Farmers Union Launches Initiative to Expand Ethanol and Biofuel Markets

Today, South Dakota Farmers Union together with National Farmers Union and other state organizations, unveiled an initiative to advance federal policies that support U.S. renewable energy sources.

 The initiative will promote legislative and regulatory solutions to expand markets for higher blends of ethanol, like E30, and advanced biofuels.

 “While the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) has been good for agriculture and rural America, it’s time to put the RFS in the rear view mirror and go further for the future. Stopping at E15 does not improves the price South Dakota’s farmers’ receive at harvest for the corn they raise,” says Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union.  “Agriculture is our states number, one economic driver. When we have an opportunity to boost markets that support our number one industry, we need to take it. That’s what this initiative does.”

 Sombke said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) interpretation of the Clean Air Act has restricted the sale of mid-level high-octane fuel.

 “National energy labs have demonstrated that high-octane blends do not impair performance in non-flex fuel or standard vehicles and that use of E30 would reduce harmful emissions more effectively than E10,” Sombke explains.

 Anne Steckel, a veteran energy, environment and agriculture policy specialist will be leading National Farmers Union’s efforts in Washington, D.C.

 “Federal-level policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) have reaped tremendous gains for the farming and rural communities that grow and produce renewable, bio-based fuels,” said Steckel. “NFU will continue its avid support of the RFS and pursue innovative policy solutions that expand renewable energy demand, development and infrastructure.”