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Biofuel groups see opportunity in new EPA proposal

The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are proposing to put a hold on auto emission standards.

Renewable fuel groups are pleased the proposal recognizes higher octane gasoline as a way to reduce emissions.

The Renewable Fuels Association says the proposal recognizes how fuel can part of efficiency and emission impacts and want to see high octane low carbon fuels as an option for meeting new requirements.

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler told lawmakers this week the agency is currently taking comments on the proposal which ultimately will help establish a standard for all 50 states.  “We want to have a 50-state solution that does not necessitate preempting California.  The proposal will save 1,000 lives per year, which I think it’s very important that we maintain that.”

The proposal would freeze greenhouse gas standards for light-duty vehicles and prohibit states like California from making stronger regulations than EPA.

The ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat, says the proposal eliminates technology incentives, and preempts California and the 12 states that have followed its lead.  “The largest source of air pollution in our country today is not coal fired utilities, it’s not manufacturers, it’s not cement plants—it’s mobile sources.”

The American Coalition for Ethanol says while some might argue EPA’s proposal to flatline the standards will lead to increased gasoline use and pollution, it won’t if the final rule supports E25-30 high octane fuel in future engines.

 

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