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Three weeks to submit! — Celebrate the Stories of Unsung Heroes!
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FS Stamp Club Meets April 11
Summary of Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda, March 31, 2026
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
March 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Commission Meeting 03.31.26
Meeting Outline
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I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
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II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
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III. Prayer (Page 1)
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IV. Introductions (Page 1)
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V. Review of Bank Interest Rates for Excavator (Page 1)
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VI. Purchase of Excavator (Page 1)
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VII. Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Summary
Financial Review and Equipment Procurement The primary focus of this special session involves the acquisition of heavy machinery for county use. The commission is scheduled to evaluate current bank interest rates specifically tied to the financing of an excavator. Following the financial review, the board will move to discuss and potentially authorize the formal purchase of the equipment. All discussions and procedural actions for this session are detailed on Page 1 of the provided agenda.
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Planning Commission Meeting, April 1, 2026
There will be a planning commission meeting on 04.01.26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS.
Bourbon County Commission Moves Forward with Forensic Audit RFP
The commission concluded their work session on county goals to inform the budget process just before beginning their regular meeting.
Work Session Notes
Commissioner Samuel Tran read through notes.
The purpose of the work session was to discuss goals for the county.
- Commissioner Mika Milburn’s goal was to lower the mill levy, proposing a 10% cutoff.
- Commissioner Gregg Motley’s goal is to restore trust in the employees, the public, and the financial market.
- Commissioner Joe Allen agreed with both of those positions.
- Commissioner David Beerbower’s goal is to reduce property taxes by 15% and to rebalance the county’s services, including proactive road maintence and adding a recycling center.
- Tran wants to maintain current tax rate, add in a cost of living raise for county employees, modernize the county’s procedures and processes, modernize equipment and standardize the county’s inventory, modernize staffing, modernize zoning and codes, and streamline the budget process. In addition, he said the commission should be keeping track of all that is presented at their table.
After reading over those notes, the commission discussed the possible need for more work sessions to refine goals further.
Public Comments
Mr. Parks – There’s still a lot of trash blowing out of those trucks heading to Iola. He suggested tarping it up a little better.
Parks then thanked the commissioners for their time and effort.
“I think you’re doing a fabulous job,” he concluded.
Department Updates
Culvert Permit Tuchscherer 874 210th – Kenny Allen, Public Works Director
Beerbower made a motion to allow the public works director to handle culvert applications without seeking the commission’s approval. The motion carried, Tran voting against.
ADM Agreement Transfer Station – Kenny Allen, Public Works Director
In 2025 the county lost about $4,000 on the bean program. If they continue with the same amount they will loose $34,000 because of the need to buy a tractor to turn the beans with annual payments of about $30,000 per year. They need a tractor that is 120 HP with creeper gears to go slow enough not to destroy the transmission or clutch.
“I don’t see why we’re doing this,” he said. “To get on board and do it right, we need to get sawdust from the Amish, which is free – no big deal – but it takes seven guys, a skid steer, a loader, five dump trucks, and five to seven days, when it’s available.” They also have to haul manure from Fort Scott Community College. All of these components are necessary to properly compost the beans.
“Without the tractor we took in $73,343 last year in beans, but it costs us $7,416.” he said.
Kenny Allen said that dedicating someone to the flipping the beans reduces the number of workers available for all the other jobs at the transfer station. Tran said that it will take an additional employee to water and flip the beans. Historically the beans have stayed behind and the process was never complete.
“I’m asking you to do away with it,” said Kenny Allen to the commission. He said that the people who work out there also want to do away with it. He said they have plenty of dirt, which is preferable to the beans in his opinion.
Tran agreed.
Beerbower asked how much the county is paid to use the beans, because it would have to be enough to pay for a fifth employee and a new tractor.
Kenny Allen also said that the rest of the landfill equipment is in poor shape and it doesn’t seem wise to pour so much money into the bean system.
Beerbower made the motion to stop doing the bean program. Motley seconded it. In discussion, Milburn said she would want outside counsel before making the change.
Motion carried with Commissioner Joe Allen and Mika Milburn opposed.
