On Friday, the U.S. EPA issued long-awaited approval for new feedstocks and biofuel processes under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The rule was first proposed in January 2012 and now clears a path for advanced and cellulosic biofuels from camelina and energy cane, as well as renewable gasoline from previously approved biomass sources, to contribute to U.S. energy security and greenhouse gas reductions.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “U.S. companies are making visible progress in developing domestic sources of renewable fuels that reduce our reliance on foreign oil and contribute to a cleaner environment. These companies have made significant, multimillion dollar investments to put steel in the ground for commercial facilities, and created thousands of new jobs. U.S. consumers can be assured that under the EPA rules biofuels contribute to a cleaner environment.

“With the approval of energy cane and renewable gasoline, there are now a total of five pathways for producing cellulosic biofuels that meet the Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements. Thirty companies continue to await approval of new proposals to generate qualifying cellulosic and advanced biofuels.

“On behalf of our member companies, BIO applauds EPA’s action. We look forward to additional pathway approvals in the near future so U.S. companies can continue to deploy innovative technologies and produce additional volumes of cellulosic and advanced biofuels.”