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Editorial: EPA Appears Caught in a Catch 22
Two key timing issues have essentially paralyzed the Environmental Protection Agency at this point regarding the Renewable Fuels Standard. The first is the pending issuance of the much awaited final rules for RFS2 and the second is the Nov. 30th deadline for the 2010 mandates. It appears that EPA cannot issue one without the other.
Why is this? Because it is essentially a “Catch 22” leaving EPA in the unenviable position of establishing a mandate with what some will challenge they have no authority to do.
In fact, during the comment period for RFS2 notice of proposed rulemaking, the American Petroleum Institute in comments from Al Manato delivered to the docket on Sept. 25 made the following comments on this subject:
a. EPA cannot enforce EISA RFS volume mandates without final regulation.
“It is API’s position that EPA cannot lawfully establish renewable fuel standards (either general or fuel-type specific) based on the volumes set forth in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) without completing the rulemaking specified in the final sentence of CAA 211(o)(2)(A)(i). In addition, EPA cannot lawfully extend the RFS program to fuels other than gasoline. API is concerned that the Agency has imposed the EISA-mandated total renewable volume in 2009. EPA should not attempt to enforce a 17 percent greater mandate in 2010 until the RFS2 rulemaking is finalized. The rules that were finalized according to the Administrative Procedures Act procedures which implemented the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05) require no more than 6.8 billion gallons of renewables in 2010.”
Nov. 30th came and went without EPA issuing the much awaited 2010 mandates for renewable fuels. The 2005 Energy Policy Act requires EPA to work with the Department of Energy and establish the coming year’s renewable fuel standard, which then allows obligated parties to establish their volumetric targets for the coming year. According to statutes, this report is due no later than Nov. 30th of the year prior to the compliance year in which the mandates are being established.
Of course, the mandates also serve as a floor to renewable fuel demand and allow producers, distributors, marketers, blenders, and importers to establish their strategic plans for the coming year. Even in the best of cases, there is little time to make final operational and commercial modifications. And now with less than a month remaining in 2009, companies are left wondering what the final targets will be.
Obviously, not everyone sees this important issue the same way. However, the bottom line is the fact that this constant uncertainty combined with delays will take its further toll on all who operate in the renewable fuels business arena.
Tags: Clayton McMartin, EPA, renewable fuel mandates, RFS2, RFS2 notice of proposed rulemaking
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