Next, Kenny Allen, Public Works Director, mentioned that they had to take a load of trash to Arcadia for a cost of $1,602 because the regular place in Iola, Allen County was closed due to wind. The cost of that same load at Allen County would have been $630. He said that if the wind is closing their regular drop off, they will have to close the Bourbon County Transfer Station as well in order not to completely blow their budget.
Milburn asked how closing due to wind serves the people. Beerbower suggested raising rates for the Bourbon County Landfill if the Iola location is closed. The commission decided that it was logistically impossible to make that change.
Kenny Allen also brought up the need for a new excavator, as all the parts for the one they currently have must come from Korea. He said he has spent $30,000 on it to get it ready to remove the overburden from another blast at Blake Quarry.
He found a 2019 excavator with 4,000 hours on it for a yearly payment of $34,000 at a 4.9% interest rate. It can be paid for from the sales tax and road and bridge, $17,000 from each account per year.
Motley asked if he had checked with local banks to see if he could get better rates. He offered to call the five banks in Fort Scott that could bid on it and see if they can beat the 4.9% rate.
Commissioner Joe Allen moved to allow Motley to make those calls, followed by a brief meeting of the commission to vote on the lease agreement.
Motion passed with Milburn voting against.
Old Business
Elevator Package – Tran
Tran said he spoke to Otis and they are going ahead with to “roll with it.”
Vending Machine Placement – Allen
Commissioner Allen said that after discussing it with those who work in the courthouse, consensus was to install a new machine on the first floor of the courthouse, where more people will use them.
Title IV-E County Reimbursement Opportunity – Motley
Asked permission to apply for the grant which covers 23% of the cost of foster care services for children in need of care including attorney’s fees and social workers. Motley said there’s a substantial number of children in need of care in Bourbon County.
Beerbower moved to allow him to apply for the grant and the motion carried unanimously.
Audit RFP – Tran
Tran read a list of potential person’s of contact outside the county, which included several law enforcement personnel from counties in the region.
The commission said they preferred going with best value rather than sealed bids. Tran then explained how the best value method works.
Motley said he has a problem with Baker Tilly bidding, as they drew up the RFP. Tran said they would deal with that at the time of the bid. Motley also has a problem with a county employee being the point of contact. He suggested choosing someone like Kaety Bowers, Republican Party Chair for Bourbon County, since she is outside the system.
Tran asked the vice-chair of the Republican Party, Tim Emerson, who was at the meeting, if he would work with Bowers on the process. Tran had already spoken with Bowers and gotten her verbal consent. Emerson also agreed.
Motley was concerned about the hourly cost of a “fishing expedition,” and suggested the commissioners list the transactions they want audited instead.
Allen expressed a like concern regarding cost and the idea of a fishing expedition as well as using Baker Tilly.
Tran said the minimum cost estimate he was given by Baker Tilly is $20,000.
Motley motioned to use the Greenwood County Sheriff, Heath Samuels, as the outside POC on the recommendation of Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. The motion carried.
Tran then moved to be allowed to start the RFP process using the following dates:
Issue date of April 6.
Deadline for written questions of April 20.
Answers will be due April 27.
Proposal due date will be May 4.
Intent to award will be May 18.
Allen asked why the Sheriff’s department and corrections were not on the list of auditable departments per the RFP. Tran said that those departments had already been audited by Baker Tilly. Allen then said if they are left off, he wants to know why the others are included. Tran said that would drive up the cost of the bid.
“I think everybody should be listed,” said Allen.
The motion carried with Allen voting against.
Update on Benefit District on 190th St. – Motley
Kenny Allen said the price the county quoted the neighborhood to improve their road was $144,000. That information was shared with the residents and they did not get back to the county with a decision. Motley said he would tell his constituent that.
New Business
Hay Bids – County Clerk
Susan Walker said she would post it and then the county would take sealed bids to be opened April 20th in the commission meeting. The Elm Creek location has been removed from the list of available locations because of its proximity to the quarry.
Future Agenda Topics
Intent to terminate contract for Juvenile Detention Center in Gerard
Auction
Work session for sewer
Commission Comments
Joe Allen: A bus driver sent her thanks to public works for cleaning up her route so quickly.
Also, he attended the CORE Community graduation and was very impressed with the program.
