Agricultural News
NCGA Sets Record Straight on House Letter Urging EPA to Waive RFS
Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:38:01 CDT
Last week 154 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter that included inaccuracies to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson urging a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Today, National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer sent a letter to every member of the House of Representatives setting the record straight.
"Unfortunately, the letter sent to EPA Administrator Jackson did not provide accurate information about the amount of corn used to produce ethanol or livestock feed," Niemeyer stated in the letter. "Furthermore, it lacks a comprehensive description of the "burden of proof" required under the RFS waiver provisions. The letter relies on long discredited claims that opponents of the RFS have continued to reference in their on-going efforts to repeal the RFS."
Niemeyer also pointed out research has shown that increased worldwide demand and the rising cost of oil and other inputs have had far greater effect on the price of corn than the ethanol volume requirements of the RFS. In addition, he added NCGA believes that it is premature for EPA to waive the RFS provisions at this point in time. This year's corn crop has yet to be harvested so it is too early to determine how much corn will be available this year.
"It is important to remember that a Congressional majority wisely passed a renewable fuel standard that would work in both good and bad crop years," Niemeyer said. "NCGA urges you to consider the benefits of the RFS to rural America, American energy security and the American farmer."
Niemeyer also encouraged members of Congress to visit with corn farmers and community leaders about the importance of the ethanol production to rural communities while at home during recess.
To read the entire letter, click here.
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