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EPA Seeking Comments on Renewable Fuel Standard Waiver Request
On May 16, 2008 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is seeking comments regarding a recent petition to reduce the volume of renewable fuels required under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a letter sent to EPA on April 25, 2008, Governor Rick Perry of Texas requested that the EPA cut the RFS mandate for ethanol production in half (RFS mandate for 2008 is 9 billion gallons), citing recent economic impacts in Texas. In response, EPA will soon publish a Federal Register Notice opening a 30-day comment period on the request.
In the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which established the RFS program, provisions were included enabling the EPA Administrator to suspend part of the RFS if its implementation would severely harm the economy or environment of a state, region, or the entire country. EPA must make a decision on a waiver request within 90 days of receiving it.
EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Program
EPA Notice (PDF)
The Effects of Ethanol on Texas Food and Feed (PDF) — Study from Texas A&M University (April 2008)
If you have questions, please email or call Jetta Wong at jwong [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1885.
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The
Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a
non-profit organization that works at the nexus of policy and
innovation to promote environmentally sustainable societies.
EESI was founded in 1984 by a bipartisan group of
Congressional Members dedicated to finding environmental and
energy solutions. EESI provides credible, timely
information and innovative policy ideas through coalition
building, media outreach, publications, briefings, workshops
and task forces on the issues of energy efficiency and
renewable energy, transportation, smart growth, agriculture
and global climate change. Carol Werner leads the EESI
team as executive director.
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