Groups Urge EPA to Propose Higher Octane Fuel Standard

South Dakota Farmers Union is among a coalition of agriculture and biofuel groups urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks.

“It’s been a long-standing position of South Dakota Farmers Union family farmer and rancher members to support this particular action,” said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President. “We are glad to see it finally come to fruition and happy to see groups join in support.”

In a July 13, 2021 letter to President Joe Biden, the group also requested that EPA open a comment period on the role that high octane low carbon (HOLC) fuels can play in advancing the administration’s “climate, environmental justice, public health, economic revitalization, and energy security objectives.”

The letter notes that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), which manufactures 99 percent of affected vehicles, also supports a transition to HOLC fuels “in new and existing internal combustion engines…as soon as possible” to facilitate the nation’s transition to a lower carbon economy.

Letter signers includes the High Octane Low Carbon Alliance, comprised of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association. Additional organizations include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Coalition for Ethanol, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, state Farmers Union organizations and corn grower groups.

“High octane, low carbon fuels, including higher-level blends of ethanol, hold so much potential – and we should be doing everything we can to realize that potential,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. “These fuels improve vehicle and fuel efficiency, which in turn can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, conserve oil, and strengthen energy security.”

To read the letter, visit www.sdfu.org.