EPA Administrator Explains RFS Final Rule Delay

By Gary Truitt

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy says the agency’s final rule on volumetric requirements for biofuels this year has been delayed because the Obama Administration wants to ensure the rule still encourages the increased use of biofuels over time – according to The Hagstrom Report. McCarthy had previously stated she expected the rule to come out in June – but she says it has become clear in comments EPA has received that there are some general concerns about the volumes and how EPA is adjusting them – and whether they will continue to push the joint interest in getting biofuels into the system. She says EPA will publish the final rule as soon as the agency can get it right. As of now – that is expected sometime in September.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson spoke at a House briefing on the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard yesterday (Tuesday) – saying it’s crucial that Congress not change the RFS and for EPA to improve the 2014 RFS targets to provide farmers and the ethanol industry certainty.