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Industry Pleased with EPA Biofuels Rule

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced final renewable fuel volume requirement increases under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. “By implementing the program enacted by Congress, we are expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing our reliance on imported oil,” said Janet McCabe, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. Under the …

Corn, EPA, Ethanol, NCGA, RFA

Industry Groups Ask Court to Overturn WOTUS

Kelly Marshall

The American Farm Bureau Federation and many other organizations and businesses have asked a federal court to overrule the EPA and Army Corps of Engineer’s “Waters of the United States”. The submitted brief outlines many allegations in detail and describes a year’s worth of litigation involving the rule’s overreach. The coalition’s brief explains how EPA flouted important procedural safeguards designed …

AFBF, Ag Groups, EPA, Water

Atrazine Comment Deadline This Week

Cindy Zimmerman

Growers and other interested stakeholders have until Wednesday of this week to make comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on its review of the herbicide atrazine, which includes a recommendation that could result in a loss of this crop protection tool. Atrazine is currently under EPA registration review, which is required for all pesticides every 15 years to update and …

ARA, Crop Protection, EPA, NCGA

Bayer Allows Belt Decision to Stand

Cindy Zimmerman

The Crop Science division of Bayer today announced its final decision on whether to contest EPA’s cancellation of the insecticide flubendiamide, marketed under the trade name Belt. Charlotte Sanson, director of registrations for the company, says they “will not engage in further legal dispute” over the matter. “Nevertheless we will continue to stand up for our growers’ access to safe, …

Bayer, EPA

Court Rules EPA Violated Farmer Privacy

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency has violated the personal privacy of tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers, according to a unanimous ruling issued Friday by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a lawsuit brought by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) over EPA’s release to environmental groups of …

AFBF, EPA, NPPC

Bayer Reviewing Options in Belt® Insecticide Decision

Cindy Zimmerman

Earlier this month, an appeals board for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upheld the agency’s decision to cancel registration for Bayer’s insecticide flubendiamide, marketed in the U.S. as Belt®, while still existing stocks to be sold by retailers or used by growers, but Bayer is continuing to evaluate its options going forward. “We’re currently going through due diligence and vetting …

Audio, Bayer, EPA

#Biofuel Supporters Rally for Higher Blends at Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman

Over 120 biofuels advocates spoke out today at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field hearing on proposed 2017 targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and several high profile supporters spoke at a Fuels America press conference. Among the supporters was Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts. “A strong RFS means more jobs here at home, greater energy security, and a cleaner …

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Corn, EPA, Ethanol, NCGA, RFA

RFA Urges EPA to Get #RFS Back on Track

Cindy Zimmerman

Over 100 biofuels supporters were in Kansas City today for a public hearing on the EPA’s proposed volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Chuck has been on the ground there all day along with farmers and representatives from agricultural and biofuels organizations. Up on the first panel was Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen who …

Audio, EPA, Ethanol, RFA

Farm Bureau Celebrates Supreme Court Victory

Kelly Marshall

A unanimous Supreme Court ruling was handed down yesterday.  The law of the land says landowners may challenge the federal government and the Army Corps of Engineers over improper regulations designed to protect water. Landowners have attempted many times to challenge Corps rulings known as jurisdictional determinations, but the government successfully argued that those determinations were not “final agency actions” …

AFBF, Ag Groups, EPA, Water

New Bill Would Address On-Farm Fuel Storage

Cindy Zimmerman

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has introduced legislation that would modify EPA regulations regarding on-farm fuel storage. The bill, known as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act, is co-sponsored by Committee Chairman Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK). “I am proud to introduce the Senate-version of the FUELS Act, which would …

Environment, EPA, Farming