Industry trade group American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is filing a lawsuit against the EPA amid the agency’s decision to punt on a final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014. The EPA proposed a reduced RFS in November 2013 but failed to issue final renewable fuel volumes by the Nov. 30, 2013 deadline. AFPM said the EPA’s lack of action has caused harm to its members and called on Congress to repeal the program.
Meanwhile, trade groups representing the ethanol industry scolded the administration for its lack of action and accused the refining industry of resisting competition from biofuels.
“Deciding to not to decide is not a decision,” Bob Dinneen, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, said in a statement. “Moreover, it is clear that one of the reasons we find ourselves in this position is that the oil industry has steadfastly refused to make the investments in infrastructure or allow their marketers to offer higher ethanol blends like E85 or E15.”
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) lamented the lack of production mandates that are vital to the biodiesel industry’s survival. Via The Hill, NBB’s Anne Steckel accused the White House of undermining the industry and urged it to finalize a 2014 rule “as quickly as possible.”
The EPA said it would propose RFS quotes for 2014, 2015 and 2016 next year.
SEE MORE: API says White House playing politics with Renewable Fuel Standard
