EPA Proposes Renewable Fuel Obligations for 2014-2016
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Proposed numbers lower than originally called for by Congress
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this morning issued a proposed rule establishing renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2014 – 2016. The proposed numbers, which are below, are lower than the numbers that Congress called for when it enacted the most recent revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this regard, EPA is acknowledging that the statutory targets are infeasible, and thus the Agency is exercising its waiver authority to lower those numbers to a more realistic level.
Washington May 29, 2015; NACSonline reported that“NACS has long urged EPA to make sure that the renewable fuel obligations are in line with market realities. The fact that EPA has again proposed to exercise its waiver authority is a positive step in that regard,” said Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations for NACS.
NACS is continuing to review the 118 page proposal, and will provide a more detailed analysis in the coming days. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposal through July 27, 2015. The rule is expected to be finalized by November 30, 2015.
| Volumes Used to Determine the Proposed Percentage Standards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
| Cellulosic biofuel | 33 mill gal | 106 mill gal | 206 mill gal | n/a |
| Biomass-based diesel | 1.63 bill gal | 1.70 bill gal | 1.80 bill gal | 1.90 bill gal |
| Advanced biofuel | 2.68 bill gal | 2.90 bill gal | 3.40 bill gal | n/a |
| Total renewable fuels | 15.93 bill gal | 16.30 bill gal | 17.40 bill gal | n/a |
All volumes are ethanol-equivalent, except for biomass-based diesel which is actual.
| Proposed Percentage Standards | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Cellulosic biofuel | 0.019% | 0.059% | 0.114% |
| Biomass-based diesel | 1.42% | 1.61% | 1.88% |
| Advanced biofuel | 1.52% | 1.61% | 1.88% |
| Total renewable fuels | 9.02% | 9.04% | 9.63% |
