Farm Compliance

On March 6, more than 50 ethanol producers and companies submitted a waiver request to EPA seeking an increase of ethanol blend rates up to 15 percent. By law, EPA has until December 1 to provide a final ruling. Yesterday, EPA officially opened the 30-day comment period, with a deadline of May 21, a time when many farmers are busy planting.

In addition to submitting comments, NCGA also requested that EPA extend the time period for comments from 30 days to 90 days, to allow growers the opportunity to comment on this vitally important issue.

“NCGA sees the grain based ethanol industry as a critical part of domestic energy security,” Dickey said in the comments. “Its inclusion as part of the nation’s energy policy has strengthened and further diversified our nation’s fuel supply in a time of global volatility and increasing demand for energy.”

He continued, “Despite these trying times, corn growers will continue to meet the growing demands of food, feed and fuel in an economical and environmentally responsible manner.”

NCGA is hopeful that after a thorough and comprehensive review based on sound science, EPA will allow for increased blends of ethanol.