The public has until November 29th to voice their opinions on waivers for Renewable Fuel Standards. The Environmental Protection Agency is holding the public comment period this month. According to the National Corn Growers Association, the waivers allowed for the renewable fuel standard reduced requirements by more than four billion gallons over three years and in the past year, corn use for ethanol production has fallen by 229 million bushels.

Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) says that the regulations need to reflect the agreement that was established in a September meeting at the White House with six senators, Governor Reynolds, the Vice President and President, the director of the EPA, and the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “If it does reflect the agreement in spirit, it doesn’t in words. And I don’t want to rely on spirit, I want to rely on words. The EPA’s got to get the words right.”

The exemptions for small refineries have hurt the market and resulted in some biodiesel facilities closing, including one in Washington County. To submit a public comment click here.