The Environmental Protection Agency and President Trump have done it again. After reneging on the biofuels deal the President struck last fall, the agency and the President have reversed course again and decided to join the petroleum industry in their court battle to defend the small refinery exemptions or SREs. This comes after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled against the agency and handed down a decision that would halt EPA’s abuse of SREs under the Renewable Fuels Standard.
Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director says that puts the SREs back in limbo.
He says it also discredits the President and his September 12 promise to the biofuels industry.
However, he says the disconnect just illustrates the power of the oil lobby.
Days ago, more than 20 farm and biofuel groups sent a letter asking President Trump to reject an appeal of the court decision, given the strength of the ruling. An extension granted by the court this week gives the administration until March 24 to file a formal appeal.
