Contact: Cassidy Riley
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Flatlined biodiesel level for 2019 is cause for concern  

JOHNSTON, IOWA – Today the US EPA released the proposed 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) level for conventional biofuels and 2019 level for biodiesel. Fulfilling a campaign promise, the conventional fuel level – for which corn starch ethanol qualifies – was maintained at its 15 billion gallon cap. The proposed 2019 biodiesel level was flatlined at 2.1 billion gallons, far below the industry request of 2.75 billion gallons.

In response to the released RFS levels, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“IRFA applauds President Trump for keeping his campaign promise with this proposal to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol. Maintaining the 15-billion-gallon conventional biofuels level is good news for E15, motorists and farmers. This proposal would keep the RFS on track and provide regulatory stability for ethanol producers, retailers, and obligated parties alike. Unfortunately, a change in administrations did not change the EPA’s underappreciation for the potential of U.S. biodiesel production. Keeping biodiesel levels frozen at 2.1 billion falls short of U.S. industry capabilities, even before imports are considered.  With plants in Iowa running under capacity, IRFA will be urging the EPA during the public comment period to increase the final biodiesel level. The best thing the Trump Administration can do to impact biodiesel imports is to throw its full support behind Sen. Grassley’s bill to reinstate and revise the biodiesel tax credit into a producer’s credit, thereby ending the U.S. incentive for foreign biodiesel.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually – including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 350 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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