BIO Condemns Oil Industry’s Latest Threat to Sue EPA

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today condemned the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Notice of Intent to File Citizen Suit against EPA for missing statutory deadlines in issuing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“A key reason for the delays in the annual RFS rulemaking process is the unending stream of lawsuits, waiver requests and legislative challenges created or issued by API itself. To sue EPA for missing statutory deadlines after waging an aggressive campaign to cause delays is the height of hypocrisy by the oil industry trade group,” said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section.

“Timely rulemaking processes are just as vital to the biofuel sector, which has already invested more than $5 billion in the commercialization of advanced biofuels. We will continue to work with EPA to ensure progress in the commercial development of new renewable fuels and pathways. And we will continue to oppose any efforts by API and others to turn back the clock on that progress."