Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) last week introduced the Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021 to clarify the definition of “extension” in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that favored oil refineries over biofuel producers.

“The biofuels industry is an important driver of economic growth in Iowa, supporting hundreds of jobs and expanding market options for our corn and soybean growers. That is why we must erase ambiguities and ensure oil refineries are not able to take shortcuts when it comes to blending biofuels. I would like to thank Rep. Craig for joining me in this effort. As a cleaner and more affordable option for consumers, I will continue supporting efforts that will help bolster biofuels,” said Rep. Feenstra.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “As we argued before the Supreme Court, we believe Congress has always intended the small refinery exemption to be temporary in nature. We also continue to believe the statute only allows EPA to extend exemptions for refineries that were continuously exempt, but only if they can prove disproportionate economic hardship will be caused solely by RFS compliance.”

Feenstra is a freshman member of Congress who talked about his passion for biofuels in a recent interview.
All Ag News interview with Rep. Randy Feestra (R-IA) (8:45)