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RFS credited with significantly reducing GHG emissions

A new study credits the Renewable Fuel Standard with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 600 million metric tons. 

Renewable Fuels Association chief economist Scott Richman says analysis by Life Cycle Associates–a firm specializing in energy and environmental impacts–shows since it was expanded in 2007, the Renewable Fuel Standard has helped reduce GHG emissions far more than the EPA’s original expectations of 422 million metric tons.

“The aggregate savings from the use of biofuels (is) basically the equivalent to taking half the automobiles off U.S. streets for one year.”

He tells Brownfield this data holds a lot of value as EPA looks to reset the RFS in the years 2020 through 2022.

“That’s going to be coming out this spring, and one of the criteria (EPA) is required to look at is the environmental impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard. On that front, I think we have a really good story to tell.”

Richman says both ethanol and biodiesel have played a major role in decarbonizing transportation fuels in a cost-effective way.

Life Cycles will be sharing the results of its research at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando Tuesday.