Sen. Chuck Grassley slams potential 15% cut to biodiesel blending mandate

In Washington, on Wednesday Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following comment on the EPA’s Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to provide public notice and an opportunity to comment on potential reductions in the 2018 biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes, and/or the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

“It’s outrageous that the EPA would change course and propose a reduction in renewable fuel volumes. This seems like a bait-and-switch from the EPA’s prior proposal and from assurances from the President himself and Cabinet secretaries in my office prior to confirmation for their strong support of renewable fuels.  Reducing volumes would undermine domestic renewable fuel production.  That’s contrary to the goal of America first, employing U.S. workers, and improving the U.S. economy.   It’s contrary to the goal of meeting the country’s fuel needs, which is critical to economic growth.  This all gives me a strong suspicion that Big Oil and refineries are prevailing, despite assurances to the contrary.  I plan to press the Administration to drop this terrible plan.”