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Barrasso: EPA Ruling Will Increase Food Costs for Americans

Without RFS Waiver, Americans Will Continue to Face Higher Food Prices


November 16, 2012


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke out against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to deny petitions by a bipartisan group of Governors requesting a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):

“The EPA has once again issued a decision that will make it more expensive for all Americans to put food on their tables and care for their families.  It makes no sense to mandate the production of ethanol from corn because it creates higher feed costs for livestock producers. Under today’s ruling, American families will face higher prices for turkey, ham, beef, milk, eggs, cheese and other essential basics on their grocery lists.  With a record number of Americans on food stamps, the Obama Administration shouldn’t take steps to make food more expensive.”

Background:

In 2005, Congress established and later expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which mandates that increasing amounts of ethanol be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies. Under the law, the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to waive requirements under the RFS if they would severely harm the economy.

A bipartisan group of eight Governors, nearly 200 members of Congress, numerous poultry and livestock producers, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, among others, urged the Obama Administration to waive the RFS following this year’s summer droughts. 

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November 2012 News Releases