According to the EPA mandate refiners were compelled to use 6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel in 2011 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
The manufacturers association has, however, highlighted a lack of domestic supply of biofuels fit for commercial use in its second petition filed before the agency.
According to the EPA moderated transaction system (EMTS), there is an insufficient supply of cellulosic biofuel in the US.
If a waiver is not granted, refiners may have to pay several million dollars in premium, which will inturn affect fuel consumers.
AFPM President Charles Drevna remarked that EPA’s timeline for introducing cellulosic biofuel into the fuel supply market remains unrealistic despite significant incentives to renewable fuel producers.
"Congress foresaw that the aggressive renewable fuel standards might be unattainable and established several waiver provisions in the Clean Air Act including for inadequate domestic supply," Drevna added.
