EPA Sets Parameters for 2012 Biofuel Target Volumes

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the parameters for 2012 biofuel target volumes as part of the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard program. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which will steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022.

The volume goals for renewable fuels in 2011 came up short, and the plan is to increase percentages over what was actually produced. Overall goals for 2012 are to have a volume increase of 3 billion gallons over the 2011 mandate.

The feedstock categories have biomass-based biodiesel at 1 billion gallons, advanced biofuels at 2 billion gallons, and cellulosic biofuels at 8.65 billion gallons. Corn-based biofuels will be increased by an estimated 1 billion gallons, and the tax credit extension on biodiesel production will determine if additional capacity above current levels of 2.9 billion gallons will increase.

The EPA says it is continuing to evaluate the many comments from stakeholders and producers on the proposed biofuel volumes for 2013 and will take final action next year.

Industrial Info's databases provide a comprehensive outline of all current development activities in the emerging alternative fuels market. Our North American Biodiesel Database covers 136 operational plants and 90 plants in development. Our North American Ethanol Database covers 214 plants in operation and 138 plants in various development phases. Our North American Wood Fuel Pellet Database includes 63 operational plants producing more than 25,000 tons annually, and 38 projects in progress.

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