The American Petroleum Institute has sued the US Environmental Protection Agency in a challenge of the agency’s most recent biofuel requirements under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.
Its Feb. 11 action in US Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit came a day after the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers filed a petition for review with the court over the same requirements.
API said its lawsuit specifically challenges the agency’s failure to meet deadlines for the 2014 to 2017 biomass-based diesel standards and for mandating more cellulosic ethanol in 2016 than even exists.
“We will continue to shine a light on this outdated and broken mandate and the need for positive change for the American consumer,” API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola said.
“EPA’s 2016 mandated ethanol volumes push more ethanol into our fuel supply than is safe for the vast majority of cars on the road,” Macchiarola said. “This action could harm consumers who could face higher fuel costs and damaged engines as a result.”
AFPM Pres. Chet Thompson said on Feb. 10 that certain aspects of the final RFS rule still run afoul of the Clean Air Act despite the agency’s best efforts.
“Among other things, EPA failed to provide obligated parties with requisite lead time and used flawed methodologies in establishing volume requirements,” Thompson said. “This rule further confirms that the RFS program is dysfunctional and that the only real solution is full repeal by Congress.”
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