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RFA says missed opportunity in EPA rulemaking for vehicle emissions

The Renewable Fuels Association says the EPA missed an opportunity to include ethanol and biofuels in its final rule on light duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions released this week.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says while the EPA rescinded the fuel pipe standards set in the Trump administration for more stringent engine and tailpipe standards through 2026, “We have always looked at this rule making as a prime opportunity for EPA to include high-octane fuels and unfortunately, they’re only focused on the engines and the vehicles.”

But Cooper tells Brownfield Ag News the EPA did open the door a bit buy suggesting they would look at fuels the next go-around , “So we think there could be an opportunity to really promote the benefits of high-octane, low-carbon fuels like ethanol as EPA begins to work on that next round of standards for 2027 and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Cooper says RFA is pushing for the passage next year of the next Generation Fuels Act which would establish a new high-octane fuel standard for vehicle manufacturers.