BIO expects efforts to tackle climate change will heat up this year, and sustainable fuels provide a readily available solution. Right now, the sustainable fuels sector relies on the Renewable Fuel Standard but a more stable, predictable policy is needed. Here’s what to watch.
For those who are new here, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires oil refineries to mix a certain percentage of biofuel in U.S. transportation fuel—but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can issue waivers to small refineries. (Breaking: EPA is expected to grant new waivers this week, reports Reuters.)
The Trump administration’s EPA issued an unprecedented number of these waivers—prompting the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to rule that the EPA “overstepped” on some exemptions and saying they need to reconsider some of them. (More background here and here.)
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case in April,reports Reuters—contributing to more uncertainty in sustainable fuels policy.
However, with Democrats in control of Congress, there could be an opportunity to pass a national low-carbon fuel standard, “a cornerstone” of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis action plan, we previously reported.
We might see more state low-carbon fuel standards, too, adding to existing standards in California and Oregon.
In New York, the state assembly is set to take up legislation to establish a statewide standard. Opening the legislative session yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo touted plans to become “a leader in the growing green energy economy.”
In Washington State, Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a low-carbon fuel standard in his 2021-2023 budget proposal. A bill has been pre-filed in the state legislature.
Gene’s Genius: It appears Washington State will soon join California and Oregon in addressing transportation pollution through a low carbon fuel standard. Much work needs to be done, but BIO continues to engage with lawmakers to illustrate the public health and economic benefits that will result from a clean fuel policy. We are also optimistic that New York will seriously consider similar legislation, especially as the state looks to become a leader in the growing green economy. – Gene Harrington, Director of State Advocacy and Government Affairs, Food and Agriculture
More Agriculture and Environment News:
Reuters: China to approve further domestic GMO corn, soy crop varieties
“The move comes after China last year approved three domestically designed GMO crops as safe, the first in a decade, in a fresh push towards commercial planting of GMO crops in the world’s top soybean importer and a major corn buyer.”
