Ernst invites EPA leader to Iowa to talk Renewable Fuel Standard, water issues

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, on Monday invited Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to visit Iowa to hear how proposed EPA regulations would directly impact Iowans.

Ernst said she extended the invitation due to growing concern over the EPA's inaction on the Renewable Fuel Standard and the EPA's efforts to redefine the waters of the United States.

In a letter sent to McCarthy, Iowa's junior senator said she looks forward to discussing these issues during hearings through the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, but she also believes it is critical that the EPA 'fully understand firsthand the impact that these regulatory actions are having on everyday Iowans.”

'Therefore, I would invite you to visit Iowa and directly engage with the people impacted the most by your regulatory choices,” Ernst wrote. 'It is critical to hear and see how your proposed changes to WOTUS and failure to put forth required levels for the RFS could, and have, impacted farmers, biofuel producers, and all of the important related industries.”