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Novak says RIN credits for ethanol exports “bad idea”

The CEO of the National Corn Growers Association says there are now more assurances for farmers from the White House on year-round E15 but other concerns remain. Chris Novak says President Trump’s commitment to providing year round E15 in Tuesday’s meeting is an important step but doesn’t know if there will be immediate action from the EPA on RVP to make that happen, “We have believed that EPA could take some immediate steps to provide relief but with most government actions you’re going to need to rely upon a rule making process.”

The big concern from the meeting, Novak says, is a potential plan by USDA Secretary Perdue and EPA Administrator Pruitt to address small refiner waivers by offering biofuels credits on ethanol exports, “We hope that this as a concept that as it is studied rightfully takes its place in the dust bin.”

Novak echoed the statement by NCGA president Kevin Skunes of North Dakota that “offering RIN credits, which are supposed to be derived from a domestic renewable fuel use, for ethanol exports would threaten trade markets and impact corn farmers’ economic livelihoods.”

Novak says NCGA is pleased the would be no cap on RINS, as a result of the meeting.

AUDIO: Interview with Chris Novak~