WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation that would reduce delays at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in approving advanced and cellulosic biofuel production pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
This bipartisan legislation would approve certain advanced and cellulosic biofuel registrations that have been pending at EPA for at least 180 days, despite having been already successfully used in at least one state. Additionally, the bill would require EPA to make a decision within 90 days on any other registration application that has been pending for at least 180 days. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed the bipartisan legislation as biofuels are a critical piece of the national climate change conversation:
“Advanced and cellulosic biofuels are proven to provide low-cost and low-emission alternatives to petroleum-based fuel. It is time EPA addresses the current regulatory backlog that is stifling fuel technology progress that allows our country to harness the clean, renewable energy available from agricultural residue, corn fiber, and waste.
“The Biden administration has been clear in setting aggressive clean energy goals for our country, which is why Senators Thune and Shaheen’s legislation arrives at the perfect time. Further developing advanced biofuels would help provide the clean fuel necessary to reduce emissions and decarbonize our transportation sector.”