A recent EPA scientific advisory board report has come under review by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Geoff Cooper, its President and CEO, criticized the report, suggesting it seemingly undervalues corn ethanol's climate contributions.
The disputed EPA report discusses the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements from 2023. It questions the actual environmental advantages of corn ethanol compared to traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Cooper argued that most scientists agree that corn ethanol is a good thing. He mentions, “Corn ethanol indeed trumps gasoline in reducing GHG emissions.” Backing his claims, Cooper references a U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory study, which concluded that corn ethanol's carbon footprint is considerably lower than that of petroleum gasoline.
This research reveals that the U.S. has prevented 544 million metric tons of GHG emissions over a 15-year span. Argonne's findings, which highlight corn ethanol’s pivotal role in U.S. environmental efforts, weren't acknowledged in the board's comments.
Instead, the board chose to focus on a 2022 study by Lark et al., which encountered academic criticisms. Cooper finds the board’s omission of these critiques' problematic.
Moreover, Cooper raises eyebrows over the formation of the board’s “RFS workgroup,” suggesting its members lacked the necessary expertise in bioenergy and climate science. He champions a more inclusive approach for future discussions.
Source : wisconsinagconnection