The EPA Final Rule designating the Renewal Fuel Standard includes a total volume obligation of 20.9 billion gallons of alternative fuels for 2023.  Approximately 72 percent will comprise 15 billion gallons of conventional corn ethanol.  This figure includes a supplemental volume of 250 million gallons in 2023 to compensate for contested and ineligible waivers extending from 2016.  In 2024 and 2025, the Renewable Fuels Standards will be 21.5 billion and 22.3 billion gallons respectively with a cap of 15 billion gallons from corn ethanol.

The announcement of the 15 billion limit elicited protest from the Renewable Fuels Association.  Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association stated, “By removing half a billion gallons of lower-carbon, lower-cost fuel, in today’s rule needlessly forfeits an opportunity to further enhance U.S. energy security and provide more affordable options at the pump for American drivers.”