Chronicle Editorial

RFS numbers still a boost for Iowa
     It’s good, but not good enough.
     That seemed to be the sentiment among Iowa’s ag industry last week following the announcement of the 2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which sets the annual amount of alternative fuels required in the nation’s gas supply. Oil refiners will now need to blend 18.1 billion gallons of ethanol and other renewable products into our fuel next year. The number is more than the 17.4 billion proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last spring, but still falls well short of the 22.3 billion threshold set by Congress when the RFS was established in 2007.
     Ethanol producers, corn growers and other ag leaders admonished the EPA’s decision. Iowa is the the No. 1 ethanol-producing state, and many folks fear future economic repercussions if the agency continues to slash previously-established RFS requirements. The state’s rural communities have seen economic gains thanks to the ethanol industry and would be significantly affected if it were to falter. Though the EPA’s order still increases the RFS’s alternative fuel requirements next year compared to 2015, it leaves open the very real possibility of additional rollbacks that could hurt Iowa’s economy in the future.
     Despite these concerns, the adjusted requirement doesn’t appear to be as dire as some might lead you to believe.
     The EPA called the 18.1 billion threshold “realistic,” and it seems to be a logical step towards compromise. According to reports, slow growth in the fledgling cellulosic ethanol sector forced the agency to reduce expectations because the industry would not be able to meet the previous levels set by Congress. Additionally, the new requirement still increases the RFS’s renewable fuel requirement by 1.2 billion gallons from 2015.
     It may not be as aggressive as the number set by Congress nine years ago, but it could be worse. Sometimes adjustments are needed to align with modern needs. It’s clear the alternative fuel industry will continue to expand over the next decade. Whether that’s due to increased ethanol production or other fuels, it’s a win-win situation for America’s future energy independence. Continued investment in this sector will only benefit future research and hopefully lead to better alternative fuels.
     While 2016 RFS numbers create room for future concern, they're still an increase from the previous year’s figures. That’s good news for Iowa corn growers and ethanol producers. Iowa’s economy benefits most directly from the RFS and it’s continued expansion will only help boost rural communities in the future.
 
A rose-colored consolation
     Though Saturday’s Big Ten Conference championship game ended in heartbreak for the Iowa Hawkeyes, fans still have plenty to root for next month when the team heads west for its Rose Bowl matchup with Stanford.
     The “granddaddy of them all” might not have been what Iowa fans were hoping for – an undefeated regular season had the Hawkeyes pining for something bigger. However, it’s certainly a worthy consolation prize. Iowa hasn’t been to the Rose Bowl in 25 years, and it’s still considered college football’s top post-season game aside from the two playoff matchups. There’s certainly no shame in landing there and it’s definitely going to be a thrilling game for Hawkeye fans across the nation.
     Whether or not this Iowa team can score an unprecedented 13th win remains to be seen. However, they’ve already accomplished more than any other team before them by going undefeated during the regular season. It’s been a magical fall for Hawkeye fans, and this year’s team is something the entire state can be proud of.