Grassley, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Group in Urging EPA to Support Advanced Biofuel Production

07.20.2022

WASHINGTON - Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led 22 of their colleagues in urging Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to support higher amounts of biomass-based biodiesel and other advanced biofuels in the upcoming 2023 and 2024 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs).

In their bipartisan letter to Regan, the senators note that production and use of advanced biofuels benefits the economy and the environment in a variety of important ways. The production process involves utilizing resources that would otherwise be of no use, including surplus vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils and animal fats and other waste fats and oils.

"Advanced biofuels, including biodiesel, have a critical role to play in addressing some of the economic and energy challenges we're facing today. In addition to supporting 65,000 jobs in rural communities across the country, homegrown biodiesel and renewable diesel can help lower prices at the pump and bring us one step closer to being energy independent once again. The time is right for EPA to send a clear signal to farmers and biofuel producers that more of these fuels are needed well into the future," Grassley said.

"The Iowa Biodiesel Board and its members thank Sen. Grassley for his leadership of this letter and Sen. Ernst for highlighting that biodiesel has an important role to play in diversifying our fuel supply and producing more energy at home. Our industry is growing rapidly to meet consumer demand for clean fuel and we believe this is just the beginning. Our producers stand ready and willing to work with EPA on even more ambitious volumes for 2023 and beyond, to the great benefit of our economy and carbon reduction strategies," said Grant Kimberly, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

"Securing the future of biodiesel is critical to the long-term success of Iowa's soybean farmers, biofuel producers and clean energy goals. Senator Grassley and the state's soybean farmers recognize the importance of investing in a profitable, productive and sustainable future benefiting a growing population. We urge the EPA to prioritize this future as well by supporting higher volumes for biodiesel and advanced biofuels. Doing so ensures the success of Iowa farmers, homegrown fuels and the communities who depend on them," said Robb Ewoldt, Iowa Soybean Association president and soybean farmer from Davenport.

"Western Iowa Energy would like to give thanks and support to Sen. Grassley for drafting this letter to the EPA, it is crucial to make sure the RVO limits are continually growing, new feedstock pathways are being evaluated and approved, and any processing constraints on production facilities are lifted so our industry can help with reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with the use of low carbon clean fuel now," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Western Iowa Energy.

"The biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry is working with farmers and others to sustainably grow and meet America's demand for cleaner fuels while supporting good-paying jobs in rural America and adding value to Iowa's farm commodities. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Grassley, Klobuchar, Murray, Thune and others for advocating for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard, which will help us to achieve our vision for growth," said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The senators note that production of clean-burning, homegrown biofuels supports 13 percent of the value of soybeans grown in the U.S. - giving soybean growers another important market for their crop. In addition, Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model estimates renewable diesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 74 percent when compared to petroleum diesel.

Grassley and Klobuchar were joined on the letter by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

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Agriculture & Rural Development, Energy & Environment