The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed regulatory changes Tuesday that would allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to receive a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months, the same as E10. At the same time, EPA is also proposing regulatory changes to “modify elements of the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to enhance transparency in the market and deter price manipulation.”
Under the proposed expansion, E15 would be allowed to be sold year-round without additional RVP control, rather than just eight months of the year.
Proposed reforms to RIN markets include:
Prohibiting certain parties from being able to purchase separated RINs;
Requiring public disclosure when RIN holdings exceed specified thresholds;
Limiting the length of time a non-obligated party can hold RINs; and
Increasing the compliance frequency of the program from once annually to quarterly.
EPA welcomes public comment on the proposal and intends to hold a public hearing on March 29. Additional details on the comment period and public hearing will be available shortly.