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 environment,” said Ricketts. “The biofuels industry supports more than 852,000 American jobs and creates fuel we need to help our country become energy independent.”
Missouri agriculture director and farmer Richard Fordyce was pleased to welcome the hearing to his state. “Missouri is the proud home of six majority farmer-owned ethanol plants, providing a vital market for our crops and affordable fuel options to our consumers,” said Fordyce. “As a fourth-generation farmer, I know how important these jobs are to our community.”
Among the farmer leaders who testified was Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “Farmers, along with the ethanol industry and U.S. Department of Agriculture, have invested millions in new ethanol pumps and fuel infrastructure so that drivers can access affordable, renewable fuel choices,” said Bowling. “Now it’s up to the EPA to deliver on its promises. We have the resources to meet all our needs, spur investment in rural communities, and create more high-tech jobs.”
The hearing even featured Iowa celebrity farmer Chris Soules, star of The Bachelor. “The ethanol market provides financial stability to our family farm and guarantees that we can pass on our traditions to future generations,” Souls said during the press conference. “American consumers are winners from this policy, too. Protecting choice at the pump means offering consumers a clean, homegrown, and less expensive product.”
Others who spoke at the RFS press conference included Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, Iowa farmer and former state representative Annette Sweeney, and Brian Sowers, Missouri sportsman and Co-Host of Crappie Masters TV.
Listen to the full press conference here: Fuels America RFS Hearing Press Conference