From 25x’25:
The National 25x’25 Steering Committee applauds President Obama and the members of the Biofuels Interagency Working Group for the actions announced today recognizing the role of biofuels in a new, clean energy future. In a report issued by the working group this afternoon, the administration unveiled a plan that will boost the development of biofuels that could generate billions of dollars in additional revenue for rural America. The Steering Committee believes that administration proposals for a reinvigorated USDA-run Biomass Crop Assistance Program will spur the expansion of dedicated non-food crops for renewable energy and biofuel production. The final rule adopted by EPA to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard is a step forward, recognizing that first-generation ethanol can, and will continue, to contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Steering Committee welcomes the administration’s recognition of the contributions that farmers, ranchers and forestland owners can make to enhance our energy independence, boost our economy and improve our environment. Today’s announcements signal to investors that solutions from the land provide valuable and sustainable returns. However, we call on the White House and Congress to maintain the momentum of today’s actions and quickly adopt a comprehensive, stable and long-term energy policy.
From House Agriculture Committee:
“Typical of most decisions made in Washington, there is some good and some bad in the Renewable Fuel Standard final rule announced today. I am pleased that ethanol and biodiesel will qualify as advanced biofuels under the RFS. However, I am concerned about some provisions in the final rule that fail to use science-based standards,” Chairman Peterson said. “To think that we can credibly measure the impact of international indirect land use is completely unrealistic, and I will continue to push for legislation that prevents unreliable methods and unfair standards from burdening the biofuels industry.”
Read more responses at Biofuels Digest.