The National Corn Growers Association said President Trump’s decision to allow E15 year round is a step in the right direction, but there are a few kinks to work out yet. During the meeting Tuesday, attendees agreed to allow year-round sales of E15, to abandon plans to pursue a price cap on renewable identification numbers (RINs), and to allow RINs to be assigned to exported biofuels.
“President Trump today reaffirmed his commitment to our nation’s farmers by approving year-round sales of E15 without a RIN cap. This is a positive step because we know a RIN price cap would have been damaging to farmers,” said North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, and president of the NCGA.
“We have numerous questions, however, about a potential plan now being developed by USDA Secretary Perdue and EPA Administrator Pruitt to address small refiner waivers by potentially offering biofuels credits on ethanol exports, an idea that would harm our ethanol export success.
“NCGA has opposed RIN credits on exports, an idea that EPA stated last fall that it would not pursue. Offering RIN credits, which are supposed to be derived from a domestic renewable fuel use, for ethanol exports would threaten trade markets and impact corn farmers’ economic livelihoods. Pursuing a path that includes RIN credits on export gallons would violate the letter and spirit of the RFS, serving the interests of oil refiners who have already benefitted from Administrator Pruitt’s unprecedented RFS volume waivers at the further expense of America’s farmers.
“We appreciate the agreement on eliminating the outdated regulation on higher blends such as E15, a barrier that has long needed removal, and thank Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley for their tireless efforts on behalf of agriculture. However, many questions remain unanswered as Secretary Perdue and Administrator Pruitt determine next steps and provide more details. Moving forward, NCGA will continue to advocate for policies that protect our farmer members.”
