Iowa lawmakers urge EPA to host public hearing

Source: Telegraph Herald

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- All six of Iowa's federal lawmakers signed a letter filed Monday with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging a public hearing on proposed renewable fuel standards.

Republicans Rep. Rod Blum, Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Chuck Grassley each signed the letter, which was spearheaded by Rep. David Young, a Republican from Van Meter, Iowa.

"Unfortunately, despite having 18 months to listen to stakeholders and consider comments, the EPA's proposed (renewable volume obligations) fall short," the lawmakers wrote. "Thus, we strongly encourage you to add a public hearing in Iowa that would enable EPA officials to hear from Iowans who work in and contribute to the biofuels industry."

Last month's EPA proposal established overall total renewable fuel volume standards at 15.93 billion gallons in 2014, 16.3 billion gallons in 2015 and 17.4 billion gallons in 2016. The new proposal would reduce the amount required in the law by more than 4 billion gallons in 2015 and by more than 3 billion gallons next year.

EPA officials are accepting online comments about the standards. To view and comment on the proposal online, visit http://1.usa.gov/1ei1KjV.

The online proposal will be open for public comment until July 27.

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