WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalized Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance requirements for refineries and importers for 2013 and the agency’s announcement regarding the 2014 requirements:
“Diversifying the sources of our liquid fuel production helps our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil while spurring American innovation. Since its implementation, the RFS has served as a critical driver for the development of second-generation biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol and bio-butanol, that utilize a variety of feedstocks and support a new, expansive job sector. Over the last year, however, uncertainty caused by drought, delayed volume targets, and the approaching E10 blend wall has strained the ability of refineries to comply with RFS requirements and placed additional pressure on limited corn supplies utilized by poultry producers.
“The new targets for 2013 announced today, as well as EPA’s announcement that it will address the blend wall in determining 2014 volume requirements, will bring the demands of the RFS in line with market conditions, fuel demand, and refineries’ production capabilities, while giving refineries the additional time they need to meet this year’s benchmarks. I am pleased that the EPA has taken refiners’ concerns into account to develop realistic standards that support continued investment in renewable fuel development while ensuring our refineries and poultry producers can continue to compete.”
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