Increasing domestic production of advanced biofuels to meet or exceed the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on petroleum, according to the biofuels industry.

“U.S.-produced biofuel combined with fuel efficiency will allow the nation to meet growing transportation energy needs without increasing imports of oil," said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s Industrial & Environmental Section.

That is a surprising conclusion from the Energy Information Administration, whose Annual Energy Outlook projections use the most conservative assumptions.

The current projection demonstrates that if the United States were to meet or exceed the targets set in the Renewable Fuel Standard, we could begin to decrease our reliance on all petroleum, create jobs and boost rural economies, and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There are more than 30 existing and planned cellulosic biorefineries set to begin production of advanced biofuels in the next few years. Many other projects and promising technologies are on the drawing board.

These pioneer cellulosic biofuel facilities will prove that the technology works and that the industry can meet the goals established in the Renewable Fuel Standard. With oil prices set to rise again, per the projections, the need for domestically produced advanced biofuels should remain a priority for U.S. policymakers and consumers.”