Branstad launches a new website to support ethanol, biodiesel use in fuel supply

Source: by Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register • Posted: Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today launched a new website to oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to roll back the amount of renewable fuels that must be blended in the nation’s fuel supply.

The new site is www.ProtecttheRFS.com. Leaders say the website was built without state funds.

“The EPA’s ruling to slash the RFS will have a negative ripple effect through the American economy,” Branstad said. “The result of this proposed rule change would mean corn prices would plummet below the cost of production, loss of jobs and increased dependence on foreign oil. Concerned citizens cannot sit on the sidelines and wait for the comment period to open. Now is the time to defend and protect the RFS.”

ProtectTheRFS.com will allow visitors to sign a petition urging the EPA “to reverse its ill-advised rule aimed at eroding the RFS,” Branstad’s office said.

Though the official comment period hasn’t opened yet, Branstad and Reynolds said “it’s critically important for Americans to speak up now to push back on the EPA’s ruling.” The comments submitted to ProtectTheRFS.com will be sent the EPA prior to the closing of the comment period.

Reynolds said she and the governor “are extremely concerned the changes in the Renewable Fuel Standard will disrupt Iowa’s positive economy and hinder job growth

“Most importantly, this national issue jeopardizes jobs at a time when Americans are seeking stability in their lives,” Reynolds said. “The EPA proposal places more than 44,000 U.S. jobs at risk. That is clearly unacceptable.”

Iowa leads the nation in biofuels production, with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually, with three cellulosic ethanol facilities under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

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