WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, expressed its support yesterday for regulatory amendments proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that streamline the regulatory process, addressing unnecessary barriers that have the potential to undermine the benefits of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a clean energy program that drives economic and environmental benefits by promoting the use of American biofuels.
FWS and NMFS proposed a rulemaking that clarifies how Section 7 consultations are conducted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is relevant to the RFS because some organizations have argued that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should conduct costly and time-consuming “formal” ESA consultations regarding the agency’s proposed RFS renewable volume obligations (RVOs)—despite findings by several agencies that such consultations are unnecessary.
“A strong RFS drives economic growth while making fuel more affordable—these amendments clarify that agencies like EPA can help the RFS deliver those benefits without unnecessary regulatory hurdles,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We commend FWS and NMFS for proposing these changes and look forward to seeing them finalized. We’ll continue to work with Congress and the Administration to maximize the positive impact of the RFS on drivers, the economy, and the environment.”
Read Growth Energy’s comments to FWS and NMFS here.
