SUBCHAPTER II—ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH INCREASED PRODUCTION OF BIOFUELS
Part A—Renewable Fuel Standard
§17021. Biomass-based diesel and biodiesel labeling
(a) In general
Each retail diesel fuel pump shall be labeled in a manner that informs consumers of the percent of biomass-based diesel or biodiesel that is contained in the biomass-based diesel blend or biodiesel blend that is offered for sale, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.
(b) Labeling requirements
Not later than 180 days after December 19, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission shall promulgate biodiesel labeling requirements as follows:
(1) Biomass-based diesel blends or biodiesel blends that contain less than or equal to 5 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel by volume and that meet ASTM D975 diesel specifications shall not require any additional labels.
(2) Biomass-based diesel blends or biodiesel blends that contain more than 5 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel by volume but not more than 20 percent by volume shall be labeled "contains biomass-based diesel or biodiesel in quantities between 5 percent and 20 percent".
(3) Biomass-based diesel or biodiesel blends that contain more than 20 percent biomass based or biodiesel by volume shall be labeled "contains more than 20 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel".
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) ASTM
The term "ASTM" means the American Society of Testing and Materials.
(2) Biomass-based diesel
The term "biomass-based diesel" means biodiesel as defined in
(3) Biodiesel
The term "biodiesel" means the monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from plant or animal matter that meet—
(A) the registration requirements for fuels and fuel additives under this section; and
(B) the requirements of ASTM standard D6751.
(4) Biomass-based diesel and biodiesel blends
The terms "biomass-based diesel blend" and "biodiesel blend" means a blend of "biomass-based diesel" or "biodiesel" fuel that is blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17022. Grants for production of advanced biofuels
(a) In general
The Secretary of Energy shall establish a grant program to encourage the production of advanced biofuels.
(b) Requirements and priority
In making grants under this section, the Secretary—
(1) shall make awards to the proposals for advanced biofuels with the greatest reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to the comparable motor vehicle fuel lifecycle emissions during calendar year 2005; and
(2) shall not make an award to a project that does not achieve at least an 80 percent reduction in such lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2015, except that the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not appropriated as of October 2, 2013, shall be reduced by $6,000,000.
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Editorial Notes
Amendments
2013—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Part B—Biofuels Research and Development
§17031. Biodiesel
(a) Biodiesel study
Not later than 180 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall submit to Congress a report on any research and development challenges inherent in increasing the proportion of diesel fuel sold in the United States that is biodiesel.
(b) Material for the establishment of standards
The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in consultation with the Secretary, shall make publicly available the physical property data and characterization of biodiesel and other biofuels as appropriate.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17032. Grants for biofuel production research and development in certain States
(a) In general
The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of biofuel production technologies in States with low rates of ethanol production, including low rates of production of cellulosic biomass ethanol, as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Eligibility
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall—
(1)(A) be an institution of higher education (as defined in
(B) be a consortium including at least 1 such institution of higher education and industry, State agencies, Indian tribal agencies, National Laboratories, or local government agencies located in the State; and
(2) have proven experience and capabilities with relevant technologies.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17033. Biofuels and biorefinery information center
(a) In general
The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall establish a biofuels and biorefinery information center to make available to interested parties information on—
(1) renewable fuel feedstocks, including the varieties of fuel capable of being produced from various feedstocks;
(2) biorefinery processing techniques related to various renewable fuel feedstocks;
(3) the distribution, blending, storage, and retail dispensing infrastructure necessary for the transport and use of renewable fuels;
(4) Federal and State laws and incentives related to renewable fuel production and use;
(5) renewable fuel research and development advancements;
(6) renewable fuel development and biorefinery processes and technologies;
(7) renewable fuel resources, including information on programs and incentives for renewable fuels;
(8) renewable fuel producers;
(9) renewable fuel users; and
(10) potential renewable fuel users.
(b) Administration
In administering the biofuels and biorefinery information center, the Secretary shall—
(1) continually update information provided by the center;
(2) make information available relating to processes and technologies for renewable fuel production;
(3) make information available to interested parties on the process for establishing a biorefinery; and
(4) make information and assistance provided by the center available through a toll-free telephone number and website.
