Ernst on EPA Release of RFS Volume Requirements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVO) for 2017 at 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel, meeting the requirements Congress approved in 2007:

“I am pleased the EPA has finally listened to the American people as well as the comments my colleagues and I have pushed forward, and set the final volume requirements for conventional biofuels for 2017 at appropriate and congressionally approved levels. The RFS is critical in reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and provides consumers with choices at the pump. Most importantly, it spurs investment and research in renewable fuels and supports our rural economy in Iowa.

“Iowa is a leader in ethanol and biodiesel production and retail, and maintaining a strong RFS aligned with congressional intent is critically important to our state and our country. As we move into a new Congress, I remain committed to promoting innovation in this field while protecting our domestic energy security.

Earlier this year, the Iowa Senator called for the EPA to follow Congressional intent when the proposed rule was initially released earlier this year. In addition, Ernst joined a bipartisan group of 39 senators on June 26, 2016, in sending a letter to the EPA encouraging the agency to set the RVO at the level directed by Congress.