2007 Energy Bill imminent from Congress; 36 billion gallon Renewable Fuel Standard expected to survive

In Washington, agreement is reported to be imminent on the 2007 Energy Bill. The House and Senate have been working to reconcile the provisions in their respective bills since the summer. Reports from Washington say that the agreement could be finalized as soon as today.

Compromise provisions in the bill are expected to include a 35 mpg Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard by 2020, which would include mileage credits for flex-fuel vehicles.

The Renewable Fuel Standard of 36 million gallons by 2022 is expected to survive, with some provisions for different biofuels still under evaluation.

The mandate that utilities generate 15 percent of their power from renewable resources, and a repeal of the $16 billion tax break for the oil and gas industries, are not expected to appear in the final bill.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

US House passes Energy Bill 314-100, President to sign today; historic 36 billion gallon ethanol mandate is centerpiece

In Washington, the US House of Representatives passed the Energy Bill by a vote of 314-100. President Bush is expected to sign the bill this morning. The Bill establishes a Renewable Fuel Standard ...

EPA raises 2008 Renewable Fuel Standard to 7.76 percent of gasoline supply

In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency raised the 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol to 7.76 percent of the nation's gas supply — from 4.6 percent in November — to com...

US Farm Bill headed for passage, but not before year end: $1 billion for biofuels

In Washington, the Farm Bill appears headed for Senate passage after more than 260 amendments were offered to the bill, creating a month-long delay in consideration of a final bill. The bill includes ...

South Dakota and Nebraska Senators move to attach 36 Mgy Renewable Fuel Standard to Farm Bill

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson and South Dakota Senator John Thune have co-sponsored an amendment to the Farm Bill, adding a Renewable Fuels Standard target of 36 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022. 21 ...

US Senate to vote on Energy Bill; leadership seeks 60 votes to overcome Republican filibuster in support of oil companies; Renewable Power standard appears dead

In Washington, the US Senate is expected to vote on the Energy Bill today, with last minute negotiations underway to increase support for the bill above the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican fi...

Lobbying intensifies as Energy Bill deal looms; “oil-patch” states coordinating a common strategy

In Washington, lobbying is intensifying over the 2007 Energy Bill and the ethanol mandate it will contain within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Food groups, oil and gas companies and some livestoc...