EPA proposes 2012 Renewable Fuel Standards, 2013 biomass-based diesel volume

22 June 2011

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the 2012 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2).

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established 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, importer, and non-oxygenate blender of gasoline or diesel determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

The proposed 2012 overall volumes and standards are:

• Biomass-based diesel (1.0 billion gallons; 0.91%)
• Advanced biofuels (2.0 billion gallons; 1.21%)
• Cellulosic biofuels (3.45 - 12.9 million gallons; 0.002 – 0.010%)
• Total renewable fuels (15.2 billion gallons; 9.21%)

Based on analysis of market availability, EPA is proposing a 2012 cellulosic volume that is lower than the EISA target for 2012 of 500 million gallons. The agency said it remains optimistic that the commercial availability of cellulosic biofuel will continue to grow in the years ahead.

In addition, EPA is proposing an increased volume requirement of 1.28 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel for 2013. EISA specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for that category for 2013 and beyond, but enables EPA to increase the volume requirement.

Comments on the proposal are due on or before August 11, 2011.

Source: US EPA