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Feb 19, 2015
Following up on ASA's effort to engage lawmakers in the call for stronger biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a bipartisan group of 32 senators wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy last week, urging the quick finalization of the biodiesel Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for 2014, 2015 and 2016. EPA is more than two years late in establishing biodiesel volumes under the RFS after failing to establish a requirement for 2014 and 2015.
As reported by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the letter focused on biodiesel’s track record as the only EPA-designated advanced biofuel under the RFS to reach commercial scale production nationwide, and expressed the senators’ concern about ongoing delays in implementing the program. In the letter, the senators also pointed to a recent decision by the EPA to effectively streamline biodiesel imports from Argentina under the RFS. They said the EPA should take into account the anticipated increase in Argentinian imports in setting biodiesel volumes to prevent the displacement of domestic production.
ASA appreciates the leadership of Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) on the letter. ASA also commends each of you at the state level for engaging your Senate offices so proactively in this effort.
