2012 Renewable Fuel Standards

The EPA finalized the 2012 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2) just in time for the new year.

The final 2012 overall volumes and standards are:

Biomass-based diesel: 1.0 billion gallons; 0.91 percent
Advanced biofuels: 2.0 billion gallons; 1.21 percent
Cellulosic biofuels: 8.65 million gallons; 0.006 percent
Total renewable fuels: 15.2 billion gallons; 9.23 percent

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, the EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner and importer determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

Last year, a congressionally-requested report from the National Research Council found that the United States is unlikely to be able to meet its Renewable Fuel Standard, which the 2012 standard proves out. The study also warned against the possible negative environmental outcomes that could result from the RFS. Renewable fuels may not provide the greenhouse gas emissions reductions hoped for, and production can impact air quality, water quality, water use, and biodiversity.

Additional information is available on the Great Lakes Legal Foundation’s Renewable Fuel Standard webpage.

This post was authored by GLLF staff attorney Emily Kelchen.