To:

From:
Sent:
Subject:

Vaught, Laura[Vaught. Laura@epa.gov]; Distefano, Nichole[DiStefano.Nichole@epa.gov]

Meghan Higgins
Fri 11/22/2013 4:19:22 PM
RE: UCS statement on RFS

From: Vaught, Laura [mailto:Vaught.Laura@epa.gov]

Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 11 :18 AM
To: Meghan Higgins; distefano.nicole@epa.gov; Distefano, Nichole
Subject: Re: UCS statement on RFS

From: Meghan Higgins

Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 11:16:34 AM
To: Vaught, Laura;~=~~~~==-"=~
Subject: UCS statement on RFS

Laura and Nicole -

Sorry I didn't think to send you our statement earlier. I've copied it below, and it can also be

Jeremy Martin, UCS senior scientist working on biofuels, also posted a blog that lays out our
position on rnle in a little more detail than our press release. In particular it clarifies that while
we are happy that EPA has reduced the mandates from the 36BG schedule that was unrealistic,

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we are also concerned that the EPA's proposal went too far, and could discourage investment in
advanced and cellul osi c bi ofuels. !llliULJ;UQ9lJ!!J~f9llTI~t:mlQ:.!llill~?::fil!!fil!::lli:@!~l!::!Jl:QJd!Ql~

Finally - in answer to the question I asked earlier - Morning Energy has the answer:

EPA RFS DECISION SLOWS MOMENTUM ON HILL: EPA's proposal to scale back a
federal biofuels blending requirement has stalled - but not killed - efforts on Capitol Hill to make
longer-term changes to the mandate. The agency's proposal last Friday to decrease the
requirement for blending com ethanol and other biofuels has caused members of the House
Energy and Commerce Committee to pause in their efforts to address concerns that the mandated
quantities would soon exceed the demand for gasoline. That effort crossed both party and
regional lines. "That certainly took the wind out of the sails," Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) said of
EPA's action. "It doesn't seem like there's the enthusiasm, so I don't know if this group will ever
get together again." Darren Goode explains it all:========~~--=--~-=-"-=
Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Meghan

Meghan Higgins
Senior Washington Representative
Clean Vehicles Program
Union of Concerned Scientists
1825 K Street, NW 8th floor
Washington, DC 20006
202-223-6133 - main line
202-331-5451 - direct line
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our
planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical
analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and

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sustainable future.

New Renewable Fuel Targets From EPA

Are Encouraging, Retain Support For
Non-Food Biofuels, Science Group Says
WASHINGTON (November 15, 2014)-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
today announced its proposed biofuel volume targets for 2014 under the Renewable Fuel
Standard (RFS). The proposal calls for scaling back the overall mandate, including reductions in
com ethanol and advanced biofuels, to account for the slower-than-expected development of
cellulosic biofuels and constraints in the fueling infrastructure that make blending more than 10
percent ethanol challenging.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has urged EPA to take this course for the past two
years, and believes today's announcement demonstrates the RFS's flexibility to adapt to the
changing dynamics of our transportation system. According to UCS, the new targets will help
ensure that biofuels do not come into conflict with food supplies and allow non-food biofuels to
play an important role in cutting oil use. Full details on the UCS position, including policy
analysis and fact sheets, are~~~~~"'"
Below is a statement from Dr. Jeremy Martin, senior scientist in the UCS Clean Vehicles
Program:
"It is encouraging to see EPA use its authority to ensure we meet our clean fuel goals without
compromising food supplies. The slower pace of cellulosic biofuels commercialization and
constrained fueling infrastructure have major bearing on the new targets. These are speed bumps
that require us to slow down and proceed with caution, but they are by no means the end of the
road for the biofuels or the RFS. Prudence in the next few years will ensure the RFS continues to
support the growth of cleaner, non-food cellulosic biofuels and reduced oil use over the longer
term.

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"We look forward to studying the proposal carefully, and offering EPA comments and analysis
on how to strike a balance that recognizes the near term challenges while continuing to make
progress on reducing oil use and expanding the production of non-food based biofuels.
"By exercising its authority to administer the RFS in a flexible and pragmatic manner, the
agency is sending a clear signal to members of Congress and the oil industry who would seek to
repeal or revise the RFS: the policy works as is.
"We have a responsibility to ensure we move towards cleaner fuels that won't strain food
supplies, accelerate agricultural expansion, or drive deforestation. Cellulosic fuels still offer the
best bet for replacing large amounts of oil without disrupting our food supplies. The industry is
making real progress toward large-scale commercialization. Its gradual growth means non-food
biofuels will play a meaningful part in cutting our oil use long term. Today's announcement will
ensure they continue to do so."

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