EPA proposes increases in renewable fuel levels

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and also proposed volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2017.

The proposal would boost renewable fuel production and provide for ambitious yet responsible growth over multiple years, supporting future expansion of the biofuels industry.

'This proposal marks an important step forward in making sure the Renewable Fuel Standard programme delivers on the Congressional intent to increase biofuel use, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security,' says Janet McCabe, the acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air. 'We believe these proposed volume requirements will provide a strong incentive for continued investment and growth in biofuels.'

The EPA is proposing to establish 2014 standards at levels that reflect the actual amount of domestic biofuel use in that year, and standards for 2015 and 2016 (and 2017 for biodiesel) that increase steadily over time.

The proposed RFS volumes are:

Cellulosic biofuels:

· 2014 – 33 million gallons

· 2015 – 106 million gallons

· 2016 – 206 million gallons

· 2017 – n/a

Biomass-based diesel:

· 2014 – 1.63 billion gallons

· 2015 – 1.7 billion gallons

· 2016 – 1.8 billion gallons

· 2017 – 1.9 billion gallons

Advanced biofuel:

· 2014 – 2.68 billion gallons

· 2015 – 2.9 billion gallons

· 2016 – 3.4 billion gallons

· 2017 – n/a

Total renewable fuel:

· 2014 – 15.93 billion gallons

· 2015 – 16.3 billion gallons

· 2016 – 17.4 billion gallons

· 2017 – n/a

The proposed volumes represent substantial growth over historic levels. For example:

· The proposed 2016 standard for cellulosic biofuel – those fuels with the lowest GHG emissions profile – is more than 170 million gallons higher than the actual 2014 volumes. That's six times higher than actual 2014 volumes.

· The proposed 2016 standard for total renewable fuel is nearly 1.5 billion gallons more, or about 9% higher, than the actual 2014 volumes.

· The proposed 2016 standard for advanced biofuel is more than 700 million gallons – 27% – higher than the actual 2014 volumes.

· Biodiesel standards grow steadily over the next several years, increasing every year to reach 1.9 billion gallons by 2017. That is 17% higher than the actual 2014 volumes.

EPA is proposing to use the tools provided by Congress to adjust the standards below the statutory targets, but the steadily increasing volumes in the proposal indicate that biofuels remain an important part of the nation's overall strategy to enhance energy security and address climate change.

EPA will hold a public hearing on this proposal on 25 June in Kansas. The period for public input and comment will be open until 27 July. EPA will finalise the volume standards in this rule by 30 November.

SOURCE: EPA