(c) Coordination and nonduplication
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that the activities under this section are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, centers at other government agencies.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17034. Cellulosic ethanol and biofuels research
(a) Definition of eligible entity
In this section, the term "eligible entity" means—
(1) an 1890 Institution (as defined in
(2) a part B institution (as defined in
(3) a tribal college or university (as defined in
(4) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in
(b) Grants
The Secretary shall make cellulosic ethanol and biofuels research and development grants to 10 eligible entities selected by the Secretary to receive a grant under this section through a peer-reviewed competitive process.
(c) Collaboration
An eligible entity that is selected to receive a grant under subsection (b) shall collaborate with 1 of the Bioenergy Research Centers of the Office of Science of the Department.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to make grants described in subsection (b) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, to remain available until expended.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17035. University based research and development grant program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program, in a geographically diverse manner, for projects submitted for consideration by institutions of higher education to conduct research and development of renewable energy technologies. Each grant made shall not exceed $2,000,000.
(b) Eligibility
Priority shall be given to institutions of higher education with—
(1) established programs of research in renewable energy;
(2) locations that are low income or outside of an urbanized area;
(3) a joint venture with an Indian tribe; and
(4) proximity to trees dying of disease or insect infestation as a source of woody biomass.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $25,000,000 for carrying out this section.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Indian tribe
The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning as defined in
(2) Renewable energy
The term "renewable energy" has the meaning as defined in
(3) Urbanized area
The term "urbanized area" has the meaning as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Part C—Biofuels Infrastructure
§17051. Renewable fuel dispenser requirements
(a) Market penetration reports
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall determine and report to Congress annually on the market penetration for flexible-fuel vehicles in use within geographic regions to be established by the Secretary.
(b) Dispenser feasibility study
Not later than 24 months after December 19, 2007, the Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Transportation, shall report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring motor fuel retailers to install E–85 compatible dispensers and related systems at retail fuel facilities in regions where flexible-fuel vehicle market penetration has reached 15 percent of motor vehicles. In conducting such study, the Secretary shall consider and report on the following factors:
(1) The commercial availability of E–85 fuel and the number of competing E–85 wholesale suppliers in a given region.
(2) The level of financial assistance provided on an annual basis by the Federal Government, State governments, and nonprofit entities for the installation of E–85 compatible infrastructure.
(3) The number of retailers whose retail locations are unable to support more than 2 underground storage tank dispensers.
(4) The expense incurred by retailers in the installation and sale of E–85 compatible dispensers and related systems and any potential effects on the price of motor vehicle fuel.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17052. Renewable fuel infrastructure grants
(a) Definition of renewable fuel blend
For purposes of this section, the term "renewable fuel blend" means a gasoline blend that contains not less than 11 percent, and not more than 85 percent, renewable fuel or diesel fuel that contains at least 10 percent renewable fuel.
(b) Infrastructure development grants
(1) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program for making grants for providing assistance to retail and wholesale motor fuel dealers or other entities for the installation, replacement, or conversion of motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure to be used exclusively to store and dispense renewable fuel blends.
(2) Selection criteria
Not later than 12 months after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall establish criteria for evaluating applications for grants under this subsection that will maximize the availability and use of renewable fuel blends, and that will ensure that renewable fuel blends are available across the country. Such criteria shall provide for—
(A) consideration of the public demand for each renewable fuel blend in a particular geographic area based on State registration records showing the number of flexible-fuel vehicles;
(B) consideration of the opportunity to create or expand corridors of renewable fuel blend stations along interstate or State highways;
(C) consideration of the experience of each applicant with previous, similar projects;
(D) consideration of population, number of flexible-fuel vehicles, number of retail fuel outlets, and saturation of flexible-fuel vehicles; and
(E) priority consideration to applications that—
(i) are most likely to maximize displacement of petroleum consumption, measured as a total quantity and a percentage;
(ii) are best able to incorporate existing infrastructure while maximizing, to the extent practicable, the use of renewable fuel blends; and
(iii) demonstrate the greatest commitment on the part of the applicant to ensure funding for the proposed project and the greatest likelihood that the project will be maintained or expanded after Federal assistance under this subsection is completed.
(3) Limitations
Assistance provided under this subsection shall not exceed—
(A) 33 percent of the estimated cost of the installation, replacement, or conversion of motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure; or
(B) $180,000 for a combination of equipment at any one retail outlet location.
