WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entered into a consent decree agreeing to a court-enforced timeline for establishing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) numbers for 2014 and 2015. The consent decree was the result of a lawsuit by the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers relating to EPA’s failure to complete its 2014 and 2015 RFS rules by the deadlines required by law. Following today’s announcement, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to hear that the EPA has finally put a process in place to establish some certainty for biofuel producers with the recent announcement of the timeline for the proposed 2015 RVO rule by June 1st as well as the final 2014 and 2015 volume obligations by November 30, 2015.
“Our producers have faced ambiguity for too long and today is welcome news that they are establishing a level of certainty with this announcement. However, far more important than timing is that that the EPA establishes a final rule that moves our industry forward, and reflects the bipartisan vision Congress intended for the RFS.
“Additionally, while not part of the consent decree, we are pleased to see that the EPA has committed to finalizing the 2016 RFS RVO numbers this year as well. By taking this action, they are ensuring that the RFS is back on a path to certainty for the biofuels industry, providing the necessary guidance for the industry to continue to thrive and advance alternative fuel options for American consumers.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now. For more information, please visit us at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on Twitter @GrowthEnergy or connect with us on Facebook.