EPA Focuses on Renewable Fuels Standards
NBB is very pleased by recognition of camelina as feedstock for biodiesel.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jan 6, 2012
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing action to identify additional qualifying renewable fuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program. This proposed rule describes EPA's evaluation of biofuels produced from camelina oil, energy cane, giant reed, and napiergrass; it also includes an evaluation of renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstocks, as well as biodiesel from esterification, and clarifies the definition of renewable diesel.
The EPA says they have published a direct final rule that describes their rationale for identifying these additional fuel pathways, including greenhouse gas lifecycle analyses, in the "Rules and Regulations" section of this Federal Register because they view this as a noncontroversial action and anticipate no adverse comment. Written comments must be received by Feb., 2012. A request for a public hearing must be received by Jan. 20, 2012.
Part of the proposed rule approves camelina oil as a feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, says they're pleased to see the EPA recognizing camelina as yet another feedstock that meets the agency's standards as an Advanced Biofuel.
"Biodiesel's evolving feedstock diversity is one of its greatest strengths, said Steckel. "As it has with other biodiesel feedstocks such as animal fats, recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and canola oil, the EPA's proposal shows that biodiesel produced from camelina oil reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared with diesel fuel. This is good news for our industry and will give biodiesel plants another tool in the toolbox as they continue producing record quantities of America's Advanced Biofuel."
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Tagged: biodiesel, EPA, soybean, biofuels, Environmental Protection Agency
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