2018 RFS Volumes Set Back Growth in Cellulosic Biofuels

Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) Industrial & Environmental Section, released the following statement today on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2018 volumes released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“We are disappointed that EPA did not significantly raise the advanced biofuel volumes in line with the industry’s ability to produce them. The agency is arbitrarily limiting growth for low carbon biofuels in 2018 and into the future by looking backward, rather than forward.

“The cellulosic biofuel industry is positioned for continued growth in 2018. EPA has begun to make progress in approving new cellulosic biofuel technologies and production facilities, such as those that use corn kernel fiber as a feedstock. Unfortunately, EPA did not adequately account for the potential of new technologies as it set the 2018 cellulosic volumes.

“To support investment in the industry and help us bring additional gallons of advanced and cellulosic biofuels to market in 2018, EPA should speed up pathway and biorefinery approvals and adjust its treatment of cellulosic carryover RINs.”