Ohio Corn & Wheat Releases a Statement on the Renewable Fuel Standard Rule Adoption by the U.S. EPA

(Delaware, OH) Today’s announcement on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) highlights our skepticism that the administration will keep its promise to America’s corn farmers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has neglected to account for millions of gallons of waived ethanol blending which has hurt the bottom line for Ohio’s corn producers. Further, by continuing down this harmful path, the agency has abandoned its core mission to protect human health and the environment.

Patty Mann, President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association offered the following statement in the wake of today’s ruling:
“The record on ethanol is clear. Since inception of the RFS, ethanol blended gasoline has reduced carbon-dioxide emissions by forty million metric tons per year, equivalent to removing 8.4 million cars from the road. It has also reduced our dependency on foreign oil and bolstered the American agricultural sector. Our members had hoped that the administration would take a clearer stand on this issue – but today’s rule leaves us vulnerable to the whims of unelected bureaucrats.”

Ohio Corn & Wheat Executive Director, Tadd Nicholson had this to add:
“In October, corn growers across the country were promised the administration would work to make them whole in the midst of unprecedented round of small refinery waiver exemptions. Within days, it became clear that leaders at the EPA would not live up to the President’s promises. The EPA’s track record on ethanol has left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear they did not receive the necessary direction to create a tighter rule that would put our fears to rest.”

Ethanol production is a major market for Ohio’s corn farmers. The abuse of small refinery waivers has crippled ethanol production across the country.

About Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association
The Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association works to support the educational and political interests of its farmer members, along with the advancement of domestic and international issues that affect the success of Ohio’s corn and wheat markets. For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org.