EPA emission standards shake rural economy and farming

By Scout Nelson

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent announcement of radical tailpipe emissions standards has sparked a heated debate among members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA).

These new regulations, which prioritize electric vehicles (EVs) as the primary solution to climate change, are seen as a direct threat to the agricultural sector, consumers, and the broader rural economy.

By 2032, the EPA expects 67% of automakers' production to be EVs, a move that could significantly impact the availability and practicality of vehicles for farm use.

Josh Roe, CEO of KCGA, voiced strong opposition to the EPA's 2027-2032 emissions standards, labeling them as detrimental to agriculture, the economy, and rural communities.

Roe highlighted a pressing need for action beyond mere opposition, urging support for the Next Generation Fuels Act. This legislation proposes a high octane, low carbon fuel standard that could preserve the role of internal combustion engines essential to rural life.

Corn growers have long advocated for reducing emissions, promoting ethanol as a clean, efficient fuel alternative. The push for the Next Generation Fuels Act by both Kansas and National Corn Growers associations underscores their commitment to a diverse approach to meeting climate goals, emphasizing the value of American-grown biofuels.

Roe criticized the EPA's narrow focus on electric vehicles, arguing for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the contributions of biofuels to climate solutions. Ethanol, he argued, "is not a new climate solution—it’s one that has been successfully improving our air quality for decades, and it works in vehicles on the road today and new vehicles that consumers want to drive. "

The KCGA's position shows a broader concern within the agricultural community about the EPA's direction, which risks sidelining effective, existing solutions like ethanol in favor of a singular focus on electric vehicles.

By advocating for the Next Generation Fuels Act and the continued use of biofuels, the KCGA aims to ensure a balanced, pragmatic approach to achieving environmental goals without undermining the agricultural sector and rural economies.

Photo Credit -vista-mipan