EPA agrees to overlook carbon emissions from biofuel composition

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed that carbon emissions arising from biofuel composition will be overlooked for US firms for at least the coming three years.

Previously, the EPA had decided that the emissions should be incorporated into organisations' perceived carbon footprint in terms of maintaining clean air in their surrounding area.

However, in recognition of the importance of adopting sustainable fuel types, emissions arising from carbon in biofuel composition will not be considered as part of companies' pollutant output for the coming three years.

Beyond that point, a review is due to be undertaken to determine the impact of the move and decide whether a further change should be made to the rules.

The National Alliance of Forest Owners, which requested the EPA to reconsider the original decision, has expressed its gratitude for the outcome as it works towards a future where biomass forms a larger proportion of the US energy mix.

Previously, the alliance had warned that 130 renewable energy projects and some 26,000 green jobs could be put in jeopardy by the EPA's initial decision.