SD Corn Growers respond to EPA decision on RFS

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice today announcing that the agency will not finalize the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels before the end of the year. After months of delay, the EPA announced they intend to take action on the 2014 renewable volume obligations in 2015.

Previously the agency had been considering a proposal that would’ve lowered the required amount of renewable fuel to be blended in the nation’s supply of transportation fuel. Today’s decision maintains the levels originally passed into law by Congress until further action.

“Today’s announcement from the EPA is a clear victory for consumers and farmers alike who both benefit from the production and use of American-made renewable fuels that continue to boost our economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said South Dakota Corn Growers Association president Keith Alverson of Chester.

“With that said, the fight is far from over and our organization will continue to work with the EPA to ensure that the 2014 and 2015 renewable fuel requirements are consistent with what Congress set forth in the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

“This decision is a true testament to our grassroots efforts in South Dakota and across the country as farmers sent a clear message to the EPA who received over 200,000 letters opposing the proposed cuts to the RFS.”

• Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry and corn is South Dakota’s top commodity.

• South Dakota corn farmers raised over 800 million bushels of corn in 2013 and are expected to do so once again this year as they continue to meet the growing global demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber.

• Ethanol is the number one consumer of corn in South Dakota as the industry uses approximately 380 million bushels each year to produce over one billion gallons of clean-burning ethanol and 2.8 million metric tons of distillers grains (a high-protein livestock feed).

• A 2012 study revealed that the ethanol industry in South Dakota contributes approximately $3.8 billion to the state’s economy each year.