EPA can improve its implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 6 ways: BIO

In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization called on the US EPA to “improve its implementation of RFS,” and noted six key improvements.

• issue its annual Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the RFS on time;
• interpret its general waiver authority as it did before 2013;
• make process improvements for RFS pathway approvals – not only to clear backlogs of pending petitions but to speed new approval decisions;
• work to facilitate inclusion of additional biofuels under the RFS program;
• update lifecycle analyses and evaluations of the environmental impact of biofuels; and
• reject all proposals to change the point of obligation under the RFS.”submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regulatory Reform Task Force on regulations that may be appropriate for repeal, replacement, or modification. EPA sought input in accordance with Executive Order 13777 “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda.” In the comments, BIO emphasizes the need for proper, consistent and stable implementation of both the Renewable Fuel Standard program and the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

At the same time, a broad coalition led by the Urban Air Initiative-led effort and including the Clean Fuels Development Coalition; 25x’25 Alliance; Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC; Siouxland Ethanol, LLC;  ICM, Inc.; Nebraska Ethanol Board; Nebraska Ethanol Industry Coalition; South Dakota Farmers Union; North Dakota Farmers Union; Minnesota Farmers Union; Montana Farmers Union; and Wisconsin Farmers Union issued a 5-point plan:

· EPA should repeal certification fuel rules that prevent auto manufacturers from building more efficient vehicles.

· EPA should repeal its erroneous and outdated interpretation of the sub-sim law as capping ethanol use in existing vehicles.

· EPA should repeal unnecessary RVP regulations that limit the viability of E15 and mid-level ethanol blends.

· EPA should repeal and replace its inaccurate fuel economy formula.

· EPA should repeal and replace its rule requiring states to use incorrect emissions estimates in pollution reduction planning.

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regulatory Reform Task Force sought input in accordance with Executive Order 13777 “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda.” In the comments, BIO emphasizes the need for proper, consistent and stable implementation of both the Renewable Fuel Standard program and the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

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