Renewable Fuel Standard Program
EPA, under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, is responsible for revising and implementing regulations to ensure that gasoline sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The Renewable Fuel Standard program will increase the volume of renewable fuel required to be blended into gasoline from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The new RFS program regulations are being developed in collaboration with refiners, renewable fuel producers, and many other stakeholders.
To learn more about implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, view Frequently Asked Consumer Questions | PDF Version (4 pp, 126K, EPA420-F-07-062, December 2007).
NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download, to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more about PDF, and for a link to the free Acrobat Reader.
Regulations
Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2): Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(published May 26, 2009)- Fact Sheet: EPA Proposes New Regulations for the National Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2010 and Beyond | PDF Version (9 pp, 574K, EPA420-F-09-023, May 2009)
- Fact Sheet: EPA Lifecycle Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Renewable Fuels | PDF Version (5 pp, 207K, EPA420-F-09-024, May 2009)
- The new specific volume standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel by year (PDF) (1 page, 21K, May 2009)
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Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(PDF, the entire document) (241pp, 2.93MB, published May 26, 2009) or by:
- Pages 24903-24952 | PDF Version (50 pp, 618K)
- Pages 24953-25002 | PDF Version (50 pp, 1033K)
- Pages 25003-25052 | PDF Version (50 pp, 1031K)
- Pages 25053-25102 | PDF Version (50 pp, 978K)
- Pages 25103-25143 | PDF Version (41 pp, 712K)
- Regulatory Impact Analysis (PDF) (822 pp, 9.04M, EPA420-D-09-001, May 2009)
- EPA Lifecycle workshop
EPA is hosting a workshop to present details of its lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis for the Proposed Revisions to the National Renewable Fuels Standard Program on June 10 - 11 in Washington, DC. More information on this workshop and registration information is available on the following site: http://client-ross.com/lifecycle-workshop/index.asp - EPA Moderated Transaction System Workshop
EPA is hosting a workshop on the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) on June 8, 2009. The intent of the workshop is to introduce in-depth detail to participants about the EMTS system and to discuss the Exchange Network, which will be used to transfer EMTS data. - Agricultural Economic Models (PDF) (2 pp, 12K)
This memo provides instructions on how to access the agricultural economic models used in the RFS2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. - Lifecycle Results Docket Directory (PDF) (3 pp, 13K)
This memo provides a directory to the spreadsheets in the docket that include the lifecycle analysis results and calculations used in the RFS2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. - Peer Review of Lifecycle Analysis
- Federal Register Notice of Availability (PDF) (pre-publication version) (8 pp, 33K)
- Fact Sheet:
Peer Review Lifecycle Analysis under EISA Questions and Answers | PDF Version (2 pp, 351K, EPA420-F-09-032, August 2009)
- Peer Review Report: Satellite Imagery and Emissions Factor Analysis (PDF) (148 pp, 1.3M)
- Peer Review Report: Methods and Approaches to Account for Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biofuels Production Over Time (PDF) (135 pp, 1.3M)
- Peer Review Report: International Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Factors (PDF) (114 pp, 3.6M)
- Peer Review Report: Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions due to Increased Biofuel Production Model Linkage (PDF) (111 pp, 893K)
Renewable Fuel Standard: Technical Amendments
(Direct Final Rule published October 2, 2008)
(Partial Withdrawal Notice published November 26, 2008)
(Published June 24, 2009)
EPA published a direct final rule on October 2, 2008 to amend the Renewable Fuel Standard program requirements. We received adverse comment on several provisions in the direct final rule and have published a withdrawal of these amendments in the Federal Register. All other amendments took effect on December 1, 2008. EPA is publishing a final rule that addresses the comments received on the portions of the direct final rule that were withdrawn and finalizes those withdrawn provisions in order to provide clarification to the Renewable Fuel Standard.
- Final Rule | PDF Version (5 pp, 113K, published June 24, 2009)
- Fact Sheet: Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives - Modifications to Renewable Fuel Standard Program Requirements
- Partial Withdrawal Notice of Direct Final Rule | PDF Version (2 pp, 27K)
- Correction -- Direct Final Rule | PDF Version (1 pg, 43K)
- Fact Sheet: Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives -- Modifications to Renewable Fuel Standard Program Requirements | PDF Version (2 pp, 556K, EPA420-F-08-019, September 2008)
- Direct Final Rule | PDF Version (12 pp, 100K)
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | PDF Version (7 pp, 70K)
Related documents:
- Presentation - Summary of RFS Technical Amendments (PDF) (26 pp; 80K; November 26, 2008)
Renewable Fuel Standard: Notice of 2009 Requirement
(signed November 14, 2008)EPA is announcing the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2009: 10.21 percent. This standard is used by obligated parties -- refiners, importers and blenders (other than oxygen blenders) -- to calculate their renewable volume obligation. This notice, which is required under section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, supersedes the notice published February 14, 2008.
