EPA finalizes RFS mandate levels for 2020 through 2022
EPA released its final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel levels, setting the requirement for 2022 at 20.63 billion gallons for total renewable fuel, down from 20.77 billion gallons originally proposed. The reduction, however, came in cellulosic and advanced biofuels, leaving the conventional corn-based ethanol component at 15 billion gallons as was proposed in December.
For 2021, EPA is finalizing a level at 18.4 billion gallons, up from 18.52 billion gallons originally proposed. There was a reduction made in the cellulosic biofuel and advanced biofuel components, resulting in an increase in the level for conventional biofuel — finalized at 13.79 billion gallons versus the 13.32 billion gallons proposed.
The 2020 levels are being finalized at the proposed marks, meaning there are 12.5 billion gallons of conventional biofuel.
EPA denied all oil refiners' waiver requests, but said it would allow extra time for small refiners to meet their 2020 blending obligations.