The National Biodiesel Board released the following statement Monday regarding the Obama Administration's update to its Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future, which highlighted the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard in increasing domestic fuel production:
"The U.S. biodiesel industry had record production last year of more than 1 billion gallons, thanks in part to the Renewable Fuel Standard. That translates directly into jobs and improved energy security, and it is exactly what we need if we are ever going to reduce our exposure to this endless cycle of oil price spikes that are so damaging to our economy," says Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. "The Obama Administration should continue this progress by raising the volume standard for biodiesel next year as the EPA has proposed. Thousands of jobs in our industry as well as improved U.S. energy stability depend on that decision."
The Obama Administration is reviewing an EPA proposal to grow the biodiesel volume requirement under the RFS to 1.28 billion gallons in 2013. Late last year, the Administration delayed the decision, saying it needs further review, and the EPA could issue a final rule within weeks. Last week, a bipartisan group of 60 members of Congress from across the country signed letters to the White House urging the Administration to follow through with the proposed increase. The Senate version can be found here on NBB's website; the House version can be found here.
