EPA sets new biofuel targets. Troubled program could end up on Trumps chopping block

The Environmental Protection Agency set new 2017 targets for biofuels, part of a troubled and complex program to promote non-corn-based ethanol and biodiesel that has fallen far short of the goals Congress adopted in 2007. Moreover, the byzantine enforcement program, strongly criticized by many oil refiners, could end up on President-elect Donald Trump’s chopping block.

The EPA said Wednesday it would nudge up biofuel mandates, requiring U.S. petroleum refiners to mix an additional 100 million gallons of biomass-based biodiesel and an additional 81 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel into the nation’s motor fuel. Overall, the EPA mandated a total of 4.28 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, a 670 million-gallon increase but less than half the goal set by Congress in 2007. An additional 15 billion gallons of biofuels come from well-established corn-based ethanol producers.

The biggest shortfall has been cellulosic ethanol derived from corn husks, switch grass and other non-corn feedstocks. Congress had aimed to stimulate a new industry and envisioned 5.5 billion gallons of production by next year. On Wednesday, the EPA, charged with implementing the program and adjusting targets as needed, set a mandate of just 311 million gallons for cellulosic biofuel.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/11/23/epa-sets-new-biofuel-targets-troubled-program-could-end-up-on-trumps-chopping-block/