Michael Regan has officially been confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 66-34 vote Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. Regan comes to EPA after serving as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

During his confirmation hearing, Regan emphasized that the “RFS is definitely a priority for this administration.” U.S. biofuels organizations are thrilled with his confirmation.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “In his previous position, Mr. Regan built a strong track record of listening to all stakeholders to find practical, science-based solutions to the environmental issues impacting the people of North Carolina. We welcome a similar approach to problem-solving as he takes the helm at EPA, and we appreciate the outreach he has already conducted to renewable fuel stakeholders.”

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings said they look forward to working with Regan “to address the long to-do list he inherits with respect to the RFS, including reining-in Small Refinery Exemptions, restoring 500 million gallons remanded to EPA by the D.C. Circuit Court from the 2017 Americans for Clean Energy Inc. decision, and promptly moving forward on the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligations.”

National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik added, “The Renewable Fuel Standard is a vital supportive policy for U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers. Every year, these fuels meet more than 90 percent of the RFS’s goals for advanced biofuel production and use, achieving measurable reductions in transportation sector carbon emissions. As our industry pursues a vision to sustainably increase production over the next decade and support emergence of sustainable aviation and marine fuels, we look forward to working with Administrator Michael Regan.”