E.P.A.'s failure

“E.P.A. Postpones Setting Standards for Biofuel Blends”

By: DIANE CARDWELL

Source: New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/22/business/energy-environment/epa-postpones-setting-standards-for-biofuel-blends.html?ref=science

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had announced that it would postpone the decision to determine the amount of biofuel that would be mixed with vehicle fuel. The agency will not be setting the “Renewable Fuel Standard” this year, but will begin working for next year. In previous years, the Environmental Protection Agency had promised to decrease the amount of usage of biofuel. This event is now part of the economic, legal, and logistical challenges the agency has faced after requiring increased amounts of ethanol to be used in vehicle fuel under passed energy laws. However, this decision was made when America’s demand on foreign oil and prices were high.

            Since the country has not set a standard, refiners are not using the proper amount of biofuel and other substances to properly produce vehicle fuel. Many people began to protest against the agency. They want the rule the agency has set to change because they are not able to follow their own guidelines. Some people believe the Congress should intervene in this matter and make reforms. However, people are pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency did not make a rash decision. Instead, they decided to postpone this situation instead of quickly making a decision that would have negative effects.

            Vehicle fuel is the main source that powers transportation. The one agency that was created to decide the amount of substances that should be required for the protection of the environment has failed. If people cannot trust the agency to fulfill their intended job, how can they trust future decisions? The people need to take a stand and personally address this issue.