WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Tuesday that a final decision on a waiver request on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will not be completed on July 24.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry requested a waiver from the RFS in April, citing rising food prices as the reason to release the state from the requirements of using corn-based ethanol as fuel. A coalition of food industry, consumer, agricultural, environmental and community groups have filed comments in support of the waiver.

The EPA reported received more than 15,000 comments during the public comment period, with many raising substantive issues and economic analysis.

“I believe it is very important to take sufficient time to review and understand these comments in order to make an informed decision,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "EPA is also required to consult with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy in considering whether to grant or deny the waiver request and has begun these consultations.”

EPA said hopes to make a final determination on the waiver by early August.

Source: American Meat Institute