NAFA Fleet Management Association has questioned the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to maintain the biomass-based diesel standard for 2014 and 2015 at the 2013 level of 1.28 billion gallons. While speaking before the EPA, NAFA stated its belief that the 1.28 billion gallons mark is a sharp reduction from this year’s projected production and a potentially devastating proposal for the future of the biodiesel industry.
The Association recommends that EPA set a volume requirement at least consistent with this year’s projected production of 1.7 billion gallons. NAFA Treasurer Jeff Jeter, Fleet Manager for the County of Chesterfield, represented the Association before EPA.
As significant users of biodiesel, vehicle fleets depend on a strong, viable biodiesel industry. State and utility fleets rely on biodiesel for compliance with the requirements of the Energy Policy Act. Many government agency fleets (including the Department of Defense) are dramatically increasing their usage, as are states such as Minnesota.
“We are particularly concerned that this proposal would result in an immediate and dramatic drop in U.S. biodiesel production and impair the ability of biodiesel producers to meet the demand of fleets,” explained NAFA’s Executive Director Phillip Russo. “NAFA urges that EPA set a volume requirement at least consistent with this year’s projected production of 1.7 billion gallons.”
