EPA Sharply Reduces Advanced Biofuel Requirement for 2011

On July 9, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the biofuel blending requirements for 2011. In the Renewable Fuel Standard established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Congress set the amounts of renewable fuel, advanced biofuel, cellulosic biofuel, and biomass-based diesel that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply each year through 2022. Congress gave EPA limited authority to adjust those quantities as needed for any given year. The EPA posts the volumes in advance for public comment for the following year. As it did for 2010, the EPA significantly reduced the 2011 requirement for cellulosic biofuel from the mandated amount of 250 million gallons down to 5.0-17 million gallons, reflecting the fact that commercial-scale production facilities have yet to come on line. A 30-day public comment period is now underway. To submit comments, follow the information provided on the link above.