RFS Volume set for 2017

EPA Releases RFS Volumes, Sets Ethanol Target at Statute

The Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday released the final Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements for 2017, setting the conventional biofuel volume—which includes ethanol—at the statute level of 15 billion gallons. That represents an increase from 14.8 billion gallons in the proposed rule and sets the standards in line with bipartisan Congressional intent when the RFS was put into law. Pro-ethanol groups applauded the move by the EPA as it followed series of years in which the EPA undercut the statute set volume levels under the RFS. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said the final rule “validates the critical importance of cleaner burning, less expensive biofuels,” like ethanol.

Biodiesel Volumes Increase under RFS

The National Biodiesel Board applauded the 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard just released by the Environmental Protection Agency as the law increases biodiesel volumes. Under the new RFS rule, biomass-based diesel standards would move to 2.1 billion gallons in 2018, up from two billion gallons in 2017. Additionally, the new RFS rule would move advanced biofuels to 4.28 billion gallons in 2017 up from 3.61 billion gallons in 2016 with biomass-based diesel continuing to fill a large portion of the advanced program. The new standards reflect modest growth but remain below the more than 2.6 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel expected in 2016. The National Biodiesel Board says: “The real winners with this announcement are American consumers who will now have access to even more cleaner burning, advanced biofuel.” NBB says biodiesel is produced in nearly every state in the country and is currently supporting more than 47,000 jobs.

Source; NAFB News