EPA Completes 2011 Renewable Fuel Standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week finalized its 2011 national renewable fuel standard, calling for the production of 800 million gallons of biodiesel, up from 650 million gallons in 2010.

However, EPA said biodiesel production last year appeared to have been significantly affected by both a European Union tariff on biodiesel from the United States and the expiration of the biodiesel tax credit.

A total of 52 biodiesel facilities with a production capacity of 600 million gallons have been idled. Biodiesel production potential at facilities still operating is 2.4 billion gallons, EPA said.

The 2011 fuel standard also calls for the production of 13.95 billion gallons of renewable fuels and 6.6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels.