The EPA has set a new renewable fuels standard of 4.66 percent to meet the 2005 Energy Policy Act’s mandate that at least 5.4 billion gallons of renewable fuels be blended into transportation gasoline in 2008.

Based on the standard, each party determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its motor vehicle fuel. The standard for 2007 was 4.02 percent, equating to roughly 4.7 billion gallons. The overall volume target increases every year, reaching 7.5 billion gallons in 2012.

The Energy Policy Act requires EPA to annually determine the standard – which applies to refiners, importers and non-oxygenate blenders of gasoline – by Nov. 30 for the following year.