EPA May Change 2014 RFS

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy’s recent comments that the volumetric requirements for the final Renewable Fuel Standard may be different than the proposed rule are sparking concern among industry groups that EPA plans to increase the amount of ethanol and other biofuels refiners must blend into the nation’s fuel s
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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy’s recent comments that the volumetric requirements for the final Renewable Fuel Standard may be different than the proposed rule are sparking concern among industry groups that EPA plans to increase the amount of ethanol and other biofuels refiners must blend into the nation’s fuel supply in 2014.

In November, EPA lowered the ethanol mandate and set reduced levels for other biofuels in 2014. The reductions were seen as a recognition on the agency’s part that fuel consumption has declined over the last several years and that today’s fuel infrastructure is not able to handle ethanol blends greater than E-10.

For the first time, rather than establishing a specific target for the biofuels fuels, the agency established a range of acceptable levels of the fuels to be blended in the nation's fuel supply. 

EPA has yet to finalize that proposal.

On April 15, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized EPA for consistently issuing the Renewable Fuel Standards late, saying that it increases costs for refiners. 

GAO said EPA should identify delays in issuing yearly renewable fuel levels and implement a plan to get them out on time.

 

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