Agriculture: Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels developed by converting biomass into liquid fuels for transportation.
Sources of biomass for biofuels include:
- grassy and woody plants,
- agriculture or forestry residues,
- algae,
- crops such as corn and soybeans,
- vegetable oils and animal fats.
Biofuels have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
The two most common types of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel. A large number of ethanol and biodiesel facilities are located in EPA Region 7 covering the states of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
- Biodiesel Production Facility Compliance Manual: Environmental Laws Applicable to Construction and Operation of Biodiesel Production Facilities (PDF)(144 pp, 6.4 MB, About PDF) (EPA publication number 907B08001)
- Ethanol Plant Compliance Manual: Environmental Laws Applicable to Construction and Operation of Ethanol Plants (PDF)(104 pp, 3.2 MB, About PDF) (EPA publication number 907B07001)
- Contact Information for Biofuel Facilities (updates Appendix A in manuals above) (PDF)
- Information on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program that ensures that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel is also available.
For more information, please contact:
Ward A. Burns
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
Air and Waste Management Division
Air Permitting and Compliance Branch
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Phone: 913-551-7960
burns.ward@epa.gov