Project Liberty, a cellulosic biofuels plant in Emmetsburg, will “pause production” and stop purchasing additional biomass feedstock from farmers, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels announced last week.

Company officials said the step is the result of the EPA’s undermining of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which has held back development of cellulosic biofuels. The facility’s focus will shift to research and development in the areas of improving mechanical reliability, creating additional technological efficiencies and licensing technology. About 30 of the plant’s 70 jobs will be cut.

Project Liberty, a...