RIN Data

EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AS22 Publication ID: Fall 2015 
Title: Renewable Fuel Volume Standards, 2014-2016 (Reg Plan) 
Abstract:

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to promulgate regulations that specify the annual volume requirements for renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Standards are to be set for four different categories of renewable fuels: cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. The statute requires the standards be finalized by November 30 of the year prior to the year in which the standards would apply. In the case of biomass-based diesel, the statute requires applicable volumes be set no later than 14 months before the year for which the requirements would apply. This action would finalize the applicable volumes for all renewable fuel categories for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and would also finalize the BBD standard for 2017.

 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda   Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 80, subpart M     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., Clean Air Act   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need:

The Clean Air Act Section 211(o) specifies annual volume requirements for renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Standards are to be set for four different categories of renewable fuels: cellulosic biofuel, biomass based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. The statute requires the standards be finalized by November 30 of the year prior to the year in which the standards would apply. In the case of biomass based diesel, the statute requires applicable volumes be set no later than 14 months before the year for which the requirements would apply. This action would, as required by law, finalize the applicable volumes for all renewable fuel categories for 2014 - 2016, and would also finalize the BBD standard for 2017.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Clean Air Act Section 211(o) requires EPA to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard Program. The Act requires the Agency set annual volume requirements for four different categories of renewable fuels: cellulosic biofuel, biomass based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. The statute requires the standards be finalized by November 30 of the year prior to the year in which the standards would apply.

Alternatives:

Application of specific provisions for this program are set forth in the law. The law requires standards be established annually. The only alternatives authorized under the law are those which allow for waiving in whole or in part the volumes of renewable fuel for which the standards apply.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Costs and benefits of the program were analyzed in the 2010 Final Rule establishing the regulatory provisions for the RFS program.

Risks:

Risks of the program were analyzed in the 2010 Final Rule establishing the regulatory provisions for the RFS program.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/10/2015  80 FR 33100   
NPRM Comment Period End  07/27/2015 
Final Rule  12/00/2015 
Additional Information: Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0111
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Energy Effects: Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by Executive Order 13211.  Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest.
RIN Information URL: http://www2.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard-program  
Sectors Affected: 324110 Petroleum Refineries; 325193 Ethyl Alcohol Manufacturing; 325199 All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing; 424690 Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers; 424710 Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals; 424720 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals); 454319 Other Fuel Dealers 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
David Korotney
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
N27,
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone:734 214-4507
Email: korotney.david@epa.gov

Paul Argyropoulos
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 6401A,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-1123
Email: argyropoulos.paul@epa.gov