EPA Eyes Reporting To Quell Invasive Species Fears Over New RFS Fuels

摘要

EPA is launching a new registration, recordkeeping and reporting program for two new low-carbon pathways that it recently qualified to produce cellulosic biofuel under its renewable fuel standard (RFS), saying the reporting mandates should help address environmentalists' fears that approving the new fuel pathways may boost invasive species. In a final rule that cleared White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB) review June 28, EPA says the reporting requirements aim to "minimize" the risk of invasive species associated with the approval of renewable fuels produced from giant reed and napier grass, according to an agency fact sheet on the rule. The fact sheet is available on InsideEPA.com. See page 2 for details. （Doc ID: 2439386) The National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS) - including Environmental Law Institute, National Wildlife Foundation, and the Nature Conservancy - did not respond to a request for comment by press time, but the coalition outlined its invasive species concerns in comments on the proposed version of the rule. EPA Jan. 5 proposed a direct final rule to amend the RFS regulations and add the two new fuel pathways to the program, which aims to boost production of lower carbon fuels that help cut greenhouse gases (GHGs).