U.S. Representatives Ask EPA to Reduce 2014 Ethanol Mandate

A bipartisan group of 150 members of the U.S. House of Representatives is asking the government to lower target numbers in light of corn prices and refinery compliance costs.

November 01, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan group of representatives want the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to decrease the ethanol mandate for 2014, EENews.net reports. The letter to Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, urges the agency to reduce the target number for conventional ethanol usage because of changing corn prices and higher compliance costs for refineries.

“Prompt action by the EPA can help to ease short supply concerns, prevent engine damage, save jobs across many U.S. industries, and keep families fed,” the letter states. “We strongly urge you to exercise your authority and take the necessary steps to protect American consumers and the economy.”

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), who sponsored a bill that would slash corn ethanol mandate numbers and also abolish the Renewable Fuel Standard entirely, led the way in getting fellow congressional members to sign the letter. Those who signed the letter include Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

“We must urge the EPA to adjust the normally rigid RFS to recognize market conditions and realities,” the letter said. The lawmakers took action after a not-circulated EPA proposal demonstrated the agency might lower the overall renewable fuel goal for 2014 from 18.15 billion gallons to 15.21 billion. The leaked document lowered corn ethanol from 14.4 billion gallons to 13 billion gallons. Currently, the proposal is with the Office of Management and Budget.

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