The Environmental Protection Agency’s new Renewable Fuel Standard volumes are giving the biodiesel industry a significant boost. The agency raised biomass-based diesel obligations to levels the industry says more accurately reflect production capacity. Paul Winters, Clean Fuels Alliance director of public affairs, said the higher volumes are already helping idle plants restart, which is encouraging new investments and creating stronger demand throughout the agricultural economy.
The new rule raises biomass-based diesel volumes to about 5.4 billion gallons. Winters said the impact is already being felt across the industry.
Beyond biodiesel production, Winters said the increased volumes are driving investment farther up the supply chain, creating new opportunities for soybean growers and processors.
Winters said investments are also translating into jobs and renewed economic activity in rural communities, including a previously closed plant in Wall Lake, Iowa.
For more information, visit cleanfuels.org.
