Lawyer Sanders says U.S. EPA needs more time to consider Texas demand for a waiver of renewable fuel standard.

US EPA apparently needs more time to respond to Texas’ request for a 50% waiver from the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) mandate for corn-based ethanol. The RFS, part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requires increased national production of renewable Biofuels.

In April 2008 Texas requested a waiver from the RFS. Shortly after receiving the waiver request, U.S. EPA initiated a public comment during which it received over 15,000 comments to the proposal. According to U.S. EPA, a number of the public comments raised substantive issues and included significant economic analysis.

U.S. EPA is also required to consult with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy in considering whether to grant or deny the waiver request and has begun these consultations. U.S. EPA is expected to reach a decision by the end of August 2008.