Posted July 29, 2014
On July 24, White House counselor John Podesta told a group of senators that reduced volumetric requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2014 are imminent, according to an Agweek article by Jerry Hagstrom available here. A previous post on RFS was published on the blog here.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reduced the corn-based ethanol requirement after concerns arose that ethanol use was causing corn prices to rise resulting in the requirement of higher blends because overall gas use is down. The agency also reduced the biodiesel and cellulosic biofuel requirements on the basis that industries might not be able to produce enough fuel.
Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Steve Womack (R-AR) released a statement, in response to comments made by White House advisor John Podesta, regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):
“Recent comments by a White House advisor implying a future increase in the ethanol mandate run counter to the position expressed by a majority of the House of Representatives. The EPA’s proposal for 2014, which included a reduction in the amount of ethanol blended into the fuel supply, was a positive step forward and acknowledged that the mandate is unworkable, detrimental to the environment, and price distorting to feedstock industries throughout the country. If these comments accurately represent the administration’s intentions, this would be a significant step backwards for American consumers and businesses. We urge EPA Administrator McCarthy and the Obama Administration to carefully consider the concerns of a majority of House lawmakers and take action to reduce the burden of the RFS for 2014.”
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said that she has not yet established a release date for the volumetric requirements, according to Agweek.
“I realize that this particular year is a difficult one,” McCarthy said. “EPA tried to get all the numbers out in the supply system. I think the biofuels industry knows we are working hard, otherwise it wouldn’t take so long.”
More than 218 House Members have either signed onto a letter or a bill calling for reform of the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to the statement.
For questions and answers concerning the RFS, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
For more information on the Renewable Energy, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
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