Sen. Chuck Grassley raises concerns over the increased imports of used cooking oil (UCO) to the United States, saying it will undermine Iowa soybean producers. UCO consists of oils and fats used for cooking or frying that originate from waste vegetable oil and animal fats, which are used as a key ingredient for biodiesels for a cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternative. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received multiple letters from senators, including Grassley and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, asking for specific information on the oversight of UCO, ensuring the federal agency is enforcing the policies established under Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Grassley says the increase in UCO imports is not a good thing for Iowa farmers.
A federal report shows a record 3.2 billion pounds of UCOs were imported to the U.S. through August, a dramatic increase from the less than 300 million pounds imported in 2021. Imports in 2024 were enough to replace the usage of close to 270 million bushels of soybeans. Grassley says another concern he has is that imports of UCOs are subsidized.
In response to the senators’ letters, the EPA did not respond to show any evidence of regulations of UCOs entering the U.S., shifting responsibility onto other federal partners like U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The EPA is not verifying UCO as a 100 percent pure, authentic product that would qualify it under RFS. Grassley made his comments during his weekly Capitol Hill report with Iowa reporters.
