EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard Draws Species Protection Suit

The Environmental Protection Agency’s renewable fuels rule will increase strain on land and wildlife protection, according to a petition filed Wednesday by the Center for Biological Diversity.

The group claims that the agency failed to fully consider how increased pesticide and fertilizer use to grow corn necessary for Renewable Fuels Standard compliance would negatively impact the environment.

Fuels used for transportation must be blended with “renewable” fuels in increasing amounts every year under the standard, which is meant to stem greenhouse gases.

A commonly used renewable fuel, ethanol, is made from corn. But the Center’s government affairs director, Brett Hartl, ...