Alexandria, VA.—Biofuels are playing an increasingly important role in the U.S. fuel supply due to a combination of regulatory programs, market developments and technological advancements, but navigating the federal requirements pertaining to the storage and dispensing of such fuels can be confusing.

To provide greater clarity in understanding applicable federal regulations relating to the sale of fuels containing more than 10% ethanol or 20% biodiesel, the Fuels Institute has released a new report, “Retailing Biofuels: A Guide to Reading Applicable Federal Regulations.” This report will help retailers determine their federal responsibilities when offering the customers the choice of higher biofuel blends.

The federal regulations applicable to selling liquid fuel are not clear-cut. There are several different federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), that each have a role in regulating the sale, storage and labeling of biofuels. Additionally, there are many third-party standards that are often recognized and approved as options for compliance within federal regulations. Industry stakeholders often find themselves confused over which regulations apply given the type of biofuel they want to sell, the age and type of equipment they have, etc., and within those regulations, which are voluntary versus mandatory.

“That is why the Fuels Institute undertook the task of creating this report,” said John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute. “To assist the market in keeping up with new liquid fuels, it was vital to create a single resource not only to help interested parties navigate applicable federal regulations but also to better understand how these regulations may or may not relate to one another. Essentially, this report takes what is a scattered landscape of laws and regulations and neatly packages them in one resource.”

In “Retailing Biofuels,” retailers can expect to learn what federal regulations apply to the storage of biofuels in underground storage tanks and the dispensing of liquid biofuels, as well as third-party performance standards that can be used to meet federal requirements. Additionally, retailers will be able to identify liability concerns and penalties for non-compliance with the regulations. If retailers are currently selling or planning on selling fuels containing greater than 10% ethanol or 20% biodiesel, this is the reference guide they need to ensure you are in compliance with the law.

“This report is the product of extensive peer review,” Eichberger said. “We have been working with experts in the biofuels, equipment, retail and regulatory sectors to ensure that we have addressed the most critical requirements in federal regulations and presented a useful tool to help guide readers to find the citations they need. The Fuels Institute believes the collaborative effort that went into this document will be very helpful to those interested in delivering biofuels to their customers, and we are incredibly thankful for the assistance provided by so many people.”

“Retailing Biofuels” can be downloaded free of charge at  www.fuelsinstitute.org/research