White House tells EPA to stand down on cuts to RFS mandates and RINs from exports

In Washington, the White House has told the Environmental Protection Agency to stand down from two proposals it had laid out to amend the Renewable Fuels Standard following strong pressure from Iowan politicians leaning against the president for not holding up his campaign promises to support biofuels. The lower blending mandate as proposed for 2018 and 2019 as well as issuing RINs from ethanol exports are expected to be withdrawn. Senators in favor of supporting the RFS have begun to stonewall EPA nominees until they get their way.