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
FROM THE BLEACHERS-757
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Trust the Team, Trust the Mission
Does a leader show love and demonstrate trust? When you’re dealing with people, you’re not just dealing with skills and responsibilities, you’re dealing with fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even past hurt. Scripture gives us a simple but powerful truth in 1 Corinthians 8:3: “But whoever loves God is known by God.” That verse reminds us of something important, leadership is not just about being known for what you do. It’s about how you love and how you treat people along the way. When people know they are valued, respected, and they matter, that’s when trust begins to grow.
Now here’s the reality, not everyone walks into your organization full of confidence and trust. Some have been burned before. Some have seen decisions made that didn’t go their way. Some are carrying fear; fear of change, fear of losing their role, fear of the unknown. Fear has a way of whispering things that aren’t true. It tells people to pull back. It tells people to doubt. It tells people to protect themselves instead of trusting the team, but here’s the truth: Fear has never made a team better. Fear tightens people up. Trust frees them.
One of the greatest examples of this kind of leadership comes from Abraham Lincoln. He led during one of the most divided and fearful times in our nation’s history, the Civil War. He had every reason to rule with force and authority alone. Instead, he led with dignity. He listened to people who disagreed with him. He surrounded himself with individuals who didn’t always see things his way. When he had to make difficult decisions, decisions that impacted thousands of lives, he never lost sight of treating people with respect. Lincoln understood something every leader needs to understand: You can make the right decision and still care deeply about the people affected by it. That’s leadership.
Now here’s the other side of that coin. Those being led also have a responsibility. When change comes, you have to choose trust over fear. You may not see the whole picture. You may not understand every decision, but if you’re part of a team, there comes a moment where you either pull together or you drift apart. Fear doesn’t help you. Not one bit. It doesn’t improve your performance, strengthen your relationship or build anything worth keeping. All it does is hold you back. Some resort to gossip and slander. Trust, on the other hand, moves teams forward.
Consequently, whether you’re leading a team or part of one, remember this: Treat people with dignity, communicate with honesty, lead with love, and when change comes, choose trust over fear because the best teams aren’t just built on talent, they’re built on trust.
Thought for the Week, “Fear divides. Trust unites. Choose the one that builds your team.” Jack Welch
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
March 30
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Good News: EPA Permits Year-Round Sale of E15
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was issuing a waiver to extend the nationwide sale of E15 during the 2026 summer driving season. Current regulations prevent the summer sale of E15 without a waiver, which is why I have long supported legislation to allow the year-round sale of E15 to provide certainty to the fuels industry. Year-round availability of E15 expands markets for Kansas farmers and ethanol producers, supports American energy independence and provides consumers with more affordable options at the pump. I applaud the administration’s action to help meet our nation’s energy needs, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make this change permanent. You can learn more about my efforts to support year-round E15 here.
Urging Reinstatement of Sanctions on Russia & Iran
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor, expressing my concern over the administration’s decision to relax oil sanctions on Russia and Iran. The 30-day waiver permits both countries to sell their oil at market prices, potentially providing billions of dollars that they otherwise would not have had. This windfall provides resources for both Moscow and Tehran to sustain their wars against Ukraine and in the Middle East. It makes no sense to give financial relief to two adversaries who actively work, in cooperation with each other, to threaten American lives and interests around the world. I called on the President to rescind these waivers now and for them to not be extended once they expire. I also highlighted the importance of investing in domestic energy production to reduce America’s reliance on foreign countries for energy.
The U.S. military operations in Iran continue into its fifth week. As a member of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, I received another classified briefing on the war. While there is potential for ceasefire talks to begin, I am monitoring reports of plans to send more forces into the region that could lead to introducing troops on the ground.
You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.
Passing Legislation to End Partial Government Shutdown
After weeks of trying to negotiate a deal in the Senate on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Trump took action to provide emergency pay for TSA workers who were facing a third missed paycheck. While this action will provide relief for the TSA employees and alleviate strain on air travel, a DHS funding bill must be enacted to ensure our national security and make certain thousands of employees do not continue going without pay. Despite the Appropriations Committee negotiating a bipartisan DHS funding package that includes resources for body-worn cameras for ICE and increases funding for the DHS Office of Inspector General to conduct investigations and hold the department accountable, my colleagues across the aisle rejected this package and additional offers for reform.
