Iowa senator says expect fewer biofuel waivers from Wheeler's EPA
Source: Reuters
ENVIRONMENT NOVEMBER 13, 2018 / 11:17 AM / UPDATED 8 HOURS AGO
Iowa senator says expect fewer biofuel waivers from Wheeler's EPA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may issue fewer biofuel waivers to small refineries under Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler than it did under its previous leadership, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday.
“I sense that Wheeler has a feeling that (former Administrator Scott Pruitt) was very liberal on his issuing of waivers,” Grassley told a conference call.
Asked if he thought such an attitude change could lead to fewer waivers, Grassley, one of the most powerful voices for U.S. agriculture interests, said: “Yes.”
The small refinery waiver program is among the most controversial issues dividing the U.S. corn industry and Big Oil. Under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), refiners are required to blend increasing amounts of biofuels like corn-based ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply each year to help expand the market for farm products.
But small refineries can apply for waivers if they demonstrate that complying would cause them hardship.
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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biofuels-epa/iowa-senator-says-expect-fewer-biofuel-waivers-from-wheelers-epa-idUSKCN1NI22F
