US EPA reveals new stance on biofuels standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has divulged its final ruling on percentage standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme.

It requires 16.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels to blended into the overall volume of US fuel supply, a total which makes up 9.7%. The EPA standard breaks down as this:

• Advanced biofuels – 2.75 billion gallons (1.6%)
• Biomass-based diesel – 1.28 billion gallons (1.3%)
• Cellulosic biofuels – 6 million gallons (0.004%)

The ruling has more than halved the target for cellulosic and advanced biofuels, from 14 million to 6, based on current production levels and a realistic fear such a high number could be met. The EPA has also extended the deadline for compliance by four months, making it 30 June 2014.

The EPA states these standards reflect updated production projections, based on engagement with the industry and an overall assessment of the biofuels market.

For more in-depth analysis on this subject look out for the next issue of Biofuels International - due out early September.