Naig: ‘The EPA’s Ruling on the RFS is a Win for Iowans’

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 22, 2021) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following statement today in response to the announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit’s interpretation of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) small-refinery exemptions.

“The decision to uphold the RFS is great news for all Iowans — our farmers, our rural communities, and our drivers who get more affordable, more environmentally-friendly choices at the gas pump,” said Secretary Naig. “The renewable fuels industry plays a critical role in our state’s economy and workforce. We must continue to invest in infrastructure that allows fuel retailers to offer biodiesel and ethanol at even more pumps around the state so we can continue to grow demand for this important Iowa-made product.”

According to a recent study commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the production of ethanol and biodiesel accounts for nearly $4 billion in state GDP, supports 37,000 direct and indirect jobs, and boosts Iowa household income by $1.8 billion.

Iowa leads the nation in the production of ethanol and biodiesel. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 4.5 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 11 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 400 million gallons annually.