The EPA today said it would require energy companies to blend 18.1 billion gallons of renewables into the fuel supply in 2016, Reuters reports. The agency set next year’s ethanol mandate at 14.5 billion gallons, which is higher than its original proposal in May but lower than standards established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) urged the EPA to do more to ensure motorists have access to fuels they can safely use until Congress can reform or repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard. Additionally, API President Jack Gerard said it is “confusing” that the Obama Administration is promoting corn ethanol — which he said emits more greenhouse gases than gasoline — while at the same time pursuing a global climate change agreement in Paris this week.
API also chided the administration for mandating more biodiesel in 2014 and 2015, noting that refiners have already made their compliance decisions for those years.
MORE RENEWABLES: Refiners' group calls Renewable Fuel Standard 'disaster' amid new report
