Biodiesel Requirement Boosted for 2013, EPA Says

The amount of biodiesel products required to be included in diesel fuel markets was increased to 1.28 billion gallons in 2013 from the current 1 billion gallons, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

The Iowa Soybean Association applauded the move, announced Friday, and said the increase reduces U.S. dependence on imported petroleum, strengthens domestic energy security, creates jobs and reduces tailpipe pollution.

The Obama Administration approved EPA’s recommended increase under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

The act requires a minimum 1 billion gallon volume and calls on the EPA to increase requirements after considering environmental, market and energy-related factors.

Biodiesel is diesel fuel blended with vegetable oils and waste oils from renewable sources.