EPA rules on issues from biofuels to water regulation conflict with the administration’s stated goals. That’s according to farm industry leaders.
On the one hand, the EPA and Treasury Department say they want to foster a huge new biofuel market in sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, that could help meet or surpass needed RFS volumes. On the other, Renewable Fuels Association head Geoff Cooper argues the EPA is moving to reduce existing market share for biofuels.
It requires some two-thirds of new light-duty vehicle sales to be EVs by 2032. RFA, the American Farm Bureau, and others are suing EPA to stop the rule.
Cooper argues that SAF won’t soon make up the difference in lost biofuel demand or soak up a bumper corn crop weighing on prices.
Also, the EPA continues to try to enforce Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS rules despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling saying the rules must be overhauled, and earlier, the agency vowed to protect farmers.
Farmer and United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says he’s heard similar complaints from constituents.
Farm Bureau accused EPA last week of using secret memos to field offices that don’t clearly define water features the way the Supreme Court intended, giving the agency unchecked regulatory power.
