EPA Announces Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking: RFS Pathways II and
Technical Amendments to the RFS2
Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a
proposed rulemaking for modifications to the Renewable Fuel
Standard program, El5 misfueling mitigation regulations, ultra low
sulfur diesel survey requirements as well as other technical
amendments.
Elements of this Notice
EPA is proposing to amend certain elements of the renewable fuels standard (RFS)
program regulations. The proposed amendments will facilitate the introduction of
new renewable fuels as well as improve implementation of the program. This proposal
includes various new renewable fuel pathways that will enhance the ability of the
biofuels industry to supply advanced biofuels, including cellulosic biofuels, to the
market,
EPA is proposing to allow renewable diesel, renewable naphtha, and renewable
electricity (used in electric vehicles) produced from landfill biogas to generate
cellulosic or advanced biofuel RINs. Renewable compressed natural gas (CNG)/lique-
fled natural gas (LNG) produced from landfill biogas are also proposed to generate
cellulosic RINs. EPA is also proposing to allow butanol that meets the 50% GHG
emission reduction threshold to qualify as advanced biofuel. The rulemaking also
proposes a clarification regarding the definition of crop residue to include corn kernel
fiber and proposes an approach to determining the volume of cellulosic renewable
identification numbers (RINs) produced from various cellulosic feedstocks. Further,
this proposal discusses and seeks comment on the potential to allow for commingling
of compliant products at the retail facility level as long as the environmental perfor-
mance of the commingled fuels would not be detrimental. The action also addresses
"nameplate capacity" issues for certain production facilities that do not claim ex-
emption from the 20% GHG reduction threshold. Several other amendments to the
RFS program are included.
SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
EPA-420-F-13-015
May 2013
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EPA is also proposing various changes to the E15 misfueling mitigation regulations at 40 CFR
Part 80, Subpart N. Among the El5 changes proposed are technical corrections and amendments
to sections dealing with labeling, El5 surveys, product transfer documents, and prohibited acts.
We also propose to amend the definitions in order to address a concern about the rounding of
test results for ethanol content violations.
Finally, EPA is proposing changes to the survey requirements associated with the ultra-low sulfur
diesel (ULSD) program. These changes to the ULSD survey will reduce the burden on industry
in terms of number of samples they must collect.
Health and Environmental Impacts
There will be no adverse health or environmental impact as a result of these proposed changes.
Gasoline Supply Benefits
This action may provide additional flexibility to the regulated community by proposing to facilitate
the introduction of new renewable fuels under the RFS2 program and have come at the suggestion
of industry stakeholders.
For More Information
You can access the rule and related documents on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air
Quality (OTAQ) Web site at:
www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm
For more information on this rule, please contact Joe Sopata at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality (6406J)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 343-9034
E-mail: sopata.joe@epa.gov
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