EPA Launches Program to Increase Use of Domestically Grown and Produced Fuels
Washington - Starting in 2006, Americans will be gassing up with nearly three
percent of clean-burning, domestic renewable fuels such as ethanol under new
standards issued by EPA. Authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the
standard is the first step in EPA's Renewable Fuels Standard Program, which
is designed to reduce vehicle emissions and strengthen U.S. energy security
by doubling the use of fuels produced from American crops by 2012.
"Under President Bush's leadership, we are addressing our nation's growing
energy demand in a way that supports our goals for a clean environment and
healthy economy," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"This investment in renewable fuels made from domestic crops will
support American agriculture and replace fossil fuels with an increasing
amount of cleaner-burning alternatives such as ethanol or biodiesel
illustrating that environmental progress and economic development can,
in fact, go hand-in-hand."
The regulation announced today explains how industry will comply with the
Energy Policy Act's default provision requiring that 2.78 percent of the
gasoline sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists in 2006 be renewable fuel.
The regulation is intended to provide market certainty for smooth implementation
of the program in 2006 as EPA expands the program. Many of the act's other
provisions regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2007 and beyond
will be implemented in subsequent regulations.
The program will significantly increase the volume of renewable fuels blended
into motor vehicle fuels. Various renewable fuels can be used to meet the
requirements of the program, including ethanol and biodiesel. Under this
standard, refineries, blenders, and importers would collectively be responsible
for meeting program requirements for 2006, where compliance would be
calculated over the entire pool of gasoline sold to consumers.
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