The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released proposed 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The total renewable fuel volume is proposed to be 19.24 billion gallons, while the proposed conventional biofuel amount of 15 billion gallons maintains the level set in the final RVOs for 2017. The proposal also calls for 4.24 billion gallons of advanced biofuel, including 238 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel.
?We are pleased to see EPA pick up where last year?s RFS rulemaking left off and propose a rule that keeps the RFS on track for conventional ethanol production. EPA?s proposal is good for farmers who are facing tough economic times and good for consumers who want affordable fuel choices that give us a cleaner environment,? said Wesley Spurlock, president of the National Corn Growers Association. ?The Renewable Fuel Standard has been a resounding success: cleaner air, greater energy independence, and stronger rural communities. We call on the EPA to keep the RFS moving forward in line with the law and in a timely manner. Doing so will bring greater stability and certainty to the marketplace and spur increased investment in renewable fuels.?
The process will illustrate the Trump Administration?s level of support for renewable fuels.
?The release of the proposed RVOs is the first real test of the current administration?s pledged support for renewable fuels, and we are encouraged to see the EPA demonstrate President Trump?s continued commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard,? said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. ?While we are pleased with the EPA and Administration?s commitment to a 15-billion-gallon target for conventional biofuels, we would like to see final levels for cellulosic and advanced biofuels continue to give producers and stakeholders certainty in their investment in second generation technology.?
