EPA details renewable fuel strategy, reaching 36 billion gallons by 2012

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added some details to its strategy for increasing the supply of renewable fuels, mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

The EPA said that the supply of renewable fuels is planned to reach 36 billion gallons by 2022 and is expected to reduce the country’s dependence of foreign oil by more than 297 million barrels a year. By 2022, the strategy is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 160 million tons a year.

According to the proposal released today, the annual renewable fuel supply of 2002 would include 16 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuels, 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels, and 4 billion gallons of advanced biofuels 1 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel.

“As we work towards energy independence, using more homegrown biofuels reduces our vulnerability to oil price spikes that everyone feels at the pump,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “Energy independence also puts billions of dollars back into our economy, creates green jobs, and protects the planet from climate change in the bargain.”

To achieve the volume requirements, the EPA said it will calculate a percentage-based standard that refiners, importers and blenders of gasoline and diesel must ensure is used in transportation fuel. For the first time, some renewable fuels must achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to the gasoline and diesel fuels they displace. Refiners must meet the requirements to receive credit toward meeting the new standards, the EPA said.

The proposed thresholds for new categories include 20% less greenhouse gas emissions for renewable fuels produced from new facilities, 50% less for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels, and 60% less for cellulosic biofuels, the EPA said.