WASHINGTON – House Republicans have sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asking for a reduction in the federally required ethanol production for 2008. The representatives said that the Congressional standards will boost already high prices for corn.

The letter from the 51 members said “The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a significant factor in the increased cost of commodities, which is causing severe economic harm for low-income Americans and livestock producers."

The letter also noted that several international organizations have linked worldwide commodity prices to increased corn ethanol production.

The letter is the latest effort in a campaign by industry, consumer and civic groups to have the RFS reduced. The issue has become more heated since floods devastated corn-producing areas of the Midwest.

Source: American Meat Institute