Beginning in 2006, a program authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 will be implemented and reduce vehicle emissions, while strengthening U.S. energy security by doubling the use of fuels produced from American crops by 2012.

The regulation’s details, which were announced on Dec. 28, outline how industry will comply with the provision requiring that 2.78 percent of the gasoline sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists in 2006 be renewable fuel.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the regulation is intended to provide market certainty for smooth implementation of the program in 2006 as the agency expands the program.

The program will increase the volume of renewable fuels blended into motor vehicle fuels. According to the agency, various renewable fuels can be used to meet the requirements of the program, including ethanol and biodiesel.

Under the standard, refineries, blenders, and importers would collectively be responsible for meeting program requirements for 2006, where compliance would be calculated over the entire pool of gasoline sold to consumers.