By Jamie Martin
The EPA, under new management, is making significant shifts in biofuel policies, aiming to stabilize the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and promote ethanol and other renewable fuels. Senator Pete Ricketts reports positive discussions with the new EPA administrator, indicating a favorable outlook for biofuels.
This change comes amidst discussions about permanent E15 availability and potential rollbacks of electric vehicle (EV) mandates to foster American innovation.
"What we ought to be able to do is say, hey, follow the current law that we got and let’s also make sure that we’re promoting all the forms of innovation we can," said Ricketts.
Experts like University of Illinois's Scott Irwin suggest that the government's energy policy will likely promote domestic oil while addressing biofuel demands through adjusted CAFE standards and reduced EV pressures.
Biofuels groups are optimistic. They expect the EPA to adhere to timely RFS rule-setting without overusing small-refinery exemptions, ensuring a stable market for renewable fuels.
This approach aims to balance the scales for various energy sources without disproportionately favoring EVs, as noted by Scott McPheeters ; “We know this isn’t true once you begin to factor in the full lifecycle emissions including battery production and electricity generation.”
The industry anticipates robust RFS volumes that promote growth and support for E15, moving towards greater energy security and market stability.
Photo Credit: photo-credit-vista-mipan
Categories: National