Yesterday, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) introduced legislation that would advance biofuel innovation at a time when America’s air quality and rural communities need it the most. Here’s our take.
The legislation (S.3986) would approve certain advanced biofuel registrations, which have “languished before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) despite the fuels being successfully used in at least one state,” says Sen. Thune’s press release.
If passed, the EPA would need to 1. make a decision within 90 days on any registration application pending for at least 180 days AND 2. take action on completed pathway petitions pending for at least 180 days.
FYI, pathways are “feedstock methods” for producing certain renewable fuels—like corn kernel fiber, grain sorghum, or renewable biogas, as a few examples.
So, what would be the impact? Here's an example. Corn kernel fiber was approved as a pathway in 2014—but since then, EPA has not taken action on numerous registration applications, “despite applicants meeting stringent peer review requirements and being approved for sale in at least one state,” as Sen. Thune explains. Basically, the legislation would require EPA to get moving.
What they’re saying: “The [Renewable Fuel Standard] intends for fuel technology to progress, not for prolonged EPA inaction to stifle it. At a time when the farm economy continues to face headwinds and uncertainty, my bill would improve the bottom line of numerous biofuel operators without direct federal assistance, adding value to the corn crop and increasing margins until fuel demand is restored,” said Sen. Thune.
Why it matters: We have to do something about air pollution, climate change, and the economy. Biofuels can help solve all three problems at once. It’s that simple.
Stephanie’s Sage Words: EPA’s continued delays in approving biofuel pathways and facility registrations have led to an erosion of the RFS as Congress intended. Developing and producing these fuels and attracting investment to sustainable fuel projects has been curtailed as a result of EPA’s actions. This hampers the growth of rural America and stymies the development of the bioeconomy. BIO applauds Senators Thune and Shaheen for introducing legislation to provide sustainable fuel producers certainty. Bringing these innovative technologies online will be critical to creating a resilient, healthier energy sector in a post-COVID economic recovery. – Stephanie Batchelor, VP of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section
More Agriculture and Environment News:
The New York Times: Emissions are surging back as countries and states reopen
“After a drastic decline this spring, global greenhouse gas emissions are now rebounding sharply, scientists reported, as countries relax their coronavirus lockdowns and traffic surges back onto roads.”