Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu Tuesday on a conference call announcing Presidential directive to quickly increase the investment and production of biofuels.

"President Obama's announcement today demonstrates his deep commitment to establishing a permanent biofuels industry in America," said Vilsack. "Expanding our biofuels infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to spur rural economic development while reducing our dependence on foreign oil - one of the great challenges of the 21st century."

During the call Jackson said that four categories of biofuels would be established by EPA, and in regard to the lifecycle analysis, peer reviewed, scientific feedback would be solicited to ensure that the best science available is utilized prior to implementation.

Also announced during the call is the formation of a Biofuels Interagency Working Group that will develop the nation's first comprehensive biofuels market development program. will also work to develop policies to increase flexible fuel vehicle production and assist in retail marketing efforts while also taking into consideration land use, habitat conservation, crop management practices, water efficiency and water quality, and lifecycle assessments of greenhouse gas emissions.