156 House Members Write EPA Seeking RFS Waiver; AMI Commends Action

(American Meat Institute)

 An impressive and bipartisan group of 156 members of the U.S. House of Representatives today wrote to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson urging EPA to adjust the renewable fuel standard mandate for 2012 immediately to provide relieve from high corn prices caused by the mandate and the drought.

 “One of the nation’s worst droughts in 50 years has hit the Midwest especially hard at a very sensitive time for the U.S. grain crops,” the House members wrote in a letter that was spearheaded by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) and Rep.  Mike McIntyre (D-NC).  “Currently, only about 31 percent of the corn crop is in “good” or “excellent” condition, representing record lows.” 

 “While the government cannot control the weather, it fortunately has one tool still available that can directly impact corn demand.  By adjusting the normally rigid Renewable Fuel Standard Manage down to align with the current market conditions, the federal government can help avoid a dangerous economic situation because of the prolonged record high cost of corn.”

 Reps. Goodlatte, Womack and McIntyre also held a press conference today to unveil the letter. ”We should not be a in a position where we are choosing between fuel and food,” Rep. Goodlatte told reporters today. “The biggest travesty of all is that government policies have created this problem,” but he noted that it is a problem they have the power to fix.

 Rep. Jim Costa (D-A) spoke directly to the White House in pleading for action.  “The crisis is now.  Mr. President, I ask you and the EPA through Lisa Jackson to utilize the administrative flexibility you have and act.  Act today.  Act tomorrow. But please don’t delay.”

 “The U.S. meat and poultry industry appreciates the leadership of these lawmakers in helping press for relief from the current drought,” said AMI President J. Patrick Boyle.  “We are facing record-breaking drought and record corn prices, which stand to hurt livestock and poultry producers now and consumers longer term as they grapple with inevitable higher meat and poultry prices that these conditions will generate.”

 AMI joined a coalition of groups Monday in petitioning EPA for a waiver.  To read the petition, click here:  http://www.nppc.org/wp-content/uploads/20120730-mf-Final-RFS-Waiver-Petition.pdf

 To view the House letter, visit the MeatAMI.com Ethanol Page:  http://www.meatami.com/ht/d/sp/i/64605/pid/64605 

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