EPA Grants More Small Refinery Blending Exemptions or Waivers

Many corn growers in Minnesota and all across the Midwest are wondering why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not required to follow the Renewable Fuel Standard law as written and intended by Congress? For the last 4 years the EPA has "abused the use of the Small Refinery Exemption" granting exemptions to even the largest oil companies.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to those who have been paying attention for the last four years that this EPA would undermine corn farmers and the ethanol market on its way out the door. There is no reason for the EPA to take this action (granting more exemptions) now, especially with the Supreme Court set to consider the Tenth Circuit ruling in the new term. Corn farmers need an EPA that will follow the law as written and intended by Congress" said National Corn Growers President John Linder.

The last minute exemptions granted by the EPA decreased the demand for another 260 million gallons of ethanol. I did read that a "stay" was ordered on the EPA last minute Small Refinery Exemptions because the issue was going to be heard by the Supreme Court. That is a little bit of good news for the ethanol industry that has really been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the shut down of the economy and people not driving as much as normal!