Monday June 16 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Members Advocate for Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) members from across the state traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Nebraska’s congressional delegation, key federal agencies, and White House officials to advocate on behalf of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. During their visit, Farm Bureau leaders urged policymakers to expand international markets, protect essential tax provisions, defend the science behind crop protection products, and strengthen key elements of the Farm Bill.

“Having Nebraska farmers and ranchers speak directly with our elected leaders and members of the administration is incredibly important,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “There’s no substitute for constituents telling their story firsthand and sharing how federal policies impact their ability to grow food while keeping their family farms and ranches viable. These conversations help ensure the voices of rural Nebraska are heard loud and clear.”

Key issues discussed during the trip included support for the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill”, also known as the reconciliation bill, which addresses tax policy and Farm Bill provisions. NEFB members urged Congress to extend tax provisions important to agriculture, including Section 179, bonus depreciation, and the estate tax exemption indexed to inflation. Additionally, they stressed the need to make the extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, protect stepped-up basis and property tax deductions.

“Although farmers and ranchers would favor an independent Farm Bill, we recognize the desire to incorporate significant provisions into advancing legislation. Should these important Farm Bill provisions be included in the final reconciliation bill, we would also like to see federal legislative solutions to California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts Question 3 which place unscientific animal welfare standards on meat products imported into their states,” said McHargue.

Trade policy was a major focus of the trip, with NEFB members calling on lawmakers and the administration to prioritize expanding international markets and removing non-tariff trade barriers. With agricultural exports making up roughly 30% of farm income in Nebraska, members conveyed that trade is a necessity for agriculture.

“Trade is essential. It is crucial to establish new trade agreements among numerous countries globally. The products we produce in Nebraska will not all be consumed within the state. We are the best at what we do, particularly in raising the finest beef in the world, a fact recognized internationally. Now, we must create pathways for our products to reach the global market,” said Bree DeMontigny, Cherry County rancher and NEFB Board member.

Another topic of concern was the recent release of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission report, which questioned the safety of crop protection tools. NEFB members voiced strong opposition to what they called misleading claims.

“On our family farm, we use crop protection products. We value the rigorous, science-driven work of the EPA to make sure these products are safe, enabling us to grow healthy and affordable food,” said Micah Erickson, a Johnson County farmer.

Those attending the Washington, D.C. Fly-In were:
Mark McHargue, president, NEFB – Merrick County  
Bree DeMontigny, North Central Region representative, NEFB Board – Cherry County
Micah Erickson – Johnson County
Darcie Gallagher – Jefferson County
Jim Gottsch – Douglas County
Barry and Cathy Heidtbrink – York County
Tim Lorenz – Sarpy County
Krista Podany – Holt County

The visit included meetings with Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, Reps. Don Bacon, Adrian Smith, and Mike Flood, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Senate Agriculture Committee staff, and the White House Office of Public Liaison, as well as the staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative. The group also attended policy briefings from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), engaged in a Leader-to-Leader reception, and took part in the traditional Nebraska Breakfast on Capitol Hill.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s Making the Connection Conference Connects Agriculture and Education to Create Meaningful Experiences

With the average American at least three generations removed from the farm, it is crucial that consumers have a chance to explore where their food, fiber, and energy comes from. At Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s Making the Connection Conference held June 9 in Kearney, farmers, ranchers, educators, and agriculture professionals from across Nebraska discovered ways to help students and the general public understand how food gets from the farm to their plate.

“It is our responsibility in agriculture to help bridge the gap between those who produce our resources and those who use them,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “This conference brought together both agriculturalists and educators in a setting to spur conversation, encourage transparency, and build relationships to help incorporate accurate agricultural concepts in classrooms and communities.”

Former Husker and NFL defensive end, Adam Carriker, provided an inspiring keynote address on how influential belief in yourself and others can be. Hands-on breakout sessions on Agriculture in the Classroom resources, telling the story of agriculture, and after school programming opportunities left participants excited and equipped to connect others to agriculture. Attendees also explored a variety of Nebraska commodities during the Nebraska Grown Gallery Walk.

As a farm wife and mom, Arlys Cupp, a second-grade teacher in Chase County, is always looking for new ways to teach her students about agriculture while advancing classroom goals. She left Making the Connection Conference confident in ways she could use agriculture examples to teach core subjects and eager to share with her coworkers so they can do the same.

