Iowa congresspeople demand EPA to raise 2024 and 2025 RVOs

In Washington, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) in demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raise 2024 and 2025 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. The agency last year set RVOs at levels that fail to align with market conditions and production outlook; already, this has contributed to biodiesel plant closures in the Midwest, including in Carroll County, Iowa.

In a letter to President Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the lawmakers wrote: 

“Not only does biodiesel provide economic benefits for rural communities and farmers, but it has also been shown to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to a life cycle analysis completed by the Argonne National Laboratory using the GREET model, 100 percent biodiesel reduces emissions 74 percent compared to petroleum diesel. 

“For the biomass-based diesel industry to continue to grow, it needs certainty and predictability, and this requires RVOs that adequately reflect the growth potential of biomass-based diesel production.”