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 …
RFS Revisit Rumors Resurface
Rumors that the Biden Administration is looking at lowering biofuel blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) resurfaced this week, prompting the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) to send a letter to the White House explaining why that would be a bad idea. “To be clear, lowering biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) would not reduce the …
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 …
Senators Request White House Meeting to Talk Biofuels
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), along with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and several Senate colleagues, are requesting a meeting with President Biden and representatives of his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and promote biofuels as a key solution for America’s energy and climate agenda. The senators made a similar request in July and received no response. “Mr. President, biofuels …
Democrats Urge Administration to Support RFS
A bicameral group of Democrat Congressional members spanning seven states sent a letter yesterday urging the Administration to increase biofuels usage and reject any reduction in biofuel blending requirements. Congresswomen Cindy Axne (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spearheaded the letter to President Joe Biden and National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy after recent reports …
House Republicans Urge Biden to Uphold RFS
U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) and a group of House Republicans, including House Biofuels Caucus co-chairs Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), are urging President Biden to keep his promise on upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Recent reports indicate the Biden Administration is taking steps to weaken Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) which would reduce the demand for biofuels, …
Iowa Senator Concerned About RVO Proposal
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is concerned about rumors the Renewable Volume Obligations the Biden administration is reportedly set to release on Friday. “You know what happens if something is unpopular it always happens at five o’clock on Friday,” said Grassley during his weekly press call with farm reporters Tuesday. “If we get a bad RVO out of EPA, the farmers …
RFA Analysis: RINS Have No Impact on Gas Prices
A new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association finds the Renewable Fuel Standard’s compliance credit market mechanism, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), has no impact on retail gasoline prices. The analysis finds that while RINs are a factor in wholesale gasoline prices, there is no evidence that RIN costs have any measurable effect on the retail prices paid by …
NBB Launches Ad Campaign on Renewable Fuel Standard
The National Biodiesel Board has launched a new radio advertising campaign calling on President Biden to maintain his commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ads will air on more than 200 radio stations in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin on the Brownfield Ag News Network. “As a candidate last August, Joe Biden called the Renewable Fuel Standard ‘our …
Congressional Democrats Urge Support for RFS
Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate are urging the Biden administration “reject any actions under discussion to exempt oil refiners of their obligations under the RFS and uphold your commitment to combating climate change and supporting our nation’s farmers.” Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a letter with …