For the first time, the EPA is working on biofuel renewable volume obligations (RVOs) sans Congress’ statutory numbers.
Historically, Congress created a corn (ethanol) ceiling of 15B gallons. This year is a historic opportunity for EPA to blaze a new trail—pun intended.
Senator signoff: The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is applauding a letter penned by 13 bipartisan senators urging the EPA to expand additive volume obligations for all fuel types.
The senators see biofuels as a key part of energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental action: a triple whammy.
They asked the EPA to allow E15 to be sold year-round. They’re also pushing a USDA program to cost share-infrastructure (like pumps and storage tanks) with retailers.
Sound bite: “With the forthcoming ‘set’ rule, EPA has a golden opportunity to stimulate further growth in low-carbon fuel use and build on the successes of the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the RFA.
Waiting game: The EPA is expected to announce their proposal by November 16th—and the scope could potentially include 2024 and 2025. But the RFA says the process of waiting until November to announce the new rule is too slow.
It translates to being five or six months into the new year before volumes are finalized.