NPRA Calls on EPA to Reduce Unrealistic Renewable Fuel Standard

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association called on the Environmental Protection Agency today to reduce mandated volumes of cellulosic and advanced biofuels in gasoline and the total Renewable Fuel Standard this year.

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Gregory M. Scott, NPRA executive vice president and general counsel, testified at an EPA public hearing on the proposed volumes.

"The Clean Air Act directs EPA to project the amount of cellulosic and advanced biofuels expected to be sold based on credible facts – not press releases, hopes or wishes," Scott said. "EPA's unrealistically high mandates impose unreasonable burdens on obligated parties and in 2011 will in effect be no more than a tax on American manufacturers and, ultimately, consumers. NPRA recognizes the need for a workable, flexible renewable fuels standard program and sincerely hopes that EPA will substantially revise its proposal to conform more closely to reality."

EPA has mandated a cellulosic biofuels volume of 6 million ethanol-equivalent gallons in 2011, and proposes a range of between 3 million and 15 million ethanol-equivalent gallons in 2012. Based on the latest information available, six months into this year there have been no cellulosic biofuels produced or used in the United States, ethanol-equivalent or not. NPRA member refiners are obligated under the Renewable Fuel Standard to meet the standard or pay millions of dollars in fines for non-compliance.

SOURCE National Petrochemical & Refiners Association