While Republicans worked in good faith to offer reforms for ICE and Border Patrol, defunding these critical agencies is not an option. Thanks to additional funding provided last year in the Senate Reconciliation Bill, ICE and Border Patrol operations will continue to be funded for the foreseeable future, and Senate Republicans will look for alternative ways to fund these agencies potentially through another Reconciliation Bill.
Requesting Update from DHS on World Cup Security Plans
As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I led my colleagues in requesting an update from the newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to support the safety and security of host cities across the nation, including Kansas City. Kansas City’s role during the FIFA World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase our state and country but also requires significant coordination between federal, state and local partners to address evolving security threats. Specifically, I requested additional details on how DHS is working with law enforcement and emergency management partners to prepare for the event, as well as how federal resources are being allocated and which special designations would be granted to host cities to make certain they have the necessary tools in case of an emergency.
I appreciate the many Kansas-based law and fire departments that have visited with me in recent weeks to express their concerns and share questions ahead of the World Cup, and I look forward to remaining in contact with the emergency services community on the response we receive from Secretary Mullin. I remain committed to working to make certain our communities are as prepared as possible for the World Cup.
You can read more from KSHB here.
Calling for Briefing on Holding Perpetrators of Oct. 7 Attack Accountable
This week, I led 13 of my colleagues in requesting that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel convene a briefing on the Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF) to update Congress on efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist networks such as Hamas. The task force was established in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and stands to investigate and hold accountable individuals connected to acts of violence and global terrorist organizations. In the letter, we requested an update on the task force’s progress, including the number of investigations underway, actions taken to hold perpetrators accountable and any additional authorities or resources needed from Congress to support the JTF’s critical work. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to making certain the Department of Justice and the FBI have the tools necessary to carry out their mission of keeping Americans safe. You can learn more from Jewish Insider here.
Touring Thales Group U.S. Headquarters
On Monday, I visited Thales Group’s U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and met with members of their team to learn more about the work they are doing to support air traffic control modernization. We also discussed Thales Group’s presence in Kansas, including its facility in Overland Park that repairs air traffic control navigation and surveillance equipment. Thank you to the Thales Group team for hosting me and for conversations on strengthening aviation safety.
Leading Legislation to Protect Consumer Data Privacy
This week, I reintroduced the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act to strengthen laws that govern consumers’ personal data and create clear standards and regulations for American businesses that collect, process and use consumers’ personally identifiable data. As more states adopt their own comprehensive data privacy legislation and as consumers face new and evolving threats to the security of their personal data, the need for a clear federal standard for data privacy has become more pressing, both for consumers seeking to secure their data and for businesses contending with a patchwork of state laws governing how that data is to be handled.
My legislation would establish a clear federal standard for data privacy protection, provide consumers with control over their personal data, create appropriately-scaled business requirements based on a company’s size and resources, require notification and consent measures, implement robust security programs and provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general with the resources and authorities needed to enforce this clear federal standard.
As Congress works to develop a comprehensive federal privacy standard, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and soliciting feedback from consumers and industry leaders to make certain that this legislation manages the risks to consumers’ data privacy in a way that American businesses can execute.
You can learn my about my legislation here.
Introducing Bill to Bolster Training on Dementia Detection & Treatment
This week, I joined my colleagues, Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), in introducing the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to bolster training for primary care providers so they can better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality care in community-based settings.
The bill would make certain primary care providers have the tools they need to deliver earlier diagnoses, improving access to care and outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. I am committed to supporting robust funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research to improve treatments and work towards a cure for these devastating diseases.
You can learn more about this legislation here.
Pittsburg office
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Legislative Update by Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson
March 27, 2026
The Property Tax Revenue Limit bill (Senate substitute for HB 2745) was sent to the governor; it puts the breaks on annual property-tax collection increases with a revenue limit (the previous year’s property tax collection plus Midwest Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower). If a governing body attempts to exceed the limited amount, a voter petition of 10% of registered voters in that taxing subdivision can stop the increase. The Senate added some safeguards: the revenue‑neutral notices you get in the mail must flag if a budget exceeds revenue‑neutral (property tax collected the previous year) levels and if revenue limits are to be exceeded; if revenue limits are exceeded a petition signature area is to be included on the notice; petition signatures may be collected Aug. 10–Sept. 15, and if 10% of registered voters sign, the governing body may not exceed revenue neutral. The House had changed the petition process so that they do not have be notarized. It’s a meaningful step to slow government growth. I hope the governor signs it. It passed the Senate 22–18. I voted yes.
