Amidst ongoing criticism for being significantly behind schedule, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 2023 ethanol mandate proposal can be expected within fourth months. The trade group Growth Energy sued the EPA in April because it was so far behind schedule. 2023 marks the first year EPA has a free hand in drafting the regulation via a consent decree.

If approved, the decree would resolve the complaint and oblige the EPA to propose the renewable fuel mandate by September 16 this year and finalize it by April 23 of 2023. EPA will consider six factors in establishing the mandate including the environment, economy and energy security. By statute, EPA should have announced the mandate by October 31 of last year.

Read more on EPA’s role in establishing an ethanol mandate here.