EPA Focuses on Renewable Fuels Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing action to identify additional qualifying renewable fuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program. This proposed rule describes EPA's evaluation of biofuels produced from camelina oil, energy cane, giant reed, and napiergrass; it also includes an evaluation of renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstocks, as well as biodiesel from esterification, and clarifies the definition of renewable diesel.

The EPA says we have published a direct final rule that describes our rationale for identifying these additional fuel pathways, including GHG lifecycle analyses, in the "Rules and Regulations" section of this Federal Register because we view this as a noncontroversial action and anticipate no adverse comment. Written comments must be received by February 6, 2012. A request for a public hearing must be received by January 20, 2012.

Part of the proposed rule approves camelina oil as a feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, says – we're pleased to see the EPA recognizing camelina as yet another feedstock that meets the agency's standards as an Advanced Biofuel. The EPA's proposal shows that biodiesel produced from camelina oil reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with diesel fuel.