Web exclusive posted July 29, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. CST

The National Biodiesel Board is speaking out against the request to reduce the renewable fuels standard (RFS) this year.

Last week the U.S. EPA announced it would not meet its July 24 deadline to rule on the renewable fuels standard (RFS) waiver request submitted in April by Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas. Perry has asked the EPA to reduce the 2008 renewable fuels mandate to 4.5 billion gallons due to rising food costs and poor spring crop conditions in the Midwest. On July 22, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said a final decision would be delayed until early August in order to further analyze comments and Midwest crop conditions and to consult with the USDA and U.S. DOE.

NBB Chief Executive Officer Joe Jobe said it's important to note that all biofuels will be affected by the EPA's decision, not just corn-based ethanol. "If the RFS is waived or cut in half in 2008, then the growth of all biofuels, including 'advanced biofuels' such as biodiesel, will be severely hindered," he said. "Unfortunately, the goal of bringing biofuels, jobs and energy independence to Texas and the nation, which Gov. Perry praised just last month, will not be realized if the RFS is waived."

Jonathan Shradar, press secretary for the EPA administrator, said that all aspects of the agency's evaluation are in progress, "it's just to pull them all together to have a definitive answer that remains to be done," he said.

Jobe commented that a delay on the ruling is understandable, but that the NBB continues to urge the EPA to reject the waiver request.