“This conference is helping me bring back ways to get more teachers at my school involved in Agriculture in the Classroom,” said Cupp. “The speakers and breakout sessions have been a great opportunity to spark new ideas and bring them back to my community.”

The Making the Connection Conference is hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement Committee, a group dedicated to building stronger connections with those who may not understand where and how their food is grown.

“Our committee of farmers and ranchers was really proud to host an event that brought together both sides of the conversation and gave both agriculture and education space to create workable solutions. Fostering these connections means educators can call on people in agriculture when they have questions,” said Andra Smith, Nebraska Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement Committee chair and rancher from Cherry County.

Buffalo County Farm Bureau proudly sponsored the Making the Connection conference and supports the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s goal to have every Nebraskan understand where their food, fiber, and energy comes from.

“Farmers and ranchers do not always have an opportunity to leave their operations and connect with consumers, yet it has to be a priority in order to sustain consumer’s trust in food production,” said Brock Elsen, president of Buffalo County Farm Bureau. “This conference provided us with great information and a chance to expand our network with educators. We are grateful for an opportunity to support an event that prioritizes agriculture literacy.”

Nearly 100 people attended the bi-annual conference and presenting sponsor Buffalo County Farm Bureau made event registration free.



Central Valley Ag hosts annual photo contest to celebrate agriculture though community lens

Central Valley Ag (CVA) invites you to participate in the 8th annual photo contest, which will be open for entry submission June 16 through July 16.

There are four entry categories: Farming in Action, Black and White, Ag Close Up, and Grit. These categories can encompass a variety of topics within agriculture. Participants are limited to 10 entries each.

“This photo contest provides an opportunity to share our community’s story in agriculture through their photo entries,” said Owen Baker, Senior Vice President of Marketing at CVA. “CVA values strong community connections, and the contest is a great way to not only celebrate those connections, but to capture and communicate this visually.”

A winner from each category will be selected by a panel of judges, as well as one People’s Choice Award. A $100 cash gift card will be rewarded to each of the winners, as well as special placement in CVA print and online publications.

Upon submission, photos will be published to the “CVA Photo Contest” album on the CVA Facebook Page. The People’s Choice Award will go to the photo on Facebook with the most likes, comments, and shares.

CVA member-owners, customers, employees, professionals and community members are welcome to participate.

For more details and to submit entries, visit cvacoop.com/photo-contest.



Beef Cattle Disease Confirmed in Iowa for the First Time

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has confirmed a case of Theileriosis, caused by Theileria orientalis Ikeda, in a herd of cattle in southeast Iowa for the first time.

Theileria is a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells, leading to anemia and, in some cases, death. The parasite is carried by Asian Longhorned Ticks (ALHT), which have recently been identified in Iowa for the first time. Although the tick will be active all summer, it is common to see a surge of infestations when cattle are first introduced into a new pasture. The presence of a preferred host generates a surge in new ticks, as females will begin to lay thousands of eggs.

Cattle producers should closely observe cattle on pasture regularly for signs of tick infestation (especially in Southern Iowa; although, expect the tick to spread north this summer), particularly since many cows have been turned out to pasture recently.

Typically, cattle affected by Theileriosis will show signs of lethargy, anemia and difficulty breathing. They may develop ventral edema, exercise intolerance, jaundice and abortions. Although signs of Theileriosis are similar to anaplasmosis, younger animals and calves often display more severe signs compared to mature cows and bulls. Due to anemia from both tick infestation and Theileria, the risk of death can be elevated. If cattle producers suspect either Theileria or ALHT, have a veterinarian collect appropriate samples and submit them to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.engorged ticks around tail head of cow

Cattle producers should aggressively control external parasites this summer. Insecticide ear tags alone are not enough to control ticks. Consider incorporating a backrubber or regularly applying a pour-on during the summer. Pyrethroid-based products are also available that include a tick control label. If an increase in tick infestations is observed, an avermectin pour-on may be the best intervention.

Although Theileria and ALHT can be detrimental to cattle and other ungulates, there is no health risk for humans.