(4) Operation of renewable fuel blend stations
The Secretary shall establish rules that set forth requirements for grant recipients under this section that include providing to the public the renewable fuel blends, establishing a marketing plan that informs consumers of the price and availability of the renewable fuel blends, clearly labeling the dispensers and related equipment, and providing periodic reports on the status of the renewable fuel blend sales, the type and amount of the renewable fuel blends dispensed at each location, and the average price of such fuel.
(5) Notification requirements
Not later than the date on which each renewable fuel blend station begins to offer renewable fuel blends to the public, the grant recipient that used grant funds to construct or upgrade such station shall notify the Secretary of such opening. The Secretary shall add each new renewable fuel blend station to the renewable fuel blend station locator on its Website when it receives notification under this subsection.
(6) Double counting
No person that receives a credit under
(7) Reservation of funds
The Secretary shall reserve funds appropriated for the renewable fuel blends infrastructure development grant program for technical and marketing assistance described in subsection (c).
(c) Retail technical and marketing assistance
The Secretary shall enter into contracts with entities with demonstrated experience in assisting retail fueling stations in installing refueling systems and marketing renewable fuel blends nationally, for the provision of technical and marketing assistance to recipients of grants under this section. Such assistance shall include—
(1) technical advice for compliance with applicable Federal and State environmental requirements;
(2) help in identifying supply sources and securing long-term contracts; and
(3) provision of public outreach, education, and labeling materials.
(d) Refueling infrastructure corridors
(1) In general
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the "pilot program"), to be administered through the Vehicle Technology Deployment Program of the Department, to provide not more than 10 geographically-dispersed project grants to State governments, Indian tribal governments, local governments, metropolitan transportation authorities, or partnerships of those entities to carry out 1 or more projects for the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(2) Grant purposes
A grant under this subsection shall be used for the establishment of refueling infrastructure corridors, as designated by the Secretary, for renewable fuel blends, including—
(A) installation of infrastructure and equipment necessary to ensure adequate distribution of renewable fuel blends within the corridor;
(B) installation of infrastructure and equipment necessary to directly support vehicles powered by renewable fuel blends; and
(C) operation and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment installed as part of a project funded by the grant.
(3) Applications
(A) Requirements
(i) In general
Subject to clause (ii), not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall issue requirements for use in applying for grants under the pilot program.
(ii) Minimum requirements
At a minimum, the Secretary shall require that an application for a grant under this subsection—
(I) be submitted by—
(aa) the head of a State, tribal, or local government or a metropolitan transportation authority, or any combination of those entities; and
(bb) a registered participant in the Vehicle Technology Deployment Program of the Department; and
(II) include—
(aa) a description of the project proposed in the application, including the ways in which the project meets the requirements of this subsection;
(bb) an estimate of the degree of use of the project, including the estimated size of fleet of vehicles operated with renewable fuels blend available within the geographic region of the corridor, measured as a total quantity and a percentage;
(cc) an estimate of the potential petroleum displaced as a result of the project (measured as a total quantity and a percentage), and a plan to collect and disseminate petroleum displacement and other relevant data relating to the project to be funded under the grant, over the expected life of the project;
(dd) a description of the means by which the project will be sustainable without Federal assistance after the completion of the term of the grant;
(ee) a complete description of the costs of the project, including acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance costs over the expected life of the project; and
(ff) a description of which costs of the project will be supported by Federal assistance under this subsection.
(B) Partners
An applicant under subparagraph (A) may carry out a project under the pilot program in partnership with public and private entities.
(4) Selection criteria
In evaluating applications under the pilot program, the Secretary shall—
(A) consider the experience of each applicant with previous, similar projects; and
(B) give priority consideration to applications that—
(i) are most likely to maximize displacement of petroleum consumption, measured as a total quantity and a percentage;
(ii) are best able to incorporate existing infrastructure while maximizing, to the extent practicable, the use of advanced biofuels;
(iii) demonstrate the greatest commitment on the part of the applicant to ensure funding for the proposed project and the greatest likelihood that the project will be maintained or expanded after Federal assistance under this subsection is completed;
(iv) represent a partnership of public and private entities; and
(v) exceed the minimum requirements of paragraph (3)(A)(ii).
