US govt plans to lower green fuel mandate for 2014

Nov 18, 2013 - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday proposed to reduce the volume of renewable fuel required to be blended into petrol for 2014 to 15.52 billion gallons (59 bn litres).

More specifically, EPA is seeking comment on a proposal for between 15 billion gallons and 15.52 billion gallons of renewable fuel, which compares with a target of 18.15 billion gallons set in 2007 legislation. As part of the revised mandate, the agency is proposing volumes of between 2 billion and 2.51 billion gallons for advanced biofuel, 8 million-30 million gallons for cellulosic biofuel and 1.28 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel for next year.

The agency explained that the change was necessary due to the falling demand for petrol, which is far lower than the Congress’ estimates when it passed the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2007. It noted that almost all petrol that is sold in the US currently contains up to 10% of ethanol, known as E10. "If gasoline demand continues to decline, as currently forecast, continuing growth in the use of ethanol will require greater use of higher ethanol blends such as E15 and E85," EPA said

EPA’s proposal will be subject to public comment for 60 days after it has been published in the Federal Register.

The renewable fuels programme was introduced by the Congress as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign oil imports through promoting renewables.

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