EPA gets deadline extension for final biofuels rule

BY: KELSEY TAMBORRINO | 06/13/2023 11:39 AM EDT

EPA will have an extra week to issue its final rule setting the biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard per a new agreement struck between the agency and a biofuels trade group.

“After discussion with EPA leadership, Growth Energy consented to this new deadline to finalize the [renewable volume obligations],” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor in a statement. “We fully expect EPA to comply with the new deadline and look forward to a robust final rule that strengthens the RFS and enhances the biofuels industry’s ability to decarbonize the transportation sector.”

Details: Under a notice submitted Tuesday to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the deadline for EPA to sign its final rule is extended until June 21.

“Based on discussions and mutual understandings, the parties so stipulate with the understanding that EPA will not seek a further extension of any deadline established by the decree,” the filing said.

EPA did not immediately provide comment Tuesday on the filing.

Background: EPA was previously under a court-ordered consent decree deadline to issue a final rule for the 2023 renewable fuel volume requirements by June 14.

The agency issued its proposal on the so-called set rule in December establishing the future of the renewable fuels program. The agency proposed biofuels blending volumes for 2023, 2024 and 2025 and proposed incorporating electric vehicles charged by renewable electricity.

However, the latter proposal is expected to be omitted from the final rule. EPA is also facing pressure to increase its blending requirements for advanced biofuels to levels that match the industry’s growth.