Biomass-Based Diesel has Beyond RFS Expectations

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was established in 2005 and subsequently expanded in 2007. There continues to be bipartisan support for the program despite severe conflict between the oil and agricultural industries on how best to interpret the program.  Over the past few years, the program has operated under extreme duress.

The RFS mandates that US transportation fuels must contain a minimum amount of biofuel.  The EPA provides the renewable volume obligations (RVO) on an annual basis.  The RVOs are based on statutory requirements for four fuel categories – total renewable fuel, total advanced fuel, biomass-based diesel, and cellulosic biofuel. The total renewable fuel statutory requirement is equal to the sum of total advanced fuel and total conventional fuel.  Conventional fuel is not specified in statute but is…