Senator Boxer Encourages E.P.A. Action to Support Biodiesel Industry

Washington, D.C. -- Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today sent a letter to E.P.A. (EPA) Administrator, Gina McCarthy, regarding the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and biodiesel.

The full text of the letter to E.P.A. Administrator, Gina McCarthy, is below:
February 10, 2015

The Honorable Gina McCarthy
Administrator
E.P.A.
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460

Dear Administrator McCarthy:

As the ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), I am writing to express my concerns over the E.P.A.'s (EPA) delays in establishing the new biodiesel volumes under the law.

Despite the biodiesel industry's continued growth, the agency has not yet set the 2014 RFS volumes and it has indicated it will not do so until later this year. In addition, the 2015 standard for biodiesel has been delayed for over one year, and the 2016 standard should have been set at the end of 2014.

Unfortunately, the agency's original 2014 suggestion would have set levels far below that of the biodiesel industry's production capability, and the delays in promulgating final rules have harmed the investment expected to flow into both biodiesel and other advanced biofuels industries. Indeed, biodiesel producers in California have seen significant impacts caused by the original suggestion and current delays.

Like many industries, the biodiesel industry requires certainty in order to project for future production, continue to innovate, and to expand advanced production technologies. Ensuring the continued implementation of the RFS is also a critical part of the country's efforts to realize the industry's contribution to reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change.

Under the RFS, biodiesel volumes can be promulgated independently of the other fuel categories. I urge the agency to issue the 2014 biodiesel volume levels in a manner consistent with actual industry production levels and to ensure that the agency move toward meeting the statutorily prescribed schedule for setting Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO).

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
Ranking Member

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