Early in the session, House and Senate leaders agreed to work on two items: an assessment cap (Senate position, 3%, that must be implemented by constitutional amendment) and a revenue cap (House position, allowing voters to stop increases 3% or more by petition). Each measure would offer protection: the assessment cap would protect individual properties, while the revenue limit would help slow government growth. Unfortunately, the assessment cap was rejected by the House – even after the House offered a 10% cap and no rollback on assessment values; the Senate position was 3% or lower with a 2022 baseline year. To move on the measure, I was asked to acquiesce to a 9% cap, with the understanding it could be lowered by statute, and a baseline assessment value year of 2024, which the House accepted – but rejected it on the House floor. There is still a slim chance to pass something in veto session.
Some House members continue to spread misinformation about assessment limits, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the legislation. For example, claims that it “will hurt first-time homebuyers” are inaccurate: the measure transfers the capped assessed value to the new homeowner. A major benefit because the capped assessment value goes with the property, unlike today where some are seeing increases that can tax them out of their home in just a few years.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked day and night trying to get a limit on property tax increases passed – one that would protect homeowners and save them money. We need to stop these runaway increases. However, as a leader in lowering your taxes, there are members of the legislature trying to blame me for not getting results when they vote against the limits. Go figure.
The Legislature will return April 9th for consideration of bills vetoed by the Governor and possible action on other legislation. Currently, there are 50 bills on the Governor’s desk for consideration and over 80 bills on the way to her desk. All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Republican Scam Alert
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U. S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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Late last night, the House passed a continuing resolution that will fund the entire Department of Homeland Security for the next 60 days as negotiations continue to secure full-year funding. This 60-day funding resolution marks the fourth time the House has passed funding for the department, which would end the needless shutdown. Earlier this week, the House also passed for the third time a full-year funding bill for the department. Full-year funding received bipartisan approval in the House earlier this year before being blockaded by Senate Democrats. This shutdown has to end so the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Secret Service, TSA and other critical agencies that keep our country safe can resume normal operations at this time of elevated threat. |
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As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I continue to receive briefings on Operation Epic Fury. My prayers continue to be with our troops, particularly those Kansans serving in the operation. |
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Last Sunday, I joined NewsNation to discuss the latest developments. |
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In committee action Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup which included a bill I introduced to clarify the ability of Executive Branch officials — not unelected judges — to temporarily appoint acting U.S. Attorneys while the individuals appointed by the president to permanently serve in those roles are pending confirmation in the U.S. Senate. Delay tactics by members of the minority party in the Senate should not be used to prevent the administration from having their chosen attorneys represent them in federal courts. My bill will take a step toward addressing that issue. |
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Also on Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously passed out the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 (H.R. 7613), which includes key reforms recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to prevent future tragedies, such as the 2025 midair collision at Reagan National Airport of American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita and the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. |
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As families across the Second District wrap up their tax returns over the next few weeks, I’m hearing from many Kansans who are receiving bigger refunds this year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts that were enacted last summer. Thanks to the larger standard deduction, expanded child tax credits, senior deduction, small business pass-through deduction, no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, the average refund is up more than 10% from last year. That’s real money Kansans are saving by having a more affordable federal government. |
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There was also good news for Kansas farmers this week with key announcements from the administration on renewable fuels: |
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First, the EPA announced it is once again issuing a waiver allowing E15 to be sold during the summer. While we continue to work in Congress to make year-round E15 permanent — a bill I have cosponsored — I’m grateful the administration has once again waived the burdensome regulation, giving fuel retailers and consumers the choice to offer and purchase higher ethanol blends, which can result in real savings at the pump. |
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The EPA also announced the new Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027, which will result in the highest-ever volumes of biofuels in our nation’s history. This is expected to create billions of dollars in value for farmers and continue reducing our reliance on foreign oil. |
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