Republican governors write to Trump over RFS changes

Four Republican governors have sent a letter to US President Trump expressing concern over the changes recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to the US’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“The renewable fuels industry in our states, and others, is poised to grow if the EPA sends positive and consistent market signals through increases in the required volumes. That will enhance America’s energy security, value-added agriculture and rural economic prosperity,” the governors write in the letter.

“We urge to you continue to fulfil your promises, to continue your support for all biofuels under the RFS and to continues to put America first.”

The EPA has courted controversy in the US biofuels industry by releasing a request for additional comment on reducing previously finalised biofuel volumes required by the RFS programme, and on using waiver authorities to further reduce biofuel volumes.

According to a recently released statement, the US National Biodiesel Board (NBB), has serious concerns over the EPA’s recent actions and for this reason coordinated closely with the four Republican governors to communicate their concerns to the president. NBB has long argued that the proposed cuts to RFS volumes threaten jobs in the rural US, harm companies who have invested to comply with the standards, and undermine the energy security goals of the RFS.

“NBB appreciates the principled stand these governors have taken. They are right to remind the president that millions of citizens from their states are ardent supporters of his, and he made explicit promises to farmers to protect biofuels investments and the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Doug Whitehead, CEO of the NBB.

“President Trump knows that a strong, growing RFS is needed to uphold his promises and to stave off a recession in rural America.”

Led by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, three other governors signed onto the letter, including Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota, Eric Greitens of Missouri and Sam Brownback of Kansas.

The full letter to President Trump can be read here.