The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week the 2009 renewable fuel standard will be 10.21 percent to ensure that at least 11.1 billion gallons of renewable fuels be blended into transportation gasoline.

The 2008 standard was 7.76 percent, equating to roughly 9 billion gallons.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 established the annual overall renewable fuel volume targets, reaching a level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard by November 30 for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner, importer and non-oxygenate blender of gasoline determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in motor vehicle fuel.

11/21/2008