September 14, 2012
Harkin Applauds EPA Announced Bio-Based Diesel Volumes for 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established that 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel products must be included in diesel fuel markets in 2013. Biobased diesel products are advanced biofuels that are derived from sources that include soybean and other vegetable oils and food industry byproducts from renewable sources. Iowa is the nation’s largest biodiesel producer, with 13 plants and the capacity to produce 320 million gallons per year.
Harkin is a long-time supporter of renewable energy, having included the first-ever energy title in a farm bill in 2008 as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Harkin is now a senior member of that committee.
“Today’s announcement keeps our nation on track to continue increasing use of biodiesel in U.S. fuel supplies, just as we intended in adopting the renewable fuel standard in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,” Harkin said. “I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama Administration for this action, which will bolster energy security by reducing imports, displace petroleum-based diesel fuel, boost growth in jobs and economic activity, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
Under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, 1 billion gallons of biodiesel were required to be included in U.S. diesel fuel markets in 2012. After 2012, the law requires EPA to specify the amount of biodiesel that must be included in diesel fuel markets annually.