WASHINGTON - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Sept. 14 set the 2013 volume for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) at 1.28 billion gallons. This represents a modest increase from the industry’s 2011 production of 1.1 billion gallons, according to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the industry trade association.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for the biomass-based diesel category for 2012 and beyond.

The law also calls on EPA to increase the volume requirements after consideration of environmental, market, and energy-related factors. The final action follows careful review of the many comments and additional information received since EPA proposed the volume in 2011.

The US biodiesel industry commended the decision.

"This was an incredibly important decision, and the Obama Administration got it right," said Joe Jobe, chief executive officer of the NBB. "It will allow biodiesel plants across the country to invest and expand, creating thousands of jobs.

"We applaud President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson for supporting an 'all of the above' energy approach. We also want to thank Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his strong advocacy," Jobe added. "This decision will continue to diversify our fuel supplies so that we're not so vulnerable to global petroleum markets and this endless cycle of price spikes.

Biodiesel is made from a diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, agricultural oils and animal fats.