The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced final renewable fuel volume requirement increases under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

“By implementing the program enacted by Congress, we are expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing our reliance on imported oil,” said Janet McCabe, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation.

Under the rule, total renewable fuel volumes grow 1.2 billion gallons from 2016 to 2017, a 6 percent increase. EPA has increased conventional renewable fuel volumes for 2017, meeting the 15 billion-gallon congressional target and the standard for biomass-based biodiesel has been increased by 100 million gallons to twice that of the minimum congressional target.

“Today the EPA moved in the right direction by increasing the 2017 ethanol volume to statute,” said National Corn Growers Association president Wesley Spurlock. “This is critical for farmers facing difficult economic times, as well as for consumers who care about clean air, affordable fuel choices, and lowering our dependence on foreign oil.”

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says the industry, farmers and consumers can all have something extra to give thanks for tomorrow. “The move will send a positive signal to investors, rippling throughout our economy and environment,” said Dinneen. “The final RVO rule helps put consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to fuel choice at the pump and we thank EPA for listening to the public’s demand for lower cost, higher octane fuels, recognizing the rising demand for gasoline and abiding by the statute.”

Dinneen discusses the decision more in this interview – RVO Interview with Bob Dinneen, RFA