A Reason To Be Thankful: The EPA increases 2017 RFS Volume

November 23, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionEvery cloud has a silver lining. While cliche, this statement reminds us that even when times seem tough we can always find things to be thankful for.

The day before Thanksgiving, the EPA has given us just that in the recent announcement regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard. The 2017 RFS will see a 1.2 billion gallon increase in the amount of renewable fuels blended into the nation’s fuel supply. That is a 6 percent increase over the current levels. This news couldn’t have come at a better time. With markets still buried under what appears to be another record yield, this announcement sends a positive message to farmers, the biofuel community and other investors. The new levels should be a driver for significant growth in renewable fuel use. 

 At South Dakota Farmers Union, we hope that that this commitment creates more interest in higher ethanol blends. SDFU has long been a supporter of Premium E-30, a 30% percent ethanol blend. In order for fuels like Premium E-30 to reach their potential there needs to be an investment in the infrastructure necessary to make the fuel widely available. With a new administration taking office in January, it will be difficult to predict the future of the RFS. A recent article by Agri-Pulse noted that “Trump signaled support for the RFS during his campaign, but the adviser leading the transition at EPA, Myron Ebell, has been critical of the mandates”. SDFU will be willing to work with the incoming President Elect and his administration in order to protect and promote the RFS. Whatever the outcome may be, this Thanksgiving the EPA has given us all something to be thankful for.

Last Modified: 11/23/2016 4:45:07 pm MST