The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended its comment period by 60 days on the Renewable Fuel Standard program or RFS-2, on Thursday. The original period was to end on July 27, 2009.

The EPA issued a draft rule that would require renewable fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol to achieve reductions of gases linked to climate change, compared to the gasoline and diesel fuels they displace. It will also increase the volume requirements for renewable fuels.

The comment period was considered to obtain meaningful feedback before the agency issues final rules.

RFS-2 was supposed to be in place at the beginning of this year, and extension of the comment period could further delay the implementation of the program. This will provide additional hardship to the U.S. biodiesel industry, the National Biodiesel Board said in a statement.

The new comment period will end on September 25, 2009.

Energy