US Environmental Protection Agency Delays Decision on Texas Governer's Request

The US Environmental Protection Agency has delayed its decision on Texas Governor Rick Perry's April 2008 request for a 50% reduction in this year's federal mandate that 9 billion gallons of ethanol and other renewable fuels be used. Governor Perry argued that the federal renewable fuels standard was responsible for rising corn prices. The increased cost hurt livestock producers who rely on corn to feed their animals.  Governor Perry argued that the higher costs were being passed on to consumers at the grocery store. US EPA stated it needed additional time to consider the over 15,000 public comments received. A decision is expected in early August.

A July 23 New York Times article discusses some of the 15, 000 comments that the US EPA received on the ethanol issue.  To read this article, click here

To view the US EPA Notice of Waiver Request, click here.