WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Wildlife Federation today urged the EPA to do more to protect the nation’s clean water, wildlife, and public health from the negative consequences of the federal corn ethanol mandate. The comments from the nation’s largest conservation organization come as the EPA is taking public feedback on the agency’s rule to administer the corn ethanol mandate, known as the Renewable Fuel standard, which requires increasing amounts of sustainable fuel such as corn ethanol into the nation’s gas supply. The mandate has had devastating impacts on wildlife: In the 10 years since enactment, more than 7 million acres of habitat has been converted to cropland, leading to serious consequences to the nation’s drinking water, wildlife habitat and public health.

Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said:
“It’s time for the EPA to make long-overdue fixes to the corn ethanol mandate—which has been a disaster for our drinking water, wildlife, and public health. The status quo is not working and reforms are urgently needed. Congress gave EPA the authority to make common-sense reforms when adverse environmental impacts occur.  America’s wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts need the EPA to take action now and advance renewable fuels the right way. Inaction will only make the problems worse and more difficult to solve.”

Read the National Wildlife Federation’s testimony given today at the Washington, D.C., hearing here.