WASHINGTON, Dec. 20- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release its compliance standards for the 2012 Renewable Fuel Standards and 2013 Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2) by the end of the year. Although the deadline to finalize the proposed volume standards was Nov. 30, the Agency has yet to do so. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dineen addressed the delay in a letter he sent today to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
“At the very least, EPA should immediately explain the reasoning for the delay, provide guidance to renewable fuel producers and obligated parties, and disclose when release of the final rule might be expected,” according to the letter.
Growth Energy representatives said the standards must be released within the next two weeks, but that the EPA’s missed deadline is not unusual.
“We are monitoring the situation and have discussed and urged EPA to finalize the volume targets soon,” said Growth Energy Senior Public Affairs Associate, Stephanie Dreyer.
EPA proposed the volume requirements and associated percentage standards that would apply under the RFS2 program in calendar year 2012 for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel; and the 2013 biomass-based diesel volume. The proposed standards would ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United State contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel as required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. A summary of the proposed regulations can be found here.
The entire letter from RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen to Administrator Jackson is as follows:
December 20, 2011
Dear Administrator Jackson:
With fewer than two weeks remaining before a new compliance year is set to begin under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), it is concerning that EPA has thus far failed to announce the volume requirements for 2012 as dictated by the law. Equally concerning is the failure to provide renewable fuel providers and obligated parties under the RFS any explanation for the delay beyond the November 30th deadline set forth by the statute.
The RFS provides critical market certainty for existing ethanol producers, emerging renewable fuel technologies, and motor fuel suppliers that must comply with the RFS. Additionally, the RFS is an important tool in reducing the nation’s dependence on imported oil and creating domestic jobs and economic opportunities that cannot be outsourced. This market certainty is put in jeopardy as long as questions remain about impending RFS requirements and when those requirements will be made final.
With the holidays fast approaching and a new compliance year upon us, we are asking that EPA release its final volume RFS requirements for 2012 as soon as possible. At the very least, EPA should immediately explain the reasoning for the delay, provide guidance to renewable fuel producers and obligated parties, and disclose when release of the final rule might be expected. Quite frankly, this nearly three-week delay in the publication of 2012 RFS requirements is both inexplicable and unacceptable.
The members of the RFA and the entire American motor fuels industry eagerly await your reply.
Sincerely,
Bob Dinneen
President and CEO
#30
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