Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) Policy

Since the start of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel market has grown from a few hundred million gallons to 3 billion gallons. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the required RFS volumes each year and maintains data on production and use. 

Clean Fuels develops data on U.S. availability of raw materials – such as soy, canola and other vegetable oils, recycled cooking oil and greases, and animal fats – for biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable jet fuels. Clean Fuels and its members engage with EPA throughout the year, providing data to the agency, commenting on proposed rules, and testifying at public hearings.

Clean Fuels advocates for sustainable increases in the annual biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes. Biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel consistently meet more than 90 percent of the advanced biofuel standard and have proven the ability to grow sustainably.

Clean Fuels is also monitoring EPA’s plans for setting the overall and advanced biofuel volumes in 2023 and beyond. EPA has set biomass-based diesel volumes since 2013 through annual reviews of the implementation of the program and analysis of six Congressionally prescribed factors, which include environmental impacts, energy security benefits, and rural development goals. That process will apply to other volumes beginning in 2023.

As our members communicate with Members of Congress, EPA and other Washington policy makers, the media, and the public, Clean Fuels works with them to amplify these points:

  • Biodiesel and renewable diesel are the best tools available today to reduce emissions – both carbon and criteria air pollutants – from diesel fuel use.
  • Higher biomass-based diesel volumes drive investment, job creation, and innovation in feedstock development. Every 100 million gallons of increased biodiesel production supports roughly 3,200 jobs.
  • Increased biodiesel and renewable diesel production levels support U.S. energy independence and climate goals.

 

 



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RFS Files

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