Renewable diesel capacity topped 2 billion gallons per year as of August, according to the latest data released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But EPA used a lower figure, 1.5 billion gallons per year, based on the EIA info as of February.
“Domestic renewable diesel production capacity has increased significantly in recent years from approximately 280 million gallons in 2017 to nearly 1.5 billion gallons in February 2022,” EPA said Thursday. A footnote said: “February 2022 renewable capacity based on EIA Monthly Biofuels Feedstock and Capacity Update.”
Meanwhile, private analysts note that a Valero plant is starting up six months early and they quote 2 billion gallons in capacity.
Pressure is already on EPA to modify its renewable diesel decisions and that could happen in a final rule, some contacts note. EPA has until June 14, 2023, to issue a final rule. And most expect the relative short comment period deadline of Feb. 10 to be extended.
But note this: EPA has typically not changed the proposed levels a great deal in their final versions over the years so a major shift higher in the advanced biofuel tally would come as a surprise.
More on RFS:
Renewable Fuel’s Big Week: EPA’s RFS Proposal And Year-Round E15 Legislation
EPA’s RFS Proposals Would Bring Major Changes to the U.S. Biofuel Mandate
