Statutes for Renewable Fuel Standard Program
The following statutes provide the legal foundation for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program:
Clean Air Act
1963 - Clean Air Act as amended in 1970, 1977, 1990 (42 USC 7401 et seq.)
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The Act was amended in 1977 and 1990 primarily to set new goals (dates) for achieving attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards since many areas of the country had failed to meet the deadlines. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments revised Section 112 to first require issuance of technology-based standards for major sources and certain area sources.
Learn more about the Clean Air Act.
Energy Policy Act
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (PL 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PL 109–58)
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) addresses energy production in the United States, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) oil and gas; (4) coal; (5) Tribal energy; (6) nuclear matters and security; (7) vehicles and motor fuels, including ethanol; (8) hydrogen; (9) electricity; (10) energy tax incentives; (11) hydropower and geothermal energy; and (12) climate change technology. For example, EPAct 05 provided loan guarantees for entities that develop or use innovative technologies that avoid the by-production of greenhouse gases. Another provision of EPAct 05 increases the amount of biofuel that must be mixed with gasoline sold in the United States.
Learn more about the Energy Policy Act.
Energy Independence and Security Act
2007 - Energy Independence and Security Act (Public Law 110-140)
Signed on December 19, 2007 by President Bush, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) aims to: move the United States toward greater energy independence and security; increase the production of clean renewable fuels; protect consumers; increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles; promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options; improve the energy performance of the Federal Government; and increase U.S. energy security, develop renewable fuel production, and improve vehicle fuel economy. The three key provisions enacted are the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the appliance/lighting efficiency standards.