Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - June 19, 2015 | Newsletter

Administration Takes Bite Out of Heavy-Duty Truck Emissions

On June 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced major increases for fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks. Part of President Obama’s comprehensive Climate Action Plan, Phase 2 of the Heavy-Duty National Program tightens emission standards for heavy-duty trucks and includes big rigs, delivery vehicles, dump trucks and buses. The updated efficiency rule for trucks joins a growing list of fuel efficiency measures, including the President’s 2012 doubling of fuel efficiency standards for cars and light-duty trucks (CAFE standards), as well as expected aircraft rules, following the agency’s finding that aircraft emissions endanger human health.

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RFS Roundup: Senate Hearing Questions EPA’s Rationale on Renewable Fuel Volumes

On June 18, the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs & Federal Management held a marathon hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and EPA’s management of the program. The hearing was the first on the RFS since EPA’s proposal for renewable fuels was announced in late May. During the hearing, Senators expressed frustration at EPA’s delays in setting fuel volumes for almost two years. Additionally, several lawmakers questioned if EPA is indeed carrying out Congressional intent in its administration and interpretation of the law.

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Headlines:

1. USDA Reports Biobased Products Sector Added $269 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to U.S. Economy in 2013

2. White House Sends $110 Million to Western States to Combat Drought

3. Opinion: Senior White House Officials Cheer ‘Surprise’ of Reduced Petroleum Consumption

4. Just Ahead of Wildfire Season, Feds Ask Lawmakers to Overhaul Wildfire Funding

5. Bill Introduced By Louisiana Senator Would Repeal RFS

Event:

Sustainable Transportation Day - Free Technology EXPO

Monday, June 22

U.S. Department of Energy, James Forrestal Building
West Forrestal Plaza and Median
1000 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20585

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is hosting Sustainable Transportation Day, an afternoon on the grounds of the U.S. Department of Energy, with EERE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, and Vehicle Technologies Office.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Open exhibitions
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open exhibitions, networking, and remarks

For more information, contact [email protected] and [email protected].

To Contact the Editor: Jessie Stolark at [email protected]

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