SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (May 18, 2016) – POET CEO Jeff Broin today responded to the EPA’s proposed rule on the 2017 Renewable Volume Obligiations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"While the proposed numbers from EPA are trending in the right direction, they once again fail to acknowledge the existing capabilities of the biofuels industry and fuel retailers in meeting the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"Congress called for 15 billion gallons of ethanol from corn starting in 2016. The industry is capable of meeting that goal not just in 2017 but right now, today. Similarly, the infrastructure exists to get these clean fuels to market. The EPA is preventing this industry from meeting its potential and endangering the expansion of cellulosic ethanol.

"EPA's core mission is to protect public health and the environment. Today, with this proposed rule, it has failed that mission. Biofuels replace cancer-causing agents in gasoline and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The only way to expand these benefits is to allow the market to grow. Consumers deserve the right to choose higher blends of biofuels like ethanol at the pump.

"The EPA must amend these numbers to reflect the full volume for corn ethanol use laid out in statute."

About POET

POET, one of the world's largest ethanol producers, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 28-year-old company has a production capacity in excess of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol and 9 billion pounds of high-protein animal feed annually from its network of 27 production facilities. POET, through its joint venture with DSM, also operates a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.