EPA UPS SMOG, GOES GENTLY INTO GLOBAL WARMING

Our government at work?

EPA maps out renewable fuel standards
Ken Thomas, April 10, 2007 (AP via Houston Chronicle)

WHO
The Environmental Protection Agency, on behalf of the Bush administration

WHAT
Established required use of renewable liquid fuels (ethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, etc.) by refiners: 4.02 percent of gasoline sold/dispensed in US 2007 (4.7 billion gallons); 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. This seems to fall short of the goal set by President Bush: 35 billion gallons by 2017. The EPA announcement did not alter new vehicle fuel-efficiency standards which President Bush had set for increase.

WHEN
The standards apply presently and going forward.

WHERE
United States.

WHY
- Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman: The plan is a "…critical step in increasing the nation's energy security."
- The EPA contends the new law will increase ethanol production and projects 2012 levels at 11 billion gallons, 3.5 billion gallons higher than required. But ethanol blends reduce mileage by 20-30%.
- The new EPA standard will reduce carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas emissions marginally but cause a noticeable worsening of air pollution.

QUOTES
- "The president has said he wants to increase vehicle efficiency 4 percent per year, but his fuel economy rules over the past six years raised light truck standards only half that much," said Philip Clapp, president of the National Environmental Trust. "Without specific mileage targets, there's no guarantee consumers will ever see cars that are significantly more fuel efficient."
- Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch: The EPA announcement is a "…mixed bag…[It] will marginally decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but it will mean more smog in many states."