Iowa Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne had mixed feelings over the EPA?s Renewable Volume Obligations announcement this past week.
In an interview with IARN affiliate KMA, Axne said the RVOs set for 2022 are putting the biofuels industry on the right path. The EPA?s 2022 RVO proposal was more than 3.5 billion gallons higher than the volume of renewable fuel used in 2020.
“We’ve had ups and downs over the last several years,” said Axne. “We were under threat in the biofuel industry. I wanted to see certainty moving forward with 2022, and we’ve got that. So, I’m thrilled with what we’ve got coming for us, not just in the RVOs ? so that we can make sure we are getting the right blends, and supporting our Iowa farmers and our ethanol industry ? but of course, to help combat climate (change) across this country, which is what the product does.”
On the flip side, Axne expressed disappointment with the agency?s decision to retroactively lower the 2020 RVO target.
“You know, we’re basically staying flat for 2021 with the blending requirements,” she said. “We’re moving forward, and having better blending requirements in 2022–so more business for our farmers and our ethanol industry–but in retroactive for 2020, we’re literally not going to get any support there.”
Axne talked about how the 2020 figures will benefit the fossil fuel industry.
“It basically puts money in their pocket,” said the congresswoman. “It doesn’t necessarily hurt our farmers, but it puts money in the pockets of big oil. So, I wasn’t really thrilled about that. But, we’re moving forward now, and we’re going to make it better.”
Axne joined other members of the U.S. House’s Biofuels Caucus in sending a letter to the EPA expressing their concerns over the 2020 RVOs, saying “it does not reflect a sufficient commitment to renewable fuels and family farmers.”
