EPA sets 2010 renewable fuel standard at 8.25%

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that ethanol and other renewable fuels must account for 8.25% of total gasoline sales in 2010 to meet Congress’ mandate that nearly 13 billion gallons of renewable fuels be produced this year. However, the agency lowered the original 100 million gallon cellulosic ethanol output target Congress set for this year to 6.5 million gallons. In addition, the EPA set the 2009-2010 combined biomass diesel output target at 1.15 billion gallons, which has to be reached by the end of this year. (February 4, 2010)