- Notice | PDF Version (3 pp, 100K)
Renewable Fuel Standard: Notice of 2008 Requirement
(published February 14, 2008)EPA is announcing the revised Renewable Fuel Standard for 2008: 7.76 percent. This standard is used by obligated parties -- refiners, importers, and blenders (other than oxygen blenders) -- to calculate their renewable volume obligation. This notice, which is required under section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, supersedes the notice published November 27, 2007.
- Notice | PDF Version (3 pp, 67K)
Renewable Fuel Standard: Notice of 2008 Requirement
(published November 27, 2007)EPA is announcing the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2008: 4.66 percent. This standard is used by obligated parties -- refiners, importers, and blenders (other than oxygen blenders) -- to calculate their renewable volume obligation. This notice and the standard it announced are superseded by the 2008 Renewable Fuel Standard announced on February 7, 2008.
- Notice | PDF Version (3 pp, 157K)
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Final Rule
(published May 1, 2007)EPA is finalizing a national renewable fuel program that will be applicable for 2007 and later, and is designed to encourage the blending of renewable fuels into our nation's motor vehicle fuel.
- Fact Sheet: EPA Finalizes Regulations for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program for 2007 and Beyond | PDF Version (3 pp, 74K, EPA420-F-07-019, April 2007)
- Fact Sheet: Greenhouse Gas Impacts of Expanded Renewable and Alternative Fuels Use | PDF Version (3 pp, 86K, EPA420-F-07-035, April 2007)
- Final Rule (PDF, the entire document) (116 pp, 1.4M) or by:
- Summary and Analysis of Comments (PDF) (EPA420-R-07-006, April 2007) Instead of downloading the entire document, you can access the individual chapters of the Summary and Analysis of Comments.
- Regulatory Impact Analysis (PDF) (350 pp, 3.7MB, EPA420-R-07-004, April 2007) Instead of downloading the entire document, you can access the individual chapters of the Regulatory Impact Analysis
- Estimating the Energy Security Benefits of Reduced U.S. Oil Imports (PDF) (38 pp, 463K, ORNL/TM-2007/028)
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(published September 22, 2006)- Fact Sheet: EPA Proposes Regulations for a Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2007 and Beyond | PDF Version (3 pp, 143K, EPA420-F-06-060, September 2006)
- Press Release
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- Pages 55551-55600 | PDF Version (50 pp, 815K)
- Pages 55601-55651 | PDF Version (51 pp, 1MB)
- Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis (PDF) (322 pp, 3.4MB, EPA420-D-06-008, September 2006)
Renewable Fuel Standard Requirements for 2006: Direct Final Rule and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(published December 30, 2005)With these rules, EPA is adopting the default standard for renewable fuel as set forth in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Given the short timeframe available and the need to provide certainty to industry, EPA is finalizing a limited set of regulations that would interpret and clarify the statutory default provision of 2.78 percent so it can be implemented as intended for 2006.
- Fact Sheet | PDF Version (4 pp, 36K, EPA420-F-05-057, December 2005)
- Direct Final Rule | PDF Version (12 pp, 338K)
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | PDF Version (13 pp, 222K)
Notices
Notice of Extension of Public Comment for the proposed rule to implement the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(Published July 7, 2009)EPA is extending the comment period for the proposed rule "Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Program." Under the Federal Register Notice, published May 26, 2009, the public comment period was set to end on July 27, 2009. The purpose of this document is to extend the comment period an additional 60 days until September 25, 2009. This extension of the comment period is provided to allow the public additional time to provide comment on the proposed rule.
- Notice | PDF Version (2 page, 77K)
State of Texas Request for a Waiver of a Portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard
The Governor of Texas requested that EPA waive a portion of the renewable fuel standard under section 211(o)(7) of the Clean Air Act on April 25, 2008. According to the Act, EPA's Administrator is required to grant or deny the request within 90 days of receipt. On July 22, the Administrator announced that additional time was needed to allow EPA staff to adequately respond to the public comments and develop a decision document that explains the technical, economic and legal rationale of our decision. Below is EPA's response and the related documents.
