Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
A federal program (established 2005, expanded 2007) that requires transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain specified volumes of renewable fuel. Mandates roughly 20 billion gallons/year of biofuel blending.
Why It Matters
The RFS is the primary policy driving ethanol and biodiesel production in the U.S. It supports rural economies and reduces petroleum dependence, though its climate benefits are debated.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Ethanol
An alcohol fuel (C2H5OH) typically produced from corn in the U.S. Blended into nearly all gasoline sold in America at 10% (E10). The U.S. produces about 16 billion gallons per year — the world's largest producer.
Biodiesel
A renewable diesel substitute made from vegetable oils (primarily soybean), used cooking oil, or animal fats through a chemical process called transesterification. Used in blends (B5-B20) with petroleum diesel.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Methane captured from organic waste sources (landfills, dairy farms, wastewater treatment) and cleaned to pipeline quality. Chemically equivalent to fossil natural gas, usable in any gas appliance or pipeline.