The Environmental Protection Agency announced four actions Friday that include extending the 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadline for small refineries as well as the 2020, 2021 and 2022 deadlines for all companies subject to biofuel usage mandates. The final extensions (both for 2019-2022 and for 2023+) will help ensure that obligated parties are positioned to fully comply with their …
ACE Testimony Encourages EPA to Revise RFS Proposal
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings testified on behalf of the organization’s members today during a virtual public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rulemaking for 2020, 2021 and 2022 compliance years. Jennings noted that they are pleased EPA proposed a statutory 15 billion gallons for 2022 and put forth a plan …
NBB Voices Biodiesel Comments on EPA Proposals
Five members of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) staff brought testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency during a virtual hearing today on proposed renewable volume obligations for 2020 through 2022. Testifying on behalf of NBB were Kate Shenk, Director of Regulatory Affairs; David Cobb, Director of Federal Affairs; Donnell Rehagen, CEO; Matt Herman, Director of Environmental Science; and Scott Fenwick, …
RFA Disappointed with EPA Vehicle Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized new emissions standards for passenger vehicles but failed to recognize the importance of the fuels in those vehicles in paving the way for a zero emissions future, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. “It appears EPA has again failed to recognize that the fuels we put into our engines can have as much—or …
Ethanol Report Reviews EPA Announcements
The ethanol industry got some long-awaited announcements from the Biden Administration this week on COVID aid from USDA and biofuel blending obligations from the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s a mixed bag of good news and bad news for ethanol producers and in this edition of The Ethanol Report we get the details from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff …
EPA Proposes Volume Standards and Waiver Rejections
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed a package of actions setting biofuels volumes for years 2022, 2021, and 2020, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. In addition, EPA is seeking public comment on a proposed decision to deny petitions to exempt small refineries from their obligations under the RFS on the grounds that petitioners failed …
EPA Holds Hearing on Proposed RFS Compliance Deadlines
Biofuels groups had the opportunity to sound off to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed extension of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance deadlines during a virtual hearing Friday. The Renewable Fuels Association voiced strong opposition to again delay annual RFS compliance deadlines. “EPA has had ample time to decide pending 2019 and 2020 SRE petitions following the Supreme …
Ethanol Industry Applauds EPA SRE Denial
One down, 65 to go. Ethanol supporters were pleased Friday to see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deny one small refinery exemption (SRE) petition that had been filed for the 2019 compliance year. “We are greatly encouraged by EPA’s decision to deny this bailout request from an oil refinery that has continually attempted to dodge its legal obligations to blend …
Midwest Governors Call for E-15 solution
Seven Midwestern state Governors have sent a joint letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan requesting immediate guidance on how they can continue to sell 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel (E15) year-round without restriction. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spearheaded the letter which was also signed by the governors of Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The governors’ letter follows …
Growth Energy Intends to Sue EPA Over Biofuel Delays
Growth Energy this week notified the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of intent to sue for failure to issue the 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and in turn, the potentially multi-year “set” rulemaking process for renewable fuel volumes for 2023 and beyond. The RVOs for 2022 are due by November 30th, 2021, an annual deadline set by Congress in the RFS. …