epa

Senators Want Answers on RFS Economic Hardship Waiver to CVR

DanEnergy, Industry News Release

A group of senators is seeking more information regarding an economic hardship waiver under the Renewable Fuel Standard sent to CVR Energy, owned by Carl Icahn.

senatorsThe group of Democrats, including Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, sent letters seeking information to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt and Icahn, the billionaire former adviser to President Trump and Chairman of CVR Energy. The senators expressed concern that Icahn, who is currently under investigation by federal prosecutors for potential illegal activity while working as a White House adviser to change RFS regulations, received a hardship waiver even though CVR made a profit of over $230 million in 2017. The Senators note that the EPA has granted at least 24 waivers in recent months, a significant change from the six to eight waivers granted annually in the past several years.

CVR reported profits of more than $230 million in 2017 and reportedly received an exemption this year after being denied in a previous year.

The senators asked the EPA and Icahn to answer questions about the exemption and how it was granted by no later than May 22, 2018.

From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.