Biofuels Makers Blame Big Oil for EPA Plan to Cut Renewables Standard

"Biofuels makers and corn producers are not happy about the Environmental Protection Agency scaling back on renewable-fuel levels for next year, and they're united about who's to blame: the oil industry."



"'EPA's proposal fundamentally betrays this administration's commitment to clean renewable fuels and caves to big-oil demands,' said Brian Jennings of the American Coalition for Ethanol. Added Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen: 'Last time I checked, the oil companies were doing pretty good on their own.'

Petroleum groups are part of a coalition that has pushed for a reduction in the federal mandate for renewable-fuel production, arguing gasoline blends with higher ethanol content could prove damaging to engines and drive up fuel costs. 'For the first time, EPA has acknowledged that the blend wall is a dangerous reality and must be addressed to avoid serious impacts on America's fuel supply and harm to American consumers,' said Jack Gerard, president of the American Petroleum Institute. '[But] while the EPA took a step in the right direction, more must be done to assure Americans have the choice of fuel they want and we're continuing or call for Congress to act now.'  "

Alex Brown and Clare Foran report for the National Journal November 15, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Proposal For 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Reduces Ethanol Mandate" (AP)

"For First Time, E.P.A. Proposes Reducing Ethanol Requirement for Gas Mix" (New York Times)

"EPA Lowers Renewable-Fuels Target for 2014" (National Journal)

"Ethanol Reduction in Fuel Proposed By Obama Administration" (AP)

"EPA Proposes Cut To Renewable Fuel Blend" (Los Angeles Times)

"EPA Action Adds Fuel To Renewable Debate" (San Antonio Express-News)

"EPA to Propose Renewable Fuel Quota of Up to 15.52 Bln Gallons" (Bloomberg)

"EPA Reduces Renewable Fuel Standard For 2014" (Corn & Soybean Digest)

"EPA Proposes Reduced Renewable Fuel Requirements" (Hearst/FuelFix)

"In Win For Big Oil, U.S. Proposes Biofuel Mandate Cut" (Reuters)

"FACTBOX-U.S. EPA Proposes 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards" (Reuters)

"EPA Weighs Environmental Consequences of Ethanol With Proposed Cuts" (PBS)

"EPA Orders Cut in Ethanol in Gasoline Next Year, Citing Risk of Engine Damage" (McClatchy)

"Super Typhoon Haiyan: Realities of a Warmed World " (Huffington Post: Michael Mann)

Source: National Journal, 11/18/2013