(June 23, 2010) Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released its “Biofuels Strategic Production Report.” The report details the challenges to ensuring the full 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel mandated by the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) are produced and used.

Specifically, the report highlights the need for increased efforts to accelerate the commercialization of next generation ethanol technologies as well as expand and transform existing fueling infrastructure to optimize ethanol use.

“Making the Renewable Fuels Standard successful will require cooperation between the government and private industry,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “The goals of the RFS are ambitious, but imminently achievable. Secretary Vilsack and USDA have rightfully identified the crucial areas in which the department can help accelerate the growth of the industry and ensure the RFS delivers on the goals provided when Congress passed the legislation.”

Dinneen continued, “American ethanol producers are doing their part to make the RFS a success. They are developing new technologies, improving efficiencies, and partnering with fuel retailers to install the necessary infrastructure for higher level ethanol use. We look forward to working with USDA, Secretary Vilsack, and the entire Obama Administration to answer the President’s call to break America’s addiction to oil.”

One particular issue of concern for those companies developing next generation biofuel technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol, is the structure of current loan guarantee programs at the Department of Energy. USDA is currently developing rules for similar programs. The RFA has urged USDA to avoid making the same mistakes as DOE and provided feedback on how the loans should be structured to provide the most benefit to next generation biofuel companies.

On the issue of infrastructure, the RFA has joined with the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) on the Blend Your Own campaign aimed at installing 5,000 blender pumps over the course of three years. More on the program is available at www.BYOethanol.com.

Additionally, the RFA has supported legislation that would mandate the sale of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of using any percentage of ethanol up to 85 percent.

Finally, and most pressingly, the RFA continues to pressure EPA to issue a full waiver for the use of up to 15 percent ethanol in all vehicles. The RFA has also called on EPA to provide immediate market relief by approving the use of 12 percent ethanol blends as an interim step.

“President Obama and Secretary Vilsack have made clear their support of America’s rapidly evolving biofuels industry,” said Dinneen. “Now is when the rubber meets the road and their plans are put into action. America’s ethanol industry welcomes the opportunity to constructively partner with the federal government to change the course of America’s energy future.”