Governors Unite to Expand Biodiesel in Fuel Supply
ANKENY, Iowa – The Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association commended Governor Kim Reynolds for leading a multi-state letter to the Environmental Protection Agency, attempting to persuade the agency to increase biomass-based diesel and overall advanced volumes from its currently proposed volumes under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. The EPA’s proposed rule establishes specific volumes of renewable fuels, like biodiesel, that oil refiners must blend into petroleum products for 2023 through 2025.
The letter, co-authored by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, says: “Adding to the supply of fuel, expanding agriculture markets, and supporting rural economies is the right thing to do right now. For these reasons and more, we ask that you substantially increase the RFS’ biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel volumes for 2023, 2024 and 2025 – without decreasing market space for other renewable fuels.”
Grant Kimberley, executive director of IBB, issued the following statement:
“Governor Reynolds continues to serve as an outspoken proponent for biodiesel, and we commend her for her leadership. We agree with the governor that rather than holding it back, now is the time to unleash the power of biomass-based diesel to address both new and old challenges that our country faces. Biodiesel can help reduce high fuel costs through a more diverse fuel supply, boost American manufacturing and shore up the vital farm economy – all while reducing carbon in the transportation sector. These are benefits the EPA can embrace by giving biodiesel more than a nominal increase under the RFS volumes.”
Randy Miller, ISA president and soybean farmer from Lacona, Iowa, issued the following statement:
“U.S. fuel prices remain persistently high, which impacts the economics of our country across the board. Farmers face increased expenses in planting, harvesting and other inputs, and high fuel costs impact the transportation of our food and other goods, which could exacerbate inflation for all Americans. Also on the line is $5 billion in investments – more than 10% of which is in Iowa – to increase soybean crush capacity. This is badly needed infrastructure that would help shore up this country’s food and fuel supply.
“Now is the time to encourage rural economic development and opportunities for farmers while making our fuel supply substantially better. We thank Governor Reynolds for her continued recognition of this and for her leadership in trying to make the case for a stronger course of action from EPA.”
The organizations encouraged Iowans to thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership on this issue. Biodiesel is made from a diverse mix of resources, including soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats.
About the Iowa Biodiesel Board
The Iowa Biodiesel Board represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users. Founded by the Iowa Soybean Association, IBB operates an independent organization and board. The IBB works to promote the commercial and economic success of biodiesel in Iowa. More at IowaBiodiesel.org.
About the Iowa Soybean Association
The Iowa Soybean Association is Driven To Deliver market demand, production research, information and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa's 40,000 soybean farmers and the industry. For more information, visit iasoybeans.com.
Not funded by the soybean checkoff
For More Information:
Contact: Jenna Rose, IBB
(573) 808-0815 (cell)
jenna@rosemedia.biz
Brock Johnston, ISA
(641) 521-1794
bjohnston@iasoybeans.com