Washington Report: EPA Proposes 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards

The agency is proposing to blend more than 1.35 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2012. EPA is also proposing a structured process for buyers of Renewable Identification Numbers.

February 01, 2013

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency??s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2). ????

The proposal announced on Jan. 31 will be open for a 45-day public comment period and EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized. EPA continues to support the use of renewable fuels within the transportation sector through the RFS2 program, which encourages innovation, strengthens American energy security, and decreases greenhouse gas pollution.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner and importer determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

The proposed 2013 overall volumes and standards are: ????

  • Biomass-based diesel (1.28 billion gallons; 1.12%)??
  • Advanced biofuels (2.75 billion gallons; 1.60%)??
  • Cellulosic biofuels (14 million gallons; 0.008%)??
  • Total renewable fuels (16.55 billion gallons; 9.63%)????

For 2013, the program is proposing to implement EISA??s requirement to blend more than 1.35 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2012.

The EPA is also proposing a structured process for buyers of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in order to verify their validity.

Under the proposal, RINs would be verified through a new voluntary quality assurance program (QAP) that also includes alternative compliance options, which leverage existing industry practices and market forces. The QAP would provide a recognized means for independent third parties to audit the production of renewable fuel and verify that RINs have been validly generated. ????

EPA worked closely with stakeholders in developing the proposal. This proposal will now be available for a 30-day public comment period. EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized.

Read more at EPA??s website on the standards and regulations.

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