USDA Criticizes EPA Report on Biofuels
In a final act as US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack criticized an assessment by the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that found the country's key biofuel law has had a negative impact on the environment.
In a January 17 letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Vilsack, the second-longest serving US agriculture secretary, stated that the USDA does not agree with the EPA's report. He argued that the study omitted critical information and overreached in its analysis.
Specifically, Vilsack noted that the EPA's assessment of the Renewable Fuel Standard did not consider the law's effect on greenhouse gases. The EPA has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Vilsack's criticism comes as Donald Trump prepares to take office as President. While Trump has expressed support for American farmers, it remains uncertain how he and the Republican-led Congress will handle policies aimed at promoting renewable fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.