by John McPhaul, The Chicago Times
June 5, 2022
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday a new set of requirements that increase the amount of ethanol to be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply.
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10% ethanol and is a major economic factor in Midwestern states, like Iowa and Illinois. Production of ethanol consumes nearly 40% of the U.S. corn supply, which is also one factor in the increase of meat and other corn-based products.
“Today’s actions will help to reduce our reliance on oil and put the RFS program back on track after years of challenges and mismanagement” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.
Regan worked as environmental regulator for the EPA during the Clinton administration and Bush administration from 1998 to 2008. Later, Regan joined the Environmental Defense Fund for over eight years.
The EPA edict also denies exemptions for certain oil refineries from ethanol requirements in which the EPA claims they had failed to show exemptions were justified under the Clean Air Act.
According to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers group, the 2022 figure is unachievable and will only increase fuel production costs and keep consumer prices high.
From January 2021 the price of corn has risen from $5.32 to around $8.00 per bushel.
The Chicago Times 