Dinneen says proposed so-called compromise would be “the worst”
Source: By Julie Harker, Brownfield • Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2018
In related news, Dinneen says ethanol and biofuels groups have no other option but the courts to try and stop the EPA from granting hardship waivers to large refiners that don’t need them and for making up lost volumes because of them, “We want to make sure that gallons lost as a consequence of these waivers are reallocated in some fashion. And, unfortunately, we don’t believe we have any recourse BUT to go to the courts.”
Today, the RFA and several groups filed a petition in court to force criteria for making up those volumes. Last week, the groups filed suit in federal court challenging RFS waivers granted to three refiners but have petitioned for a stay of those proceedings for the time being.
Dinneen says EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s actions go against President Trump’s public support of the biofuels industry, “Scott Pruitt has a refinery-first fuel policy and anything that he can possibly do to ease the so-called burden on refineries, whether it’s this program or any other, he will be very creative in doing.” Dinneen says they are hoping Pruitt responds and does the right thing. He tells Brownfield, the EPA’s actions are a “slap in the face” to U.S. farmers.