EPA proposes lower 2014 RFS RVO

The U.S. EPA released its proposed rule for the 2014 renewable fuels standard (RFS) renewable volume obligation (RVO) on Nov. 15. If enacted as proposed, the rulemaking would reduce the 2014 RVO significantly, to levels below both statutory requirements and the RVO finalized for 2013. Industry trade groups and ethanol producers have expressed disappointment in the proposal. 

The American Coalition for Ethanol called the EPA proposal for the 2014 volumes a betrayal of the agency’s commitment to renewable fuels, in that the proposed RVOs, if finalized, would cut ethanol use below levels called for in the law. “There is nothing positive that can be said about EPA’s proposal to unnecessarily restrict sales of ethanol-blended fuel in 2014,” said Brian Jennings, ACE executive vice president.