Connecticut becomes second state to request Renewable Fuel Standard waiver over food prices

May 5, 2008

In Connecticut, Governor Jodi Rell will request a waiver from ethanol-blending requirements in the Renewable Fuel Standard, over food price concerns. Under the EISA Act of 2007, the EPA Administrator has the power to issue waivers.

Last week in Texas, Governor Rick Perry requested a 50 per cent waiver from the federal renewable fuel standard as a response to rapidly rising food prices. â€œWe appreciate the good intentions behind the push for renewable fuels,â€ Perry said in a statement. â€œIn fact, weâ€™re diversifying our stateâ€™s energy portfolio at a rapid rate, but this misguided mandate is significantly affecting Texansâ€™ family food bill. There are multiple factors contributing to our skyrocketing grocery prices, but a waiver of RFS levels is the best, quickest way to reduce those costs before permanent damage is done.â€

“Ultimately, food prices are reaching high levels, so we’re looking at this as an option for reducing that burden,” said Allison Castle, a spokeswoman for Gov. Perry, told cattlenetwork.com. State have sought temporary waivers from EPA mandates in the past, but this is one of the first permanent waivers, and may cause ethanol quotas for other states to increase.

The Renewable Fuel Standard, and state biofuels mandates, have come under increasing scrutiny since the passage of the Energy Security and Independence Act over food price concerns.