The U.S. EPA published its proposed rule to set Renewable Fuel Standard 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel in the Federal Register July 29, officially opening a public comment period. Comments on the proposal can be filed through Aug. 30.

The EPA released a prepublication version of the rulemaking on July 5. The rule proposes to require 20.04 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended with the U.S. fuel supply next year, up from 19.92 billion gallons in 2019. The proposed RVO includes 5.04 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, 2.43 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel, and 540,000 gallons of cellulosic fuel. The 2020 RVO for biomass-based diesel was finalized in a separate rulemaking last year. The rulemaking also proposes to set the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel at 2.43 billion gallons, level with the 2020 RVO.

By Biomass Magazine