BIO Statement on Proposed 2019 RFS Volumes

Washington, D.C. (June 26, 2018) – Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) Industrial & Environmental Section, released the following statement today on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2019 volumes released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“We welcome EPA’s decision to raise the advanced and cellulosic biofuel volumes in its proposal, which will help propel the industry forward in 2019. However, the advanced biofuels industry is still suffering the effects of the Agency’s decision to arbitrarily limit growth for low carbon biofuels in 2018, by setting a backward looking RFS requirement. The 2019 volumes should be higher, to correct from last year and also spur growth for the coming year.

“EPA’s decision to forgo reallocation of gallons displaced from small refinery waivers at the behest of the petroleum industry is disappointing. In order to ensure a favorable and supportive investment climate for advanced and cellulosic biofuel producers, EPA must reallocate the gallons from the small refinery waivers already issued and into the future. 

“Finally, the Agency must do more to approve new advanced and cellulosic biofuel technologies and production facilities, such as those that use corn kernel fiber as a feedstock, to adequately account for the potential of new technologies as it sets the final 2019 volumes. A strong policy and regulatory environment is critical to supporting the type of innovation that will help strengthen the biobased economy, create good paying jobs and help revitalize rural economies across the country.”