Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The agency proposed that refiners must blend 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels in 2026 and 2027.
The agency is also proposing several regulatory changes to the RFS program, including reducing the number of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) generated for imported renewable fuel and renewable fuel produced from foreign feedstocks and removing renewable electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the RFS program (eRINs).
The EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on July 8 for the proposed rule. An additional session will be held on July 9, if necessary, to accommodate the number of testifiers that sign-up to testify.
Comments must be received on or before August 8.
In response to the release of the proposal, National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said, “We are thankful to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin that the EPA has released these robust RVO numbers in a timely manner. This action provides a significant certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.”
Corn and soybean growers, cattle ranchers, and the swine/hog/pig farming industry were listed as the most impacted segments of agriculture affected by the proposal.
The EPA’s announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump signing into law three Congressional Review Act resolutions reversing California’s vehicle emission waivers, a win for farmers and the liquid fuel industry.
Hartman noted that NCGA appreciates the administration’s continued engagement and support of the biofuel industry.
Similarly, Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs for the Clean Fuels Alliance America, stated: “Today’s RFS proposal is a welcome and timely signal to U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF producers as well as America’s farmers and agricultural businesses. The industry has made major investments in domestic production capacity and feedstocks to meet America’s energy needs and provide consumers affordable, cleaner fuels. We anticipate this will have a tremendous beneficial impact for American farmers and agricultural communities.”
Additionally, Devin Mogler, president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association, said, “We applaud the administration for recognizing the need to reduce the RIN value for biofuels made from imports of tallow and so-called ‘used cooking oil,’ which have been displacing U.S. soybean oil — harming farmers and biofuel producers alike for years. These strong volumes and prioritization of U.S. farmers aligns policy with actual domestic production capacity and ensures that American-grown feedstocks remain at the heart of a secure and affordable energy future.”