Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new agreement on the Renewable Fuel Standard, addressing the volume of biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply.
Under the agreement, the EPA said it will seek comment on actions to ensure that more than 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol be blended into the nation’s fuel supply beginning in 2020, and that the volume obligation for biomass-based diesel is met while accounting for relief expected to be provided for small refineries. The EPA said it also will initiate a rulemaking process to streamline labeling and remove other barriers to the sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol, or E15.
“This agreement strikes a balance for our farmers, ethanol producers and refiners, protecting demand for renewable fuels while still allowing for exemptions for small refineries,” Burgum said. “We appreciate the administration hearing the concerns of our corn and soybean growers, ethanol producers and other stakeholders and coming up with an agreement that promotes ethanol and biodiesel production, provides market certainty and gives a much-needed boost to our farmers, building on the year-round E15 sales that we pushed for and the president approved earlier this year.”