Reynolds, Naig urge EPA to honor the President’s promise to America’s farmers

 

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 21, 2019) – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler outlining the damaging effects of the 31 new small refinery waivers (SRE’s) undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Reynolds and Naig also extended an invitation to Administrator Wheeler to come to Iowa and see the devastating impact of these exemptions firsthand.

View an electronic version of the letter online here. 

“The loss of these markets has taken a devastating toll on rural families facing one of the toughest years on record,” said Gov. Reynolds and Secretary Naig in their letter. “Ethanol consumption fell for the first time in 20 years, commodity markets are depressed, and many biofuel plants, including several in Iowa, have already slowed or halted production.”

Gov. Reynolds and Secretary Naig have stood alongside U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst in defense of the RFS. Reynolds testified earlier this year on the harm these waivers would cause to Iowa’s hard working farmers. You can watch that testimony here.

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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

Media Contact:
Don McDowell
Communications Director
515-281-3375
Don.McDowell@IowaAgriculture.gov