Randy Caviness was only one of many to testify before the EPA that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) must continue to operate was it was defined almost a decade ago.
“EPA’s decision not to follow the intent of Congress in the 2007 RFS is highly disappointing to all of agriculture,” said Caviness, who also serves as a member of AFBF Issues Advisory Committee on Energy. “This decision strikes a blow to conventional ethanol production and dampens the prospects for the further development of advanced biofuels.”
Caviness testified on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation and his testimony should have weight. He has farmed for 28 years without energy-intensive tilling and leads initiatives to install wind turbines in Adair and Cass counties. Reducing RFS hurts agriculture and rural communities at a time when the down economy already has many producers in a pinch, he told the panel.
“Our nation’s farmers can grow more bushels of corn and soybeans on fewer acres to feed and fuel the world,” Caviness said. “But if these reduced volumes are finalized, this decision will stall growth and progress in renewable fuels as well as the broader agricultural economy.”
Listen to Caviness’ testimony here: AFBF testimony at EPA hearing
