(August 6, 2013) WASHINGTON — Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), released a statement today in response to U.S. EPA’s publication of the 2013 RFS volumetric blending requirements.

“It is clear that U.S. EPA has done its homework when it comes to setting the 2013 standard. The commercial cellulosic biofuel facilities that U.S. EPA projected to start up in 2013 are indeed operating, and the adjusted targets reflect the number of actual gallons expected to be available through the end of the year. We agree with U.S. EPA that there will be sufficient quantities of advanced biofuels in the market to maintain the broader advanced biofuel standard, which is consistent with the legislative intent of the RFS to promote advanced renewable fuels.

“We are at a critical juncture in the implementation of the RFS, with advanced biofuels just beginning to come on line. Careful administration of the program is absolutely critical right now to get the right balance between the legislative intent of the program and the market response to the program. This is another clear example of the agency utilizing the flexibility provisions originally legislated by Congress to ensure that the RFS is attainable each and every year. Amidst all the smoke and mirrors coming from those who do not want to see competition in the motor fuel marketplace, people need to remember that the renewable fuels industry produced enough conventional and advanced renewable fuel to meet the original legislated standard through 2012, and expect to again in 2013. This is a tremendous accomplishment in a challenging fiscal environment. Our industry continues to transform the liquid fuel marketplace by making motor fuel cheaper, creating new jobs for Americans and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. U.S. EPA’s steady hand is a big part of the program’s success to date.”