For many of us we've believed that President Obama, and his administration have always been authentic when it comes to helping to move our country towards a more sustainable, and self-sustaining future. But when we read reports that the federal government plans to change previously agreed upon policies, when it comes to sustainability, we become increasingly more cynical of the leadership.
This week we are sharing two important reports that have to do specifically with renewable fuels and the fight happening in Washington that will affect all of us. So as you read this first story under, "Possible change in renewable fuel standard draws fire," we also ask that you take a look at the second story, "BIG OIL vs RENEWABLE FUELS?"
The first story came to us from the Quad City Times in Des Moines, Iowa that is drawing attention to the vast strength of the Oil Industry and their Lobbyists when it comes to not only setting policy, but actually being able to change policy. For Renewable Now we are trying to get a earnest sense of what President Obama wants his legacy to be when it comes to renewable energy; is it authentic or is it politics as usual? Read the article and you decide.
DES MOINES — Speakers at Iowa’s Hearing in the Heartland dropped the hammer Thursday on the federal government’s plan to roll back the Renewable Fuel Standard.
They charged that the change would hurt rural jobs, investments and the environment while increasing America’s reliance on foreign oil.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad told participants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal to scale back renewable fuel volume obligations would have a direct effect on Iowa’s 41 ethanol plants, Iowa’s 13 biodiesel plants and the scores of facilities across the Midwest. He estimated the EPA change would cost nearly 45,000 jobs nationally and pose undue financial hardship and stress for thousands of families.
“We’re trying to create jobs, not destroy jobs in this country,” he said.
Last November, the EPA made proposals to scale back its fuel standard requirements for the total amount of biofuels blended into the nation's gasoline supply.
The agency's proposal would lower the requirement to 15.2 billion gallons of renewable fuels, with 13.01 billion gallons from conventional ethanol and 2.2 billion gallons from advanced biofuels. Previous requirements passed by Congress called for 18.15 billion gallons of renewable fuels next year, with 14.4 billion gallons of conventional ethanol and 3.75 billion gallons of advanced biofuels.
On Thursday, a coalition of farmers, commodity groups, renewable fuel industry and elected officials from Iowa and six other Midwest states took turns slamming the decision to scale back the production targets that potentially could “strand” billions of dollars of private capital and hand a victory to “Big Oil” and “Big Food” interests who have opposed the government requirement.
“The (Obama) administration’s proposal is a significant step backward — undermining the goal of increasing biofuels production as a domestic alternative to foreign oil consumption,” said a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy signed by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and 29 other U.S. senators.
“Further, the proposed waiver places at risk both the environmental benefits from ongoing development of advanced biofuels and rural America’s economic future. We urge you to modify your proposal,” the senators said in Thursday’s letter to McCarthy.
Grassley backed up the letter by telling the hearing participants at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates that the EPA’s proposed action would be harmful to biofuel producers, to Iowa’s rural economy, to America’s national security and the environment.
Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, said homegrown, renewable fuels such as ethanol are contributing to America’s energy independence, but unfortunately those fuel sources are “under attack, not by a foreign enemy — but by the EPA” with proposed cutbacks that don’t make common sense.
Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said the proposed fuel standard changes would curtail production of ethanol and other biofuels. She accused the federal government of “backtracking” with a course shift that would “pull the rug out from under” farmers, investors and various producers.
“This industry has faced uncertainty forever,” said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, one of five state agriculture secretaries who attended Thursday’s hearing. But he noted the current situation has posed a new and “damaging” threat, and he questioned the legality of the action.
Branstad laid blame for the EPA change on “Big Oil,” its lobbyists and allies, noting that the petroleum industry has fought the expansion of ethanol and has put pressure on retailers not to install blender pumps.
“Big Oil is delighted that the EPA has recommended weakening the Renewable Fuel Standard. But they’re not happy. They want to repeal it altogether,” he said. “Their real goal is to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard.”
- See more at: http://renewablenow.biz/governmental-green.html#sthash.nqPs2Ah7.dpuf
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