Biofuel groups offer testimony on EPA’s proposed RFS ‘set’ rule
Summary
“Overall, we believe the proposed ‘Set’ rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway for sustainable growth in the production and use of low-carbon renewable fuels,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the RFA. Specifically, we ask that EPA clear the backlog of pathway approvals for renewable fuels, including cellulosic biofuels from kernel fiber, advanced biofuels from corn oil produced at bioethanol wet mills, and bioethanol produced using carbon capture technologies.” “We also ask that EPA account for the innovation in the biofuels industry, which requires updated lifecycle emissions modeling to reflect the best available science on low-carbon bioethanol that will be used not only to decarbonize our on-road fleet, but also for sustainable aviation fuel,” Skor added. In his testimony, ACE CEO Brian Jennings spoke out in support of the proposed rule’s implied targets for conventional biofuel, the EPA’s projection that no small refinery exemptions (SREs) will be approved for compliance years 2023-2025, and the agency’s indication that its antiquated greenhouse gas (GHG) model needs to be updated. Clean Fuels cited EPA data that shows the U.S. market exceeded 3 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel in 2021 and 2022. “Sending the right market signals through increased volumes, in contrast to what EPA currently proposes, would boost our state’s rural economy and Iowa soybean farmers, who rely on strong commodity demand to support their livelihoods and feed the world.”