The Environmental Protection Agency is extending the public comment period for the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule initially published in May. The comment period will now close on September 25^th. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley - a member of the Senate Ag Committee - is concerned that the delay threatens the viability of the biodiesel industry. The National Biodiesel Board agrees. NBB notes RFS-2 was supposed to be in place at the beginning of the year. They say delaying the implementation of the program will provide additional hardship to the U.S. biodiesel industry.

According to NBB - RFS-2 by law requires the use of 500-million gallons of biomass-based diesel in 2009. But biodiesel is the only fuel available in commercial volumes able to meet the requirement. With the extension of the comment period - they say EPA should take immediate steps to ensure the 2009 volume goals provided for in statute are met. To that end - NBB suggests EPA should use its regulatory authority and issue a notice requiring obligated parties to use biodiesel in 2009 to meet the volume requirements.