MCGA disappointed by cut in final blending requirements

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its 2023, 2024, and 2025 conventional biofuel blending requirements. Most conventional biofuel produced in the U.S. is corn ethanol.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is disappointed that the finalized plan cuts conventional biofuel blending requirements, from its original proposal, by 250 million gallons annually in 2024 and 2025 . Ethanol is a right-here, right-now climate solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half compared to gasoline and saves drivers money at the pump. Instead of holding steady with blending targets, the EPA should be increasing opportunities for biofuels. EPA had an opportunity to set a multi-year renewable fuel blending requirement that would have provided increased growth for conventional biofuel, while also reducing emissions, increasing cost savings and providing industry certainty, but the final EPA proposal falls short.

“Ethanol is a cleaner-burning, lower-cost biofuel that benefits drivers, farmers, and ultimately all U.S. residents,” MCGA President Richard Syverson said. “We urge the EPA and lawmakers to advance policies that increase access to biofuels and will continue advocating for increased access to blends like E15 and E85.”

While MCGA is disappointed about the cut in conventional biofuel requirements, the organization is pleased that the EPA did not adopt a proposal to allow electric vehicle manufacturers to generate credits for estimated use of electricity generated from renewable biomass and biogas.