EPA denies Texas waiver request, says no major harm from biofuel mandate

摘要

EPA has denied a request for a one-year nationwide waiver from the renewable fuels standard (RFS) submitted by Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R). In his late-April request, Perry asked EPA to waive half of the corn-based requirement under the RFS, citing severe economic harm to the livestock, industry and to consumers as a result of rising food prices. Under the RFS, 9 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol are required this year. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said Perry's request did not meet agency criteria. "Current law authorizes EPA to waive the national RFS if the agency determines that the mandated biofuel volumes would cause 'severe harm' to the economy or the environment," Johnson said. While high commodity prices are having an economic impact, EPA's analysis found no compelling evidence that the RFS mandate is causing severe economic harm during the time period specified by Texas."