U.S. Court of Appeals Declares 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards Valid

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia have declared the 2013 renewable fuel standard (RFS) requirements valid. 

The NBB announced the statement after a petroleum industry challenge to the 2013 renewable fuel standard requirements was denied. The case was brought by oil refiner Monroe Energy LLC, arguing that the 2013 renewable fuel standard were invalid. NBB together with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defended the enforcement of the statutory RFS volumes in the advanced biofuel category.

"The court's decision today is only the latest in a long series of cases in which the courts have found that the RFS is a fair and reasonable program for achieving our national energy objectives, including promoting more advanced biofuel such as biodiesel," said Anne Steckel, National Biodiesel Board's vice president of federal affairs.

"The bottom line is that there was more than enough EPA-designated advanced biofuel available last year to meet the standards. The RFS is working, and we strongly encourage the petroleum industry to get on board. There is plenty of room for fossil fuels and renewable fuels in the United States, and consumers will be better off with a choice" added Steckel.