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

February 19, 2008

In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency raised the 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol to 7.76 percent of the nation’s gas supply â€” from 4.6 percent in November â€” to comply with the new Energy Independence and Security Act. US ethanol consumption reached 6.5 billion gallons in 2007.

the Energy Independence and Security ActÂ established a Renewable Fuel Standard that 36 billion gallons of ethanol must be blended with conventional gasoline by 2022. 15 billion gallons must come from corn ethanol and 22 billion gallons from second-generation biofuels. In addition to the revising the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Bill raised the average fuel economy of carmakers’ fleets to 35 miles per gallon.

The Bill also mandated more energy-efficient lighting and appliances, which will lead to the phasing out of conventional incandescent light bulbs beginning with the 100-watt bulb in 2012.

â€œThe 2007 federal energy bill represents a critical first step toward reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil,” said Andrew Schuyler of the Northeast Biofuels Collaborative. “New fuel efficiency standards ensure that U.S. cars and trucks will burn less fuel â€“ saving consumers billions of dollars every year — and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires that different kinds of fuels be utilized as vehicles become more efficient,” he added.

“The RFS sends a clear signal that Congress understands that diversified fuel markets will lead to U.S. economic development, more stable gas prices, greater energy security and reduced global warming emissions. While the final energy package does not address tax reform for petroleum companies, which continue to skew energy markets in their favor, this bill is a major step in the right direction,” Schuyler said.