EPA Proposes New Renewable Fuel Standards to Strengthen U.S. Energy Security, Support Rural America, and Expand Production of Domestic Fuels

Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a major step forward to strengthen American energy security and support American farmers by proposing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027. This action represents a critical and much-needed step in the evolution of this program. This is the 20th anniversary of the RFS program. Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA’s “Set 2” proposal ensures the RFS program remains true to Congress’ original intent of increasing the use of homegrown American biofuels, unleashing American energy, and supporting rural economies.

“We are creating a new system that benefits American farmers while mitigating the impact on gas prices and ensuring the continued existence of liquid fuels,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We can no longer afford to continue with the same system where Americans pay for foreign competitors.”

“President Trump recognizes how important the Renewable Fuel Standard is for American corn and soybean farmers. This move by Administrator Zeldin is the boldest proposal ever and will provide certainty in a much-needed market for our producers while delivering lower prices at the pump for consumers. USDA and EPA have never been more aligned on the need for more American grown biofuels. This is the highest ever Renewable Volume Obligation and it sends a strong signal to the U.S. biofuels industry that President Trump has their backs and gives them the incentive to invest in American products for American consumers and to export around the world. America’s national security depends on our energy security, and biofuels are a crucial asset that brings more jobs and helps farmers in rural America,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “As the Trump Administration expands the domestic market for biofuels, at USDA we are working to break down tariff and non-tariff barriers for our American grown biofuels. President Trump’s landmark deal with the U.K. secured zero tariff access for over $700 million in ethanol exports. Not only can we be energy independent, we are unleashing American energy dominance abroad.”

If finalized, these would be the highest volume requirements ever under the RFS program. Under President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is putting Americans back in charge of its energy future.

Today’s action consists of three major proposals:
    Sets strong growth targets for key renewable fuels.
    Puts America first by reducing the value of renewable fuels and feedstocks from foreign countries.
    Furthers the President’s goal of eliminating the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, by removing electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the RFS program (eRIN)

Historically, the RFS was a “one dial” system, where the only changes to the program were increasing or decreasing volumes. Today, EPA is proposing a second dial that relates to the value of a RIN based whether the biofuel is from domestic or foreign sources. Specifically, foreign biofuels and feedstocks are only being provided 50 percent of the value relative to domestic biofuels and feedstocks.

The proposed rule strengthens U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 150,000 barrels of oil per day over the time frame of the Set 2 rule, 2026 and 2027. Additionally, in 2024, about 45 percent of biomass-based diesel (BBD) feedstock and finished fuel came from foreign sources. By reducing the value of the RIN for foreign biofuels and feedstocks, it will decrease America’s reliance on these imports, promote U.S. production, and increase American energy security.

The Set 2 Rule proposes the biofuel volume requirements and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2026 and 2027. The volume targets are as follows:

Table 1:  Volume Requirements 2023 – 2027 (billion RINs)
 
One RIN is equivalent to one ethanol-equivalent gallon of renewable fuel.

The proposal supports President Trump's broader economic vision of strengthening American energy independence, growing domestic agricultural markets, and fighting back against unfair trade practices. These volume requirements, if finalized, will protect investments made by American corn and soybean growers, oilseed processors, and biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, whose products are critical to our country’s energy security and keeping rural economies strong.



Flood Applauds Trump Administration's Biofuels Announcement

Rep. Mike Flood issued a statement Friday following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the next two years. 

“President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s decision to push RVOs to a record high is great news for America’s farmers and our rural communities. Nebraska is the nation’s second largest producer of ethanol and a growing part of the biodiesel industry. Higher RVOs will help more consumers across the country enjoy access to the clean, affordable fuels we’re producing right here in the Midwest. This is a big step forward for the biofuels industry and I look forward to ongoing partnership with the Trump administration as they continue to support our farm families who are helping fuel America and our nation’s energy independence.”



Fischer Statement on EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Volume Requirements

Friday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027:

“The EPA’s newly proposed rule rightly recognizes the vital role America’s farmers and biofuel producers play in strengthening our energy independence. Setting the conventional volume for fuels like ethanol at 15 billion gallons and boosting biomass-based diesel well above expectations is a strong win for Nebraska and the rest of rural America.

“I thank the administration for their continued commitment to agriculture and biofuels – their leadership supports Nebraska’s corn, soybean, and biofuel industries. I look forward to working with them to ensure these promising proposals are finalized and fully implemented.”
 


