MCGA applauds interim rule on CSA guidelines

Yesterday, USDA released an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. The rule provides a pathway for measuring the impact of individual climate smart agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and nutrient management on the carbon intensity of biofuel feedstocks such as corn.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association applauds the interim rule and encourages its incorporation into the 45Z Clean Fuels Production tax credit guidelines. These guidelines will also be useful for other state and federal clean fuel programs beyond 45Z. Corn ethanol-based sustainable aviation fuel and other clean fuels are a tremendous opportunity to create new markets for U.S. farm families and agriculture economies while decarbonizing transportation, including air travel. We look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration and lawmakers to finalize robust 45Z guidelines and the USDA rule on CSA and increase opportunities for homegrown, renewable biofuels.

Read more: MCGA urges flexibility in calculating impact of climate-smart ag practices.