(5) Pilot project requirements
(A) Maximum amount
The Secretary shall provide not more than $20,000,000 in Federal assistance under the pilot program to any applicant.
(B) Cost sharing
The non-Federal share of the cost of any activity relating to renewable fuel blend infrastructure development carried out using funds from a grant under this subsection shall be not less than 20 percent.
(C) Maximum period of grants
The Secretary shall not provide funds to any applicant under the pilot program for more than 2 years.
(D) Deployment and distribution
The Secretary shall seek, to the maximum extent practicable, to ensure a broad geographic distribution of project sites funded by grants under this subsection.
(E) Transfer of information and knowledge
The Secretary shall establish mechanisms to ensure that the information and knowledge gained by participants in the pilot program are transferred among the pilot program participants and to other interested parties, including other applicants that submitted applications.
(6) Schedule
(A) Initial grants
(i) In general
Not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, Commerce Business Daily, and such other publications as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, a notice and request for applications to carry out projects under the pilot program.
(ii) Deadline
An application described in clause (i) shall be submitted to the Secretary by not later than 180 days after the date of publication of the notice under that clause.
(iii) Initial selection
Not later than 90 days after the date by which applications for grants are due under clause (ii), the Secretary shall select by competitive, peer-reviewed proposal up to 5 applications for projects to be awarded a grant under the pilot program.
(B) Additional grants
(i) In general
Not later than 2 years after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, Commerce Business Daily, and such other publications as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, a notice and request for additional applications to carry out projects under the pilot program that incorporate the information and knowledge obtained through the implementation of the first round of projects authorized under the pilot program.
(ii) Deadline
An application described in clause (i) shall be submitted to the Secretary by not later than 180 days after the date of publication of the notice under that clause.
(iii) Initial selection
Not later than 90 days after the date by which applications for grants are due under clause (ii), the Secretary shall select by competitive, peer-reviewed proposal such additional applications for projects to be awarded a grant under the pilot program as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(7) Reports to Congress
(A) Initial report
Not later than 60 days after the date on which grants are awarded under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing—
(i) an identification of the grant recipients and a description of the projects to be funded under the pilot program;
(ii) an identification of other applicants that submitted applications for the pilot program but to which funding was not provided; and
(iii) a description of the mechanisms used by the Secretary to ensure that the information and knowledge gained by participants in the pilot program are transferred among the pilot program participants and to other interested parties, including other applicants that submitted applications.
(B) Evaluation
Not later than 2 years after December 19, 2007, and annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing an evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot program, including an assessment of the petroleum displacement and benefits to the environment derived from the projects included in the pilot program.
(e) Restriction
No grant shall be provided under subsection (b) or (c) to a large, vertically integrated oil company.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $200,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2014.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17053. Federal fleet fueling centers
(a) In general
Not later than January 1, 2010, the head of each Federal agency shall install at least 1 renewable fuel pump at each Federal fleet fueling center in the United States under the jurisdiction of the head of the Federal agency.
(b) Report
Not later than October 31 of the first calendar year beginning after December 19, 2007, and each October 31 thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report that describes the progress toward complying with subsection (a), including identifying—
(1) the number of Federal fleet fueling centers that contain at least 1 renewable fuel pump; and
(2) the number of Federal fleet fueling centers that do not contain any renewable fuel pumps.
(c) Department of Defense facility
This section shall not apply to a Department of Defense fueling center with a fuel turnover rate of less than 100,000 gallons of fuel per year.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17054. Biofuels distribution and advanced biofuels infrastructure
(a) In general
The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration relating to existing transportation fuel distribution infrastructure and new alternative distribution infrastructure.
(b) Focus
The program described in subsection (a) shall focus on the physical and chemical properties of biofuels and efforts to prevent or mitigate against adverse impacts of those properties in the areas of—
(1) corrosion of metal, plastic, rubber, cork, fiberglass, glues, or any other material used in pipes and storage tanks;
(2) dissolving of storage tank sediments;
(3) clogging of filters;
(4) contamination from water or other adulterants or pollutants;
(5) poor flow properties related to low temperatures;
(6) oxidative and thermal instability in long-term storage and uses;
(7) microbial contamination;
(8) problems associated with electrical conductivity; and
(9) such other areas as the Secretary considers appropriate.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of