Renewable, clean-burning fuels like biodiesel are proven to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gases by up to 86 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel, says ISA President Randy Miller. (Photo: Joclyn Bushman/Iowa Soybean Association)
‘Don’t Leave Biofuels Behind’ In Meeting EPA Proposed Emissions Targets
April 20, 2023 | Brock Johnston
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Randy Miller issued the following statement in response to standards proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) April 12 that would govern tailpipe emissions for light-duty vehicles starting the 2027 model year:
“Initial indications of the EPA’s proposed standards are troubling for Iowa soybean farmers and threaten to curb the growing incorporation of low carbon biofuels, including soy-based diesel, in the nation’s clean energy future. This proposal not only threatens to stifle innovation in clean energy production but fails to acknowledge the opportunity bio-based fuels present as an immediate solution in helping to meet emissions reduction targets.
“Biodiesel and renewable diesel blends represent renewable, clean-burning fossil fuel replacements that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification or impairment to performance. In fact, biodiesel and renewable diesel blends have been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 86 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel, as well as lower particulate matter, aromatic compounds, and carbon monoxide. As the nation’s leading biodiesel producer, Iowa has long championed the growth of renewable, clean-burning biofuels like biodiesel. Most of the raw materials used in Iowa’s biodiesel production are purchased in the state. Last year, soybean oil made up 71 percent of total feedstock used in biodiesel production, providing a market for oil from nearly 162 million bushels (or 28 percent) of Iowa soybeans.
“No single solution currently exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions altogether. Addressing this issue will require a cooperative, inclusive strategy that thoughtfully incorporates low carbon biofuels alongside other technologies. By refusing to incorporate these fuels (at a comparable rate of production growth) into any future policy strategy, including the tailpipe rule or Renewable Fuel Standard, the EPA limits agriculture’s role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We strongly urge the agency to position biofuels as an immediate source to meet these proposed targets going forward.”
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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