American Soybean Association tells EPA to affirm its commitment to a strong RFS

The American Soybean Association is imploring U.S. EPA to correct its proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023-’25 under the Renewable Fuel Standard program and support the role of U.S. soybean growers in diversifying the fuel supply and providing cleaner fuel options.

In comments submitted to the agency in February, ASA reiterated the importance of biomass-based diesel and how strong RVOs in recent years have helped provide market opportunities and maintain a stronger basis for soybean farmers.

Before EPA sets its final rule due out in June, ASA is urging the agency to consider several factors, including current investments in the sector and Purdue University research that indicates soybean oil use for biofuel does not impact food prices.

The soybean group is also imploring EPA to scrap its “incorrect use of the USDA 10-year baseline for projecting feedstock availability.”

EPA released its draft set rule with the proposed RVOs in early December, drawing surprise and concern from ASA and others.

ASA expressed disappointment with the draft rule, which offers little growth, and emphasized how it threatens the integrity of the RFS by significantly dialing back annual increases in volume obligations.

“The draft set rule for the RFS released in December was a stark departure from the previous EPA rule that set renewable volume obligations for 2020 through 2022,” ASA stated in its comments. “That rule included the largest increase ever for biomass-based diesel and seemingly affirmed the administration’s commitment to utilizing biomass-based diesel as a significant resource in lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.”

ASA also said that, while a three-year rule provides certainty, “one based upon such faulty assumptions inflicts a stifling, long-term cap on the industry.”

Biomass-based diesel is a vital domestic market for soybean farmers.

The RFS has reduced U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lowered fuel prices at the pump, reduced greenhouse-gas emissions and added value by increasing demand for the soybeans and corn U.S. farmers produce.

ASA said it looks forward to continuing to work with EPA and other stakeholders to uphold policies that will address climate change while also expanding the use of soy-based biofuels and market opportunities for soybean farmers.