Growth Energy asks DOT to provide rail assistance during Midwest flooding

by | Mar 26, 2019 | 5 Ag Stories, News

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to help expedite rail delivery of biofuels amid historic flooding. Flooding in a four-state area has delayed transportation of critical supplies of biofuel, which in turn, could impact consumer fuel costs. Rail lines in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri remain closed with many washouts reported from the flooding. Those rail lines are critical for the daily operation of biofuels facilities in the Midwest to receive and distribute its products.

In her letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Skor said: ?Further delays could not only impact our industry, but could also ultimately increase fuel costs for American drivers.? Ethanol plants report some damages, delays or even closures as flood waters inundated Nebraska and the Missouri River bottom grounds, home to ethanol facilities and critical rail lines for the region. President Trump issued a federal emergency declaration for Nebraska last week.