Farmers Respond to EPA Biofuels Announcement

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement regarding small refinery exemptions, which impact biofuel demand by exempting refineries from blending renewable fuel as required under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and the rural economy. They reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil, lower prices at the pump for consumers, support farm income, and provide good-paying jobs in rural America.

"While we have concerns about granting any small refinery exemptions that undercut a strong domestic biofuels market for farmers, we are pleased to see EPA's commitment to 100% reallocation of exempted volumes before the end of October. Reallocation is necessary to maintain robust demand for American grown crops. We called on the president to carefully consider the impact of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard that would destabilize this important market, and we're pleased that our concerns were heard.

"Farmers are proud to answer the call to help meet America's energy needs. Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the administration to ensure 100% reallocation of exempted renewable fuel volumes, strengthening the biofuels market that supports America's farmers while moving our country closer to energy independence."

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