The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) requesting comment and information on the potential reduction in proposed volumes of Advanced Biofuels, including specifically reducing Biomass-based Diesel for the 2018-19 rulemaking, as well as retroactively for the Biomass-based diesel volumes already established by rulemaking for 2018.

BACKGROUND:

EPA has proposed to waive portions of the cellulosic ethanol volumes called for under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) statute, since those fuels are not being produced at the volumes expected and necessary to meet the statutory levels. Upon waiving the cellulosic volumes, they then propose to waive a commensurate amount of the overall Advanced Biofuels pool.

In addition, they are now specifically seeking comment on reductions in the previously approved and currently proposed volumes for Biomass-based diesel, citing potential impacts on supply and price resulting from the lapse in the biodiesel tax credit and the potential reduction in imports stemming from the anti-dumping and counter-vailing duties being imposed by the Commerce Department/International Trade Commission in response to the trade case. They are soliciting comment on all of these factors.

Access the full notice here.

Comments are due 15 days from the date the NODA is officially published in the Federal Register. As always, the American Soybean Association (ASA) will coordinate with National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and our industry partners on comments and direct follow-up with EPA and the Administration. Please direct questions to Tom Hance (thance@soy.org).