EPA Finalizes 2014-2016 RFS Requirements

December 1, 2015

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Nov. 30 issued the final volumetric requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 through 2016. EPA also released a 2017 standard for biomass-based diesel.

NATSO will issue an in-depth analysis of the numbers in the coming days. 

The volumes include reductions from the statutory standards in the original 2007 Energy Independence & Security Act but mark an increase from the EPA proposal earlier this year, reflecting an increase in fuel demand. The final 2016 standard for advanced biofuel is nearly 1 billion gallons, or 35 percent, higher than the actual 2014 volumes. Biodiesel standards grow steadily over the next several years, increasing every year to reach 2 billion gallons by 2017.

The 2014 RFS would require:

  • Cellulosic biofuels (33 million gallons, .019 percent)
  • Biomass-based diesel (1.63 billion gallons, 1.41 percent)
  • Advanced biofuels (2.67 billion gallons, 1.51 percent)
  • Renewable fuel (16.28 billion gallons, 9.19 percent)

The 2015 RFS would require:

  • Cellulosic biofuels (123 million gallons, .069 percent)
  • Bio-mass based diesel (1.73 billion gallons, 1.49 percent)
  • Advanced biofuels (2.88 billion gallons, 1.62 percent)
  • Renewable fuel (16.93 billion gallons, 9.52 percent)

The 2016 RFS would require:

  • Cellulosic biofuels (230 million gallons, 0.128 percent)
  • Bio-mass based diesel (1.90 billion gallons, 1.59 percent)
  • Advanced biofuel (3.61 billion gallons, 2.01 percent)
  • Renewable fuel (18.11 billion gallons, 10.10 percent)

Additionally, for 2017, EPA is proposing 2.00 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel.

EPA had agreed to issue its final rule establishing the volumes for 2014 and 2015 by Nov. 30 under a consent decree that settled a lawsuit over EPA’s failure to meet Congressionally mandated RFS deadlines.

 

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