1. ETHANOL:
EPA denies Texas' biofuel waiver request

U.S. EPA denied Texas' request today to cut the national biofuels mandate in half for a year, saying the standard is not causing significant economic damage. The renewable fuel standard "is strengthening the nation's energy security and supporting America's farming communities," EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said. The mandate "will remain an important tool in our ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our dependence on foreign oil in aggressive yet practical ways." Go to story #1