EPA's new emission standards trouble corn farmers

USAgNet - 03/25/2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed new emissions standards for vehicles that have sparked concern among corn farmers in Illinois and across the Midwest. The IL Corn Growers Association President, a farmer himself, expressed deep disappointment with the EPA's decision, which seems to favor electric vehicles (EVs) as the sole solution to transportation emissions. This approach overlooks the potential negative impact on corn prices and the value of Midwest farmland, which could see a drastic reduction.

Experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have warned that the shift towards EVs could halve corn prices and cut the collective value of Midwestern farmland by $100 billion, threatening the financial stability of farming operations and the nation’s food supply. Despite ethanol’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% compared to petroleum fuel, and its benefits to local economies and consumer choice, the EPA's policy sidelines these advantages.

The IL Corn Growers Association advocates for a more inclusive approach to reducing emissions, emphasizing the role that corn-based ethanol could play in achieving environmental goals while supporting American farmers and rural economies. The association's ongoing efforts to lobby for the decarbonization of liquid fuels and the broader utilization of ethanol underline the potential for agricultural contributions to sustainable transportation solutions.

As the debate over the EPA's emission standards continues, the agricultural community calls for policies that recognize the importance of all stakeholders, including those in the farming sector, in addressing environmental challenges.

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