The EPA is seeking comments on the state of Texas's petition to reduce the volume of renewable fuel required to be used in motor vehicles and other engines, according to a recent agency release. In an April 25, 2008 letter to the EPA, Gov. Rick Perry asked the agency to halve the nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) mandate for the production of ethanol derived from grain, citing adverse economic impact due to higher corn prices in Texas.

The agency said it will publish a Federal Register notice opening a 30-day comment period on the request. The RFS mandate for 2008 is the equivalent of 9 billion gallons.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the RFS program, and volume levels were increased in the Energy Independence and Security Act, which was signed into law in December 2007. The 2005 energy law also included provisions enabling the EPA Administrator to grant a full or partial waiver if implementation of the RFS would severely harm the economy or environment of a state, region or the entire country, or if the agency determines that there is inadequate domestic supply of renewable fuel. In consultation with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy, EPA must decide on a waiver request within 90 days of receiving it.

To view the waiver request and Federal Register notice seeking comment, go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/index.htm.