Texas Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) Waiver Request Denied by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied a request made by Texas Governor Rick Perry to waive 50% of the RFS mandate for the production of ethanol from grain. According to EPA, the waiver request failed to present sufficient evidence showing that implementation of the RFS during the time period at issue (September 1, 2008, through August 31, 2009) would severely harm the state, regional, or U.S. economy. As a result of this action, the total mandated renewable fuel volumes to be blended into transportation fuels sold in the U.S. will remain at 9 billion gallons for 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons for 2009. For more information on the RFS program, visit EPA’s RFS Program website as well as the RFS information on the Federal Incentives & Laws website.