Smith Statement on Proposed Volumes for Renewable Fuels Standard

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, released the following statement Friday after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027.

"Today’s announcement rightfully recognizes the key role biofuels play in American energy security," Smith said. "If finalized, these volumes will support our agriculture producers, provide much needed certainty to the industry, and ensure consumers have greater access to affordable liquid fuels. I thank Administrator Zeldin and President Trump for their continued support of American biofuels and look forward to working with them to ensure today's RVOs have the intended effect of promoting American energy production." 



Ricketts Issues Statement Following Renewable Fuels Standard Rulemaking on Renewable Volume Obligations

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Renewable Fuels Standard rulemaking noticing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027:

“President Trump and Administrator Zeldin have held true to their promises to unleash American energy and to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard consistent with the law. Today’s Renewable Volume Obligation rulemaking marks an important day for biofuels, American farmers, and Nebraska agriculture. Strong targets drive strong biofuel markets which benefits energy consumers, agricultural producers, and the environment.”



Iowa Corn Growers Welcome EPA’s Proposed New Renewable Fuel Standards 

Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027, also known as the “Set 2” rule. The rule set a record high for the proposed renewable fuels (RFS) blending level at 24.02 billion gallons for 2026, which includes 15 billion gallons of conventional corn-based ethanol and 9.02 billion gallons for advanced biofuels. The 9.02 billion gallons include 5.61 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel and 1.3 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuels.   

“Iowa's corn farmers are pleased with the release of the EPA’s proposed RVOs as it is a positive step for not only ensuring corn –based ethanol demand is maintained, but it is also a win for America as it decreases dependence on foreign fuels,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Stu Swanson. “ICGA appreciates the Trump Administration and EPA’s prioritization of renewable fuels; championing homegrown, cleaner burning biofuels that support America’s farmers.” 

The rule will go through a period of public comment and review prior to being finalized. If finalized, the rule will decrease U.S. reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 150,000 barrels of oil per day, throughout 2026 and 2027. 



New EPA Targets Could Power Up Iowa's Soybean Industry

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) today welcomed biodiesel growth proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027. The agency has proposed 5.61 billion gallons and 5.86 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel, which, if finalized, would mark a significant volume increase for biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel volumes compared to recent years.

Brent Swart, ISA president and farmer from Spencer, issued the following statement:

“We are pleased to see the EPA’s announcement proposing a Renewable Volume Obligation of 5.61 billion gallons and 5.86 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel. This is a significant step toward putting the market back on track. It is also a long overdue recognition that Iowa farmers, soybean processors and the state’s biodiesel producers, can contribute even more the America’s energy output.

“We thank the Trump administration for taking action that emphasizes the value of domestically produced renewable fuels and supports farmers’ critical role in our nation’s energy policy. This timely announcement provides added certainty for our industry during the growing season, which can often be unpredictable for many farmers. While we are encouraged to see volume targets increase from previous years, Iowa farmers stand ready to grow the feedstock needed to produce greater volumes of clean fuels.

“Biomass-based diesel has long provided significant value to soybean farmers, helping us weather difficult economic times and supporting our state’s thriving agriculture industry. By increasing soybean oil value, biomass-based diesel supports roughly 10% of the price per bushel of soybeans. We look forward to engaging with the White House, EPA, and other stakeholders, to grow markets for American farmers.”

Swart also thanked Iowa’s Congressional delegation, including Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and Representatives Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra and Zach Nunn, for standing with Iowa’s soybean farmers and biodiesel producers.

Iowa is the nation’s leading biodiesel-producing state and soybean oil producer. The two billion pounds of soybean oil used to produce biodiesel in the state in 2024 were equivalent to the oil from nearly 178 million bushels of soybeans–or more than 30% of the state’s soybean crop. According to a study by Decision Innovation Solutions, biodiesel contributes $123 million in labor income, $520 million in value added and $2.2 billion in total output (sales) to Iowa’s economy.



Secretary Naig Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Record Proposed RFS Volumes

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released record proposed renewable volume obligations (RVO) within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): 

“President Trump has long been a champion for American energy, and the RVO proposal announced today by EPA Administrator Zeldin is yet another example of the Administration keeping its promise to our farmers and biofuels producers. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol and biodiesel production and our existing infrastructure has the capacity to produce even more home-grown biofuels. Today’s announcement sends a welcome and optimistic growth signal to this important industry.

