According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the EPA’s final rule for the 2014–2016 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) is “unnecessary and unlawful.” BIO stated that the EPA’s two-year delay in implementing the rule will continue to damage investment in advanced and cellulosic biofuels, and will increase greenhouse gas emissions in transportation-fuel sectors. The RFS ensure that specified volumes of cellulosic biofuel replace petroleum-based fuel, jet fuel and heating oil. The EPA’s 2016 final RFS rule for cellulosic biofuel is approximately 760 million l, seven times more than 2014, while the 2016 final RFS rule for advanced biofuel is approximately 3.8 billion l, 35% higher.

According to BIO, the EPA’s delays and proposed changes to the RFS are responsible for a $13.7 billion shortfall in investments in the advanced biofuel sector. Investments in the advanced biofuel industry were down 50% in 2015. Because of this, major investors and partners are taking steps to implement the technology overseas.

Source: Chemistry World