EPA “backsliding study” says no more action needed

June 1, 2020 |

In Washington, on May 29, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed that no additional measures are necessary pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 211(v) to mitigate the adverse air quality impacts of the renewable fuel volumes required under CAA section 211(o). EPA is proposing to determine that no additional fuel control measures are necessary because since 2017, EPA has been implementing the Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Standards which are more stringent and reduce concentrations of ozone, PM2.5, NO2, and air toxics now and in the future.  In making this determination, EPA considered the analyses performed for the Tier 3 rulemaking, as well as the anti-backsliding study.

EPA is providing an opportunity for the public to comment on this proposed determination. EPA is opening a 30-day comment period on the proposed determination and will take all comments into account in developing next steps.

To submit comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0240, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

Growth Energy said the report side-steps the wide body of evidence supporting a clear scientific consensus around the clean air benefits of homegrown ethanol. The study, required by the Clean Air Act and released as part of a consent decree reached in February 2019, rehashed outdated information while omitting critical data on the environmental advantages of low-carbon biofuels, Growth Energy said.

Category: Policy

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