I strongly support the Administration’s effort to prioritize and incentivize American sourced biofuels and ingredients over foreign fuels and feedstocks, including used cooking oil from China. I am also pleased to see the elimination of the misguided attempt to force Biden’s electric vehicle mandate (eRINs) into the RFS. Finally, I encourage the Administration to clarify the treatment of future small refinery exemptions in a manner that upholds current and future blending targets.

President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to showcasing how Iowa-made biofuels can be central to his effort to make America energy dominant. Biofuels are a win for drivers and American farmers – they save drivers money at the pump, directly support corn and soybean prices, expand markets for farmers, and support rural jobs and communities. I encourage the Administration to continue exploring additional opportunities to support the biofuels industry through new international export markets, as well as domestic markets including the use of nationwide, year-round E15.”



EPA Proposed RFS Blending Rule a Strong Starting Point for Further Discussions

Friday the US EPA released its draft rule to set renewable fuels standard (RFS) blending levels for 2026-2027. The rule, which will now go through a period of public comment and review prior to being finalized, set the total RFS blending level at 24.02 billion gallons, a record amount, and biomass-based diesel, which includes biodiesel, at 5.61 billion gallons. The conventional blending level, which includes corn ethanol, is 15 billion gallons.

“IRFA is pleased that today’s EPA proposal is a very strong starting point for further discussions,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We will need time to evaluate the new proposal to reduce RFS credits from imported fuels and feedstocks and the estimated volumes from both foreign and domestic feedstocks. As in the past, we will be working with EPA during the comment period to ensure that any and all refinery exemptions (SREs) are accounted for in the future rule. President Trump included reallocation of SREs in the final RFS rule during his first term. We are very pleased to see indications in today’s announcement that the policy will not change.”

President Trump had challenged refiners and renewable fuels to come up with a unified RFS blending level request. Despite differences in the past, a joint request was submitted to the EPA. 

“Agriculture is hurting, having just endured the largest two-year drop in net farm income in history,” said Shaw. “We need forward leaning RFS blending levels to maximize American energy dominance. Midwest farmers are ready to help power our economy. We look forward to sharing our views with the EPA in public comments and securing a final rule that propels the US farmer forward.”



ASA Applauds EPA Proposal on Renewable Volume Obligations

The Environmental Protection Agency released its long-awaited renewable volume obligation proposal for 2026 and 2027, which included historic increases in biomass-based diesel volumes and recommendations to strengthen domestic markets for U.S. soybean farmers.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the American Soybean Association applauds the work of President Trump, Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Rollins in promoting American energy dominance and strengthening a key domestic market for U.S. soybean farmers,” said Caleb Ragland, ASA President and soybean farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky. “The significant increase in proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel will support soybean farmers, soybean processors, and biofuel producers in rural America, and serves as a much-needed win for our communities. We thank the Trump Administration for recognizing and supporting this vital value chain for U.S. agriculture.”

The proposed rule makes significant increases in volume requirements for biomass-based diesel, from 3.35 billion gallons in 2025 to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026, or a 67% increase. For years, ASA and others in the domestic biofuel value chain argued that the previous renewable volume obligations missed the mark and did not account for the feedstock availability nor production capacity. If finalized, this proposal would jumpstart a biofuel industry that has largely been crippled by weak Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) credit values.

Additionally, EPA proposed a new concept to discount the RIN credit value for foreign finished fuel and fuels produced using foreign feedstocks. As soybean farmers struggle to maintain biofuel feedstock market share amid the rapidly growing flood of cheap, foreign feedstocks like used cooking oil, this proposal would once again give U.S. agriculture a competitive edge in the biofuel value chain.

ASA looks forward to continuing to engage with EPA as the proposal enters a period of stakeholder engagement and feedback. 



NCGA Applauds EPA Proposed Biofuel Blending Volumes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The agency proposed that refiners must blend 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels in 2026 and 2027.

In response to the development, the National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. issued the following statement on the proposal:

“We are thankful to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin that the EPA has released these robust RVO numbers in a timely manner. This action provides a significant certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry."

