Renewable Fuels Standard - A Common Theme At Corn Congress In D.C.

Iowa Corn members and staff traveled to the nation’s capital this past week for the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress. Attendees sat in on action team meetings and also had the chance to meet with members of both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Among those officials were Senator Grassley, Senator Ernst, Congressman Blum, Congressman Loebsack, Congressman Young, and Congressman King. Along with the meetings, one farmer member, Bruce Rohwer, was elected to the National Corn Board on Wednesday morning.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted an RVO rally in upper senate park. Over 300 corn farmer members, ethanol industry representatives, and members of congress gathered to rally for rural America. Annette Sweeney, former Iowa Legislator and co-chair of America’s Renewable Future spoke. “Agriculture is the backbone of America and we should not allow the budding renewable fuels industry to be cut off at the roots.”

Corn Congress attendees also had the opportunity to meet with the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy.  McCarthy addressed the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule (WOTUS) with the audience. McCarthy began her discussion on WOTUS by saying, “We spelled it out in black and white.” However, leaders from corn congress brought it to her attention that the final ruling of WOTUS isn’t clear and that they aren’t receiving the needed guidance from EPA field staff. ICGA Vice President, Bob Hemesath had this to say after the meeting, “I’m not quite sure she understands that we need better clarification. However, she did make it adamant that she wants to work with corn farmers on a clearer understanding.” 

McCarthy also went on to say that, “The EPA is deeply committed to the RFS…This was a proposal. Not a final rule. So tell us what you think.” Iowa Corn would like to remind members and non-members alike to let the EPA know where they stand on the RFS and to submit a comment by the July 27th deadline to help support rural America and corn farmers around the nation. If you have questions regarding ethanol and how to submit comments to the EPA, please log on to iowacorn.org to learn more.

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The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is an 8,000-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its farmer members to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. For more information, visit iowacorn.org.

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 7,800 farmer members.  Both organizations work on the joint mission to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.