Ernst Blocks Benevento Nomination For EPA Deputy Chief Over RFS Fears

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is blocking President Donald Trump’s nomination of Doug Benevento to be EPA deputy administrator over concerns that the agency is considering granting dozens of renewable fuel standard (RFS) waivers to biofuel production mandates, making it impossible for the nomination to move forward. “Until EPA tells us exactly what they plan to do with the ‘gap year’ waivers, Mr. Benevento does not have my vote,” Ernst said in a June 26 statement. “Iowa’s hardworking ethanol and biodiesel...