Finalized Rule by USDA Could Guide U.S., International and Voluntary Programs 

Contact: Emma Koehler
515-252-6249

WEST DES MOINES, IA – Today the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proposed interim guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. IRFA stressed that agriculture needs this rule to be finalized, and it needs to be right.

The comments stated: “Regardless of future U.S. energy and tax policy, it would be a huge benefit to American farmers if the USDA stepped forward and finalized science-based regenerative ag guidelines that fully and fairly credit farmers for the innovative work they are doing. The USDA should set the Gold Standard for recognizing these practices, measuring their impact, and ensuring full value back to the American farmer. While these guidelines can and should be incorporated into U.S. tax policies like the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, they can also serve as a beacon to private programs and as a benchmark for any programs around the world seeking to engage agriculture as a solution.”

Also included in the comments, IRFA recognized the additional farm practices included in the proposed interim rule but asked the USDA to recognize many more as to not limit farmer participation. With the diverse range of soils and climates across the nation, farmers deserve the opportunity to use the practice that works for them.

A copy of IRFA’s comments can be found here.

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 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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