Farmers to Trump: ‘Your EPA Went Too Far’ With Ethanol Waivers

What’s the story?

• Corn growers in Nebraska are saying they’re “outraged by the Trump administration's lack of support for the American farmer” over its decision to grant ethanol waivers to 31 oil refineries.
• With the waivers, the refineries no longer have to blend corn-based ethanol into their gasoline.
• The Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association issued a statement on Thursday, calling on “the administration to fulfill its promises and to abide by the law and uphold the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).” The waivers, they wrote, “bail out the oil industry rather than helping American farmers."
• The groups also criticized the lack of movement on the USMCA trade deal and an ongoing trade war with China.
• “I’ve never experienced anything like this,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board.

“All we’re getting is lip service. At one moment, we think President Trump is on our side, and then the refinery waivers come through. It’s truly a slap in the face. Farmers are hurting and it just keeps getting worse.”

•  According to the USDA, 40% of total corn use in the U.S. is tied to ethanol production.
• In a tweet Thursday, President Donald Trump said he’s working on a solution that would satisfy oil executives and farmers:

What do you think?

 Do you support corn ethanol waivers? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock / Hirurg)