The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expanding the definition of heating oil as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. This means that renewable heating oil, such as bioheat, a mixture of biodiesel and heating oil, could fall under the category to allow for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs).

The expanded definition of heating oil will encourage the growth of renewable fuel production in the heating oil market by adding value to renewable fuel oils through the generation of RINs. In particular, the expanded definition could spur the production of advanced or cellulosic biouel, providing additional opportunities for regulated parties to meet their annual RFS volume obligations.

EPA is also finalizing specific registration, reporting, product transfer document, and recordkeeping requirements applicable specifically to the new category of fuel oils, which are necessary to demonstrate that the fuel oil was or will be used to heat buildings for climate control for human comfort in order to generate RINs.

The news was welcomed by Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association:

“The Advanced Biofuels Association applauds EPA for expanding the definition of heating oil to include renewable fuel oil used to warm buildings or other facilities where people live, work or recreate. This newly expanded definition will help sustain growing renewable fuel production, particularly of advanced or cellulosic biofuels, in the heating oil market.”