Corn Farmers Caution Administration over Electric Vehicles

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A letter signed by more than 3,400 farmers was sent to President Biden Wednesday expressing concern over the administration’s focus on electric vehicles. Specifically, the prioritization of electric vehicles over biofuels, such as corn ethanol, as it works to drastically lower the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The letter says, “If we are going to address climate change and meet our sustainability goals, we are going to have to take a multi-pronged approach, that includes tapping into higher levels of biofuels.” The letter, which drew thousands of signatures in less than a week, comes as the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to release its light- and medium-duty vehicle tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-2032.

A recent survey, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association shows Americans have concerns on a range of issues involving electric vehicles. In the letter, the farmers said it could take years before EVs become popular with consumers, which means the administration must expand its focus and efforts to address greenhouse gasses with solutions that are available now.