ASA and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other Administration officials this week once again underscore the importance of stronger biodiesel volumes under the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Last November, EPA proposed volumes under the RFS at 1.28 billion gallons – a steep cut from actual 2013 production of nearly 1.8 billion gallons. After taking comments and revising the initial proposal, the EPA sent its latest proposal back to the White House on Aug. 22, beginning the final stage of the rulemaking process.

ASA and NBB stated, while the contents of the final proposal are unknown, they requested a meeting with the White House to once again convey the industry’s urgent concerns and make the case for a meaningful increase in biodiesel volumes. More than a dozen NBB members, several economists and other experts shared their perspectives with senior Administration officials.

ASA Director Mike Cunningham, a soygrower from Illinois who serves as Treasurer at NBB, testified on the importance of raising the proposed biodiesel RVO last December and attended the meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

“This week’s meeting at the White House was another chance to have the voices of the biodiesel industry heard and emphasize once again, that RFS volume requirements below the 1.7 billion gallons would be a major step backwards for an industry that has helped diversify our fuel supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs,” Cunningham said.

During the meeting, Administration officials did not share any new information regarding the latest proposal. While there is no firm time-table set for the final volume, the projected final release date according to elected officials and industry leaders is mid-September to sometime in November.