Federal Renewable Fuel Standard
The federal Renewable Fuel Standard was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. It was revised to include more feedstocks and prioritize GHG reductions as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Consequently, it now includes mandatory thresholds for GHG reductions from qualifying biofuels based on life-cycle analysis, effectively shifting away from corn-based biofuels. Life-cycle analysis (conducted using the GREET methodology) requires an assessment of biofuels’ life-cycle emissions from three distinct fuel pathways: feedstock production and transport; fuel production and distribution; and end-use tailpipe emissions.
Documents
- Existing LawsView
40 CFR pt. 80 subpart M
- Existing LawsView
Congressional Research Service: Renewable Fuel Standard Overview (2019)
- Existing LawsView
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (See S. 1501)
- Existing LawsView
EPA Final Rule administering the RFS as passed under the EISA of 2007 (75 Fed Reg 14670)
- Existing ExamplesView
GREET model
- Existing LawsView
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
- Existing LawsView
EPA Final rule administering the RFS as passed under EPAct 2005 (72 Fed Reg 23900)