3 February 2010, EPA –  American Government laid out three measures as part of its comprehensive strategy to enhance American energy independence while building a foundation for a new clean energy economy and fulfilling its promise of new industries and millions of jobs.

First, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a long-term renewable fuels standard. The Renewable Fuels Standard requires biofuels production to grow from last year’s 11.1 billion gallons to 36 billion gallons in 2022, with 21 billion gallons to come from advanced biofuels. For the first time, some renewable fuels must achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions - compared to the gasoline and diesel fuels they displace – in order to be counted towards compliance with volume standards.

Second, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a rule on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) that would provide financing to increase the conversion of biomass to bioenergy and bio-based products. USDA provides grants and loans and other financial support to help biofuels and renewable energy commercialization.

Third, the Biofuels Interagency Working Group released its first report – Growing America’s Fuel. The report, authored by group co-chairs, Secretaries Vilsack and Chu, and Administrator Jackson, lays out a strategy to advance the development and commercialization of a sustainable biofuels industry to meet or exceed the nation’s biofuels targets.

In addition, President Obama announced the creating of an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage to develop a comprehensive and coordinated federal strategy to speed the development and deployment of clean coal technologies. It is forecasted that American economy will continue to rely on the availability and affordability of domestic coal for decades to meet its energy needs, and these advances are necessary to reduce pollution in the meantime. The Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage is established to develop a comprehensive and coordinated federal strategy to speed the development and deployment of clean coal technologies