NBB statement on RFS2 proposed rule

Posted May 5, 2009

Manning Feraci, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), today issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2):

"Biodiesel is the most sustainable, environmentally friendly fuel available in the marketplace today, and there are compelling public policy benefits associated with the production and use of biodiesel. Successful implementation of a workable RFS2 program is of vital importance to the U.S. biodiesel industry and is consistent with a national energy strategy that values the displacement of petroleum diesel fuel with low carbon renewable fuels.

"The RFS2 program as enacted by Congress for the first time requires the displacement of petroleum diesel fuel with low carbon renewable fuels. The program also requires renewable fuels to meet certain greenhouse gas (ghg) emission reduction targets. While the NBB has not yet had the opportunity to review the proposed rule in detail, it appears that the EPA, in determining the ghg profile for biodiesel, is penalizing the U.S. biodiesel industry for land use decisions made outside the U.S. that have little if anything to do with the domestic biodiesel production. A final rule that is based on questionable science and is structured in a manner that restricts the role of sustainable vegetable oils in the program will make it nearly impossible to meet the Advanced Biofuels goals established by statute.

"EPA Administrator Jackson indicated in her comments accompanying release of the rule that her agency plans to work with industry and welcomes review of the methodology employed by EPA in crafting the proposed rule. Hopefully, common sense will prevail in this process and the EPA will issue a workable final rule that is based on sound science and allows the U.S. biodiesel industry to make a positive contribution to the RFS2 program."