US EPA is seeking views on proposed 2014 renewable fuel standards (RFS).
In a bid to ensure the standards maintain long-term growth and development, the Environmental Protection Agency is seeking expert views on annual US volume requirements for vehicle gasoline and diesel renewable fuels, either produced or imported in 2014.
Ethanol at the pumps Image: Mariordo |
The RFS were born out of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as a result of the growth of ethanol-based bio-fuels.
The latest volume proposals being put forward for consultaton cover a variety of different fuel types:
- Cellulosic biofuel: Proposed Volume – 17 million gallons; Range – 8 to 30 million gallons
- Biomass-based diesel: Proposed Volume – 1.28 billion gallons; Range – 1.28 billion gallons
- Advanced biofuel: Proposed Volume – 2.20 billion gallons; Range – 2.0 to 2.51 billion gallons
- Renewable fuel: Proposed Volume – 15.21 billion gallons; Range – 15.00 to 15.52 billion gallons
Most gasoline sold in the US is currently E10 - i.e. using a 10% ethanol content - however, because of improved engine design and fuel consumption and tighter emissions regulation, overall US gasoline demand is shrinking.
In essence the E10 fuel pool has reached its maximum threshold, meaning higher ethanol blends such as E15 and E85 are now required - a strategy that is, apparently, being actively encouraged by the Obama Administration as a way of reducing carbon emissions and fuel imports.
As well as consultation on specific volumes, the EPA is also looking for other broader ideas to avoid a regular need to changes the standards, ideally with the aim of producing a continuous standard that reflects the growth of renewable fuels. One idea that has already gained funding is the development of forecourt fuel pumps that can dispense a range of fuel blends from a single pump.