National Wildlife Federation sues EPA for environmental damaged allegedly resulting form biofuels

In Washington, the National Wildlife Federation, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency alleging that it illegally approved expanded volume production of largely corn- and soy-based biofuels despite evidence that such production destroys habitat, degrades water quality and increases harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

The suit alleges that EPA fell short in complying with the law in important ways:

• • EPA failed to properly consult with federal wildlife agencies on the impacts the expanded production of corn and other crop for biofuels would have on threatened and endangered species.
• • EPA failed to meaningfully implement required habitat protections included in the law.
• • EPA ignored its own reporting that the program was severely degrading the environment in increasing, instead of reducing, the volume standard.

The National Wildlife Federation is asking the court to ensure the EPA properly considers impacts to at-risk species and waives the increase in volume standard to minimize environmental harm. The National Wildlife Federation filed the suit with the Gulf Restoration Network and Sierra Club.