FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2021
Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – In its proposed its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light duty trucks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) neglected to create a pathway to high octane, low carbon fuel, as National Farmers Union (NFU) and more two dozen other farm, biofuels, and environmental organizations had urged the agency to do in a letter sent last month. The coalition noted that such fuels can not only help achieve “climate, environmental justice, public health, economic revitalization, and energy security objectives,” but that they are also supported by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), which manufactures 99 percent of affected vehicles.
In a statement, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew noted his disappointment with the proposal and urged EPA to find other routes to advance high octane fuels, including higher-level blends of ethanol.
“As the single largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector must be a central focus in our climate mitigation efforts – which is why NFU has been advocating the use of high octane, low carbon fuels, including higher-level blends of ethanol. While we support EPA’s proposal to reduce vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants, the agency has missed a huge opportunity with its omission of these fuels.
“By transitioning to high octane fuels, we could improve vehicle efficiency and make significant strides towards many environmental goals, including better air quality and fewer emissions. But we aren’t just losing out on climate gains; we’re also squandering a chance to create new markets for farmers, grow rural economies, strengthen energy sovereignty, and cut drivers’ fuel expenditures. We are certainly disappointed by this oversight but will continue to work with EPA to find other paths to promote high octane fuels and realize their myriad benefits.”
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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
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