NELSON STATEMENT ON EPA DELAY OF WAIVER DECISION

July 22, 2008 – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson issued the following statement today regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) delay of a decision on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) waiver:

"I received a letter today in response to the letter my colleagues and I sent last week demanding a meeting with EPA Administrator Johnson following his 'closed-door' discussion with Texas Governor Perry on July 9. The letter states that the EPA’s decision on Texas' waiver request will be delayed beyond this week's statutory deadline until an unspecified date in August.

"I am disappointed to hear of the delay, and I welcome Administrator Johnson's willingness to meet soon with those of us who are concerned about the EPA’s handling of the waiver request. We need to have a thoughtful, open and honest decision-making process. I continue to believe that the facts and our overall national interests weigh in favor of denying the waiver request. The RFS provides a substantive goal for the country to increase its use of renewable fuels and the use of renewable fuels is an essential element in helping to better ensure our energy security. While I continue to oppose the RFS waiver request, my immediate concern is with the decision-making process and the reasons behind EPA's announcement today that it will delay making a decision on the request.

"Our farmers are producing enough corn for our food, feed and fuel needs, and the growing ethanol industry is reducing our dependence on foreign oil. It is helping to hold down our high gas prices and it is providing home-grown economic growth in many states, including Nebraska.

"I look forward to meeting with Administrator Johnson later this week to hear his explanation of EPA's actions."

###



	Press Release	July 22, 2008
NELSON STATEMENT ON EPA DELAY OF WAIVER DECISION July 22, 2008 – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson issued the following statement today regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) delay of a decision on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) waiver: "I received a letter today in response to the letter my colleagues and I sent last week demanding a meeting with EPA Administrator Johnson following his 'closed-door' discussion with Texas Governor Perry on July 9. The letter states that the EPA’s decision on Texas' waiver request will be delayed beyond this week's statutory deadline until an unspecified date in August. "I am disappointed to hear of the delay, and I welcome Administrator Johnson's willingness to meet soon with those of us who are concerned about the EPA’s handling of the waiver request. We need to have a thoughtful, open and honest decision-making process. I continue to believe that the facts and our overall national interests weigh in favor of denying the waiver request. The RFS provides a substantive goal for the country to increase its use of renewable fuels and the use of renewable fuels is an essential element in helping to better ensure our energy security. While I continue to oppose the RFS waiver request, my immediate concern is with the decision-making process and the reasons behind EPA's announcement today that it will delay making a decision on the request. "Our farmers are producing enough corn for our food, feed and fuel needs, and the growing ethanol industry is reducing our dependence on foreign oil. It is helping to hold down our high gas prices and it is providing home-grown economic growth in many states, including Nebraska. "I look forward to meeting with Administrator Johnson later this week to hear his explanation of EPA's actions." ###