EPA Lets Down Sorghum Ethanol Plants and Farmers with Additional Small Refinery Exemptions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 9, 2019) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today an additional 31 small refinery exemptions. National Sorghum Producers Past Chairman Don Bloss, a sorghum farmer from Pawnee City, Nebraska, released the following statement in response:

“National Sorghum Producers is disappointed in the EPA’s decision to administer extensions to profitable, undisclosed refiners at the detriment of U.S. ethanol and sorghum producers. The continued expansion of small refinery waivers places additional concerns on ethanol producers already facing significantly reduced margins.

With one-third of the U.S. sorghum crop used to produce fuel ethanol, today’s announcement comes as a significant disappointment to sorghum farmers. With U.S. net farm income down almost 50 percent from the 2013 peak and sorghum farmers’ largest market, China, currently on the sidelines, these demand-destroying waivers could not have come at a worse time. National Sorghum Producers will continue to advocate for realistic, fair policies that fulfill Congressional intent while benefiting sorghum farmers and rural Americans.”

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National Sorghum Producers represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.