Recognizing the energy security and environmental benefits of biofuels, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased national biofuel volume requirements for the 2023 to 2025 period under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

The final rule issued by the agency strengthens U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 130,000 to 140,000 barrels of oil per day over the specified time frame. The projected monetary value of attendant energy security benefits to the U.S. economy is in the $173 million to $192 million per year range. Associated percentage standards are also established for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel.

Volume targets (billion RINs). Source: EPA

EPA is now finalizing several regulatory changes intended to expand the use of biogas under the program and implementing provisions that will improve the operation of the RFS program. The agency continues to assess the comments received on proposed regulations governing the generation of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which are RFS compliance credits, for electricity made from renewable biomass that is used for transportation fuel. One RIN is equivalent to one ethanol-equivalent gallon of renewable fuel.