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January 6, 2012
A weekly look at sustainable bioenergy, farm, and forest policy issues
Petroleum Insecurity Increases While Biofuel Incentives Expire
Before the House adjourned in December, the Committee on Foreign Affairs met to discuss the growing threats to U.S. economic and energy security due to continuing U.S. dependence on petroleum. Since then, tensions in the Persian Gulf have increased, driving up the price of oil once again over fears of conflict with Iran and potential threats of global supply disruptions. In the meantime, a number of federal tax incentives that encouraged the development of domestically-produced alternative fuels expired at the end of 2011.
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EPA Sets Low Bar for Cellulosic Biofuel Production in 2012
Each year, the EPA sets the standards for how much of each category of biofuel required by the Renewable Fuel Standard must be blended into the nation’s liquid fuel supply. Congress set the blending goals in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, but the EPA is authorized to amend those based upon its assessment of the industry’s capacity. For 2012, the EPA has once again found that the development of commercial scale cellulosic biofuel production is lagging far behind the goal set by Congress.
Federal Court Blocks California Low Carbon Fuel Standard
A federal court in California has blocked California’s implementation of its low carbon fuel standard, saying that the standard violates the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves the regulation of interstate commerce for the federal government. The court found that the California standard discriminated against petroleum and ethanol produced in other states.
Writer: Ned Stowe
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity