The agency rejected the request based on the economic analyses done in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Energy that concluded to no adverse impact on the economy of the US if the standards were indeed implemented, as claimed by some states.
EPA Office of Air and Radiation assistant administrator Gina McCarthy acknowledged the difficult position for some of the sectors of the economy due to the draught witnessed earlier in 2012.
"But our extensive analysis makes clear that Congressional requirements for a waiver have not been met and that waiving the RFS will have little, if any, impact," added McCarthy.
The EPA’s refusal is the second time such request has been made and consequently rejected by the agency.
