A coalition representing farmers, ethanol producers, fuel retailers and fuel distribution companies is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to reject a recent petition by CVR Energy to alter the Renewable Fuel Standard’s credit trading program, which they say would ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers.

The organizations include the Renewable Fuels Association; National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS); NATSO, Representing America’s Travel Centers and Truckstops; SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers; and the National Farmers Union. CVR Energy petitioned EPA in December 2023 to prohibit many businesses from possessing and trading Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs).

“The existing RIN market structure, which has been in place since EPA finalized ‘RFS2’ regulations nearly 14 years ago, has worked effectively and efficiently to facilitate compliance with annual renewable volume obligations,” the organizations wrote. “Altering the structure of the RIN system would have disastrous impacts on renewable fuel producers, fuel marketers and retailers, obligated parties, and consumers in the form of higher prices at the pump. It would also significantly undermine the statutory purpose of the RFS.”

Among other reasons, the organizations argue that CVR’s petition should be denied because its “desired structure of the RIN market is contrary to the RFS’s policy objectives, untenable in practice, and legally unmoored from any objective reading of the enabling statute.”