Published 31st May, 2016
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing ambitious biofuels volumes.
The proposal is part of the government's strategy to enhance energy security and address climate change.
Under its Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, the agency is proposing production growth in:
- Total renewable fuel volumes, by nearly 700 million gallons between 2016 and 2017.
- Advanced renewable fuel, by nearly 400 million gallons between 2016 and 2017, requiring 50% lifecycle carbon emissions reductions.
- The non-advanced or “conventional” fuels portion of total renewable fuels, by 300 million gallons between 2016 and 2017 and achieving 99% of the congressional target of 15 billion gallons. This requires a minimum of 20% lifecycle carbon emissions reductions
- Biomass-based biodiesel, by 100 million gallons between 2017 and 2018. This must achieve at least 50% lifecycle emissions reductions.
- Cellulosic biofuel, by 82 million gallons, or 35%, between 2016 and 2017, requiring 60% lifecycle carbon emissions reductions.
The proposal will have a public hearing on 9th June with public input and comment open until 11th July.