This week the Environmental Protection Agency released the Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels for 2018. Conventional biofuel levels, including corn ethanol, were maintained at the statutory level of 15 billion gallons. Advanced biofuels volumes were set at 4.29 billion gallons. American Coalition for Ethanol Chief Executive Officer Brian Jennings was pleased with the EPA decision, calling it a modest step in the right direction.

He says the convention biofuels volumes send a moderately positive signal to retailers. However, he was disappointed with the cellulosic levels EPA set at only 288 million gallons.

Jennings says ACE members will keep asking Congress to maintain a robust Renewable Fuels Standard and push the EPA to increase levels for 2019.

Jennings says the next issue his group’s members will tackle is getting the Reid Vapor Pressure rule lifted, so E15 can be sold year-round.