The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tried to strike a balance between proponents and opponents of the Renewable Fuel Standards in setting levels for production of biofuels through 2016, said Purdue University energy policy specialist Wally Tyner.
“Biodiesel appears to be a big winner with its mandate steadily growing over time and far exceeding the congressionally mandated level,” said Tyner, Professor of Agricultural Economics.
For corn ethanol, Tyner said the EPA accepted arguments that the “blend wall” is a legitimate barrier to significantly increased production and did not accept arguments that E85 fuel would grow if the EPA mandated higher ethanol levels. But its 2016 mandate of 14 billion gallons requires some growth of E85 and E15 without reaching the original legislated level of 15 billion gallons.
“Thus, it is a compromise position,” Tyner said.
The EPA on May 29 proposed total renewable fuels production at 15.93 billion gallons for 2014 — the actual production for that year — 16.30 billion for 2015 and 17.40 billon for 2016.… Continue reading
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