BIOMASS HUB

Domestic Fuel reports from Renewable Fuels Association’s 15th National Ethanol Conference that Sarah Dunham, Transportation and Regional Programs Division Director with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted some of the changes made in lifecycle analysis determinations in the new RFS2.

The RFS2 significantly reduced the lifecycle emissions calculus for corn ethanol after a lengthy comment period that saw impassioned lobbying from key industry groups.  The EPA notes that it backed away from strict calculations due to scientific uncertainty around indirect land use change measures, but will work with the National Science Foundation to improve metrics.  The regulations for RFS2 are scheduled to go into effect on July 1 and between now and then EPA will be working with the Renewable Fuels Association and the biofuels industry in general to conduct workshops to help inform producers about the new rule and what it means to them.

Domestic Fuel provides an audio link to Dunham’s presentation here.