- Press Release (August 7, 2008) announcing EPA's response to the request
- Fact Sheet: EPA Decision on Texas Request for Waiver for Portion of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) (August 2008, EPA420-F-08-029)
- Notice of Response to Request | PDF Version (17 pp, 137K, published August 13, 2008)
Related documents:
- Press Release (July 22, 2008) announcing that EPA needed additional time to respond to the request
- Notice of Receipt of Request | PDF Version (3 pp, 61K)
- Letter to EPA Administrator from Governor of Texas (PDF) (3 pp, 129K)
Attest Engagement
The submission date for attest engagements by all parties that owned or generated Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in 2007 is May 31, 2008. For more information, see the attest engagement page.Improper and Illegal RIN Trading Practices
It has come to our attention that certain RIN transactions are being conducted in a manner that is not consistent with the regulations and may subject the violator to civil penalties. For more information see Improper and Illegal RIN Trading Practices page.
Compliance Help
EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS)
EPA presents a new system being developed to manage RIN transactions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. For more information, please visit the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) page.
Compliance Tools
EPA has created two new tools to assist RFS reporting parties. The first tool, RFS Report Checker, will help reporting parties identify and fix common reporting errors prior to report submission. The second tool, RIN Inventory, will help reporting parties keep track of quarterly purchases, sales and retirements to prepare for the RFS0100 report. EPA designed these tools in an effort to reduce the number of resubmittals EPA receives for RFS Reports.
Guidance for Biodiesel Producers and Biodiesel Blenders/Users
EPA is publishing new guidance that explains and clarifies EPA’s regulatory requirements for biodiesel producers and biodiesel blenders/users.
- Guidance document (PDF) (8 pp, 89K, EPA-420-F-07-19, October 2007)
National Renewable Fuels Standard Program Workshop:
Held on May 10, 2007, at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. This workshop was designed to provide regulated parties with an overview of the program requirements and compliance provisions. Presentations made by EPA personnel are provided below:
- Program overview (PDF) (36 pp, 209K)
- Registration, record keeping, and reporting (PDF) (30 pp, 314K)
- Compliance and enforcement requirements, product transfer documents (PDF) (18 pp, 125K)
- Reporting through EPA's Central Data Exchange (PDF) (14 pp, 553K)
Additional Information for Obligated Parties
Questions and Answers on the Renewable Fuels Standards (PDF) (59 pp, 268K, EPA420-F-08-006, April 2008) is now available. This questions and answers document is cumulative and contains all previous versions’ questions and answers.
Contact: Anne-Marie Pastorkovich at 202-343-9623 or pastorkovich.anne-marie@epa.gov.
The prior versions are also available:
- Questions and Answers on the Renewable Fuels Standards (PDF) (55 pp, 250K, EPA420-F-07-041a, August 2007)
- Questions and Answers on the Renewable Fuels Standards (PDF) (32 pp, 167K, EPA420-F-07-041, May 2007)
Registration and Reporting Forms
A variety of EPA fuels programs, including the RFS program, require submission of forms by parties in the fuel manufacturing and distribution industry. Some forms are used for registration of companies, facilities, and products; others are used for compliance reporting. For more information, go to our Fuels and Fuel Additives Reporting Forms page.
Related Links
Related Links on EPA Web Site
- Alternative Fuels: provides general information on alternative fuels.
- Clean Fuel Fleets Program: provides program implementation guidance, certified alternative fuel and clean fuel fleet vehicles/engines, tampering enforcement policy (memo 1A).
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Project at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Green Vehicle Guide: has information about environmental performance of vehicles.
- Reformulated Gasoline
- SmartWay Grow & Go: promotes the environmental benefits of renewable fuels, and provides a renewable fuel component for EPA's existing SmartWay Transport Partnership. This program will help reduce U.S. dependence on petroleum, and improve our environment by reducing emissions of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Greenhouse Gases from Transportation: provides information on greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including renewable and alternative fuel lifecycle greenhouse gas impacts.
Related Links to Sites External to EPA
- Renewable Fuels Association: The national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry.
- National Biodiesel Board: The national trade association representing the biodiesel industry.
- American Coalition for Ethanol: A non-profit membership association devoted to promoting the increased production and use of ethanol.
- American Petroleum Institute: The primary trade association of the oil and natural gas industry.
- National Petrochemical and Refiners Association: Trade association for the petrochemical and refining industries.
- National Corn Growers Association: A national organization representing the interests of corn growers and farmers.
- National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition: A nonprofit membership association devoted to promoting the use of 85 percent ethanol as a form of alternative transportation fuel.
For more information, contact EPA's Assessment and Standards Division (asdinfo@epa.gov) or 734-214-4636.