oil companies are undermining these efforts by pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to roll back the Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol and freeze levels for biodiesel. Big oil claims reductions are necessary, even though renewable fuels producers have shown that there is no shortage of ethanol or biodiesel.
When this news broke, Iowa legislators in the House and Senate moved quickly to show our support for maintaining the national Renewable Fuels Standard. A rollback would present a big challenge to the Iowa economy, leading to lower crop prices for our farmers and lost jobs for folks whose work is tied to renewable fuels production.
Make your voice heard on the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comment through January 28 at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479.