Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann is requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) take swift action on setting renewable energy volume requirements for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

In a letter to the EPA Administrator, the Lt. Governor noted that the proposed reductions and uncertainty in the volumes requirements significantly impacts both Hoosier farmers and the biofuels industries located in Indiana.  This follows a previous letter about this issue sent by Governor Pence on Jan. 21, 2014.

Lt. Governor Ellspermann explained in her letter, “Farmers and biofuel Industry leaders have made investment decisions as best they could, but there is still uncertainty when requirements are not established in a timely manner. This must change for our nation to realize the objectives put in place when the renewable volume requirements were established.”

She also expressed concern about transparency and openness in the volume setting process and asked that the EPA provide ample opportunity for substantive contribution from stakeholders.

Congress originally authorized the EPA to establish renewable energy production requirements in 2005. The policy is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the nation’s energy supply by adding biofuels to traditional petroleum fuels.