RFS Roundup: EPA to Release Renewable Fuel Volumes this Spring

On February 19, Christopher Grundler, a director in the EPA Office of Air Quality and Transportation, announced that EPA plans to announce the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 sometime this Spring—no later than the end of June.  According to the agency representative, 2014 renewable fuel volumes will be based on actual production volumes for last year.  For 2015 and 2016, the agency is examining the broader trends in demand, with Grundler commenting, “We have to address flat and, indeed, declining gasoline demand … For the next few months, we are regrouping."

Grundler’s comments hint at a potential lowering of the volume of renewable fuels required to be blended into the transportation fuel supply. Declining vehicle miles driven and increased gas mileage has led the U.S. fuel market to reach market penetration of E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline) faster than anticipated.  According to refineries and the oil industry, moving past the E10 “blend wall” will cause major issues with fueling, infrastructure and the refinery process.  Although high ethanol blends, such as E85, require specific engine modifications and infrastructure, E15 has been authorized by EPA and DOE for use in vehicles 2001 and newer, and is the most tested fuel in the marketplace.  E15 is already being sold in 15 states.

For more information see: 

Update - U.S. EPA to Propose Biofuels Standards This Spring, Reuters