This announcement comes on the heels of President Trump signing into law three Congressional Review Act resolutions reversing California’s vehicle emission waivers, a win for farmers and the liquid fuel industry. Hartman noted that NCGA appreciates the administration’s continued engagement and support of the biofuel industry.



Clean Fuels Welcomes EPA’s 2026-27 RFS Rule Proposal

Friday, Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for releasing the overdue proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and taking action to get the program back on schedule. Clean Fuels along with trade associations representing farmers, feedstock providers, and fuel marketers unified in advocating a biomass-based diesel volume of no less than 5.25 billion gallons for 2026 and are pleased to see the robust step-change in proposed volumes and obligation percentages. Clean Fuels welcomes the opportunity to carefully evaluate the proposed program changes, which include setting biomass-based diesel volumes in RIN equivalence.

EPA’s proposal makes a much-needed step-change in biomass-based diesel volumes for both 2026 and 2027. At the same time, EPA proposes to change the RIN generation values of imported fuel and U.S. fuel made from imported feedstock. Clean Fuels looks forward to carefully evaluating this proposal and its potential impacts on the market.

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, “Today’s RFS proposal is a welcome and timely signal to U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF producers as well as America’s farmers and agricultural businesses. The industry has made major investments in domestic production capacity and feedstocks to meet America’s energy needs and provide consumers affordable, cleaner fuels. We anticipate this will have a tremendous beneficial impact for American farmers and agricultural communities and we look forward to working with President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin to finalize this rule and fully unleash U.S. clean fuel producers.

“Our industry supplied more than 5 billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF to the U.S. market in 2024, and is poised to deliver more in 2026. The U.S. biomass-based diesel industry supports 107,400 jobs and generates $42.4 billion in economic activity. Continued market growth and stability through the RFS will enable more economic opportunities, create more jobs, and revitalize America’s agricultural sector.”

The rule does not include a specific estimate of gasoline and diesel gallons produced by small refineries that will be exempted from the program in 2026 and 2027 – though it proposes a range. Including an estimate in the RVO formula will ensure that the biomass-based diesel volumes set by EPA in this rule are not unintentionally reduced by future small refinery exemptions.

Kovarik concluded, “We appreciate Administrator Zeldin’s commitment to find effective solutions to the remaining backlog of small refinery exemptions. We look forward to working with him to ensure that those solutions do not erode the U.S. market for biomass-based diesel and harm American farmers and consumers.” 



Farm Bureau Applauds Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard requirements for 2026 and 2027.

“Farm Bureau applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for recognizing the importance of biofuels for farmers and America’s families. EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 would increase domestic biofuel production, prioritize home-grown crops, and enable producers to meet the demands of emerging international markets. America’s families who choose to use biofuels could see much-needed relief at the gas pump, with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon.

“Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and our rural economy. The RFS has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and created markets for farmers who answered the call to help America become energy independent.”



NGFA applauds Trump administration’s action to preserve Lower Snake River dams

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today commended President Donald Trump and his administration for taking decisive action to preserve the Lower Snake River dams, which are a key component of the Pacific Northwest’s transportation and energy infrastructure.

In a presidential memorandum signed June 12, President Trump directed federal agencies to withdraw from agreements made during the Biden administration that would have advanced the potential breaching of four Eastern Washington dams – Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite – as part of a salmon recovery plan.

“We applaud the Trump administration’s leadership in rescinding the 2023 directives and recognizing the fact that these dams are critical to transporting U.S. grain and oilseeds to global markets,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “One barge tow moves the equivalent of 140 rail cars or 538 trucks – infrastructure that cannot be easily replaced. Breaching the dams would have caused a ripple effect throughout the U.S. agricultural value chain, and a significantly negative impact on U.S. exports and the rural economy.”

NGFA has long maintained that the Lower Snake River dams are vital to the competitiveness of American agriculture. In addition to enabling navigation for more than 10 percent of U.S. wheat exports, the dams provide affordable, renewable electricity and support irrigation for farmers on thousands of acres of productive farmland.

“Hydropower, irrigation access, and river transport are part of what makes American agriculture globally competitive,” Seyfert said. “Farmers, grain handlers, and exporters across the region, and the nation, depend on this infrastructure every day.”

NGFA believes the Trump administration’s action ensures that federal policy will continue to support balanced, science-based salmon recovery efforts without undermining the nation’s food and energy security and export competitiveness.