Politicians in Iowa are pushing back on a proposed EPA rule that would potentially decrease ethanol production.
The state's governor and senators, as well as corn farmers, are concerned that the way this rule is written doesn't ensure that ethanol will be blended into fuel supplies, which is a major market in the state. Ethanol is made from corn, and Iowa is the leading U.S. producer of both.
Historically, small refineries have been given exemptions when it comes to adding ethanol to fuel supplies if the process would be too difficult. As a result, larger refineries have often been expected to make up for the difference. The EPA's proposed rule would require refineries to add ethanol based on projections rather than the actual number of gallons exempted.
On Thursday U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa wrote in the public comments section of the proposed rule that "the way the rule was written and put out for public comment does not deliver on the same understanding I had leaving the Oval Office about what would be in the proposed rule."
And Grassley isn't alone. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds voiced frustration with the rule in a statement Thursday, saying, "I was very disappointed to learn that the EPA had re-interpreted what was agreed to."
Earlier this fall, President Trump promised to increase the number of gallons of ethanol refineries would blend into fuel.
The EPA said it will review the public comments as it evaluates its proposal.
