Iowa Senators, Colleagues Urge EPA to Modernize Rulemaking for Biogenic Carbon Emissions

Forcing EPA to be consistent with their treatment of biogenic CO2 will boost the U.S. bio economy which ultimately helps rural America

 

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and twelve of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modernize their rulemaking for biogenic carbon emissions.

 

“We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to take prompt action to promulgate a rulemaking that recognizes the de minimis character of biogenic carbon emissions from agricultural crops when they are used to make food, fuel, beverages, or bioproducts. This common-sense clarification would align EPA policy with the biogenic emissions standards applied by every other regulatory authority worldwide and acknowledge that biogenic carbon emissions from agricultural feedstocks are different than carbon from fossil fuels,” the members wrote.

 

“If afforded regulatory clarity by EPA, U.S. agribusinesses are positioned to make significant investments in facility modernization and improvements to support the development and production of renewable products and materials. This is particularly important to rural communities across the country that are dealing with the ravages of the global pandemic, the economic recession, and a growing financial crisis among farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses.”

 

Joining Grassley and Ernst in sending this letter to the EPA are Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

 

“The U.S. agriculture industry is greatly appreciative of the leadership of Senators Ernst, Grassley, and their colleagues on this important issue. For many American farmers growing agricultural feedstocks, like corn, cotton, and hemp, the fast-growing bioeconomy offers an opportunity to meet growing consumer demand, enter new markets, and diversify their customer base,” Thomas Parks, Biogenic CO2 Coalition spokesperson, said. “Changing this regulatory burden based on scientifically-backed evidence offers a bright future for rural America, one that will bring more jobs and opportunities to the American heartland, offer American consumers more and better sustainable products, and bring much-needed support to America’s farmers and ranchers.”

 

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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