WASHINGTON DC (June 20, 2019) — Today, Representative Dave Loebsack released a statement following reports in the media that President Trump has ordered the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other Cabinet members to review the excessive use of the Small Refinery Exemption program (SRE). Earlier this year, Rep Loebsack, co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, called on the EPA to suspend issuing SREs until a review of the program had been completed. Since this administration began using SREs to help prop up large oil companies, Rep Loebsack has worked to shine a light on the exemption process and demand transparency from the EPA. Rep Loebsack has long been a supporter of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and will continue to fight to ensure it remains strong.
"It is past time this Administration realizes the role the excessive use the SRE program has played in undermining the RFS and harming farmers and biofuel producers," Rep Loebsack said. "Our goal should be to expand the use of ethanol and other renewable fuels, not weaken the RFS, which is what some of the most profitable oil producers are seeking to do through these exemptions. I’m encouraged that the President is finally listening to the concerns of Iowans and has ordered this review, but I will continue to exercise oversight of the EPA to ensure this program is being used for its congressionally intended purpose."