Clean Fuels Alliance America to Sue EPA

Clean Fuels Alliance America is preparing to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for delaying the establishment of biofuel volumes for 2026 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The organization argues that the EPA's failure to set proper volumes could harm biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, forcing some to reduce production or cease operations. This situation jeopardizes shipping and trucking companies looking for cleaner fuel options. The EPA has acknowledged a statutory deadline to propose the biofuel volumes by October 31, 2024, but recent timelines suggest that the agency intends to extend this process until March 2025. Clean Fuels contends this delay undermines efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, and they have formally warned the EPA that they will seek legal action if a proposed rule is not issued within 60 days. Support for the Clean Fuels position comes from a bipartisan group of senators and house representatives who have written to the EPA advocating for compliance with legal requirements and increased biofuel volumes. They emphasize that biofuels are essential for decarbonizing the transportation sector and boosting domestic energy security, a pressing issue amid rising operational costs for agriculture and fuel production. Expert opinion in the transportation field highlights the critical role of biofuels in reducing emissions, especially in heavy-duty transportation modes like trucking and shipping. The current regulatory uncertainty not only poses risks to production facilities but also discourages investments that are crucial for achieving national decarbonization goals. As the transportation sector pivots towards sustainable practices, timely regulatory decisions are paramount for ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon future. A bipartisan group of 37 House members, led by Representatives Ashley Hinson and Angie Craig, sent a letter to the EPA's Regan urging support for realistic production targets for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. The group highlighted that increasing the production and availability of advanced biofuels is essential for achieving the U.S. decarbonization goals in the transportation sector and strengthening the domestic energy supply chain. They criticized the EPA’s recently raised volumes as being unrealistically low given the nation’s actual biodiesel and advanced biofuel production capacity. The representatives expressed concern over the closure of domestic fuel production facilities, which has led to job losses and economic disruption in local areas. They warned that this trend sends a negative message to renewable fuel producers, putting billions of dollars in future investments at risk, including the development of sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, they noted that enhanced renewable fuel production could lower consumer fuel costs and support farm sector incomes that are currently projected to decline amid rising input costs. From an expert transportation perspective, the push for advanced biofuel adoption is crucial not only for sustainability but also for economic stability. Creating a supportive regulatory environment that aligns production capacities with demand can foster innovation, boost job creation, and ensure a reliable energy supply. The continuous evolution of transportation technology, such as ADAS, needs to align with cleaner fuel sources to maximize environmental benefits while enhancing economic resilience in the sector.