The Biden administration has officially established national pollution standards for vehicles until 2032, which significantly restrict the role of ethanol and other biofuels in emission reduction strategies.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced these pollution standards on Wednesday. They cover passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years from 2027 to 2032. As part of these regulations, automobile manufacturers are mandated to increase the production of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Although the new standards provide some leeway for automakers to devise emission reduction methods, they notably minimize the utilization of ethanol and other biofuels in pollution mitigation. The final rule requires that 67 percent of newly sold light-duty vehicles and 46 percent of medium-duty vehicles be electric by 2032.
The decision has sparked disappointment among agriculture and biofuels groups.
Upon reading the final EPA emissions standards for sedans and light and medium-duty trucks, Illinois Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander, a farmer from Victoria, Illinois, responded.
“This is a very disappointing day for Illinois corn farmers. The Environmental Protection Agency has picked its preferred technology for the transportation industry without regard to its published goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions or how best to achieve the goal,” said Rylander.
Their approach is to push for nationwide adoption of battery electric vehicles, regardless of existing infrastructure, sourcing challenges, or consumer preferences. This blanket solution overlooks the concerns of Illinois corn farmers and rural communities.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln warns of potential adverse effects, including a 50 percent decrease in corn prices and a $100 billion decline in Midwest farmland value. Such outcomes could severely impact the financial stability of farming operations and the nation’s food supply.
Corn-based ethanol is widely believed to offer a viable solution for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, boasting a 40 to 45 percent reduction compared to conventional petroleum fuels. Moreover, it stimulates local economies and aligns with consumer preferences. Despite continuous appeals from corn farmers to contribute to decarbonizing liquid fuels, the Biden administration appears to disregard this opportunity to achieve its objectives while investing in America.
