The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of 14 senators for urging EPA to swiftly issue final regulations that restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard and put the program back on track.
In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the senators outlined several actions that “…can quickly restore integrity, stability, and growth to the RFS and the U.S. biofuel sector while ensuring that the program continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify our fuels, drive down gas prices, strengthen our national security, and drive rural economic opportunity.” The letter is in response to EPA’s December proposal setting renewable volume obligations and reforming the small refinery exemption program.
“We thank this bipartisan group of senators for their efforts to protect and defend the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “These senators understand that the RFS is the most powerful and effective tool we have to immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, keep consumer gas prices in check, and support a vibrant rural economy. RFA proudly stands with them in calling on the Biden administration to follow through on its commitments to put the RFS back on track.”
The letter was signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Roy Blunt (D-MO).
Specifically, the senators asked EPA to:
- Maintain the blending requirements for 2022 at the proposed levels, including half of the court-ordered 500-million-gallon remand;
- Deny all pending small refinery exemptions and finalize its proposed change in approach to SRE eligibility;
- Eliminate the proposed retroactive cuts to the 2020 RVOs; and
- Set the 2021 renewable obligation volumes at the statutory levels.
EPA’s public comment period on its proposals to cut the 2020 RVO and establish RVOs for 2021 and 2022 ends on Friday, February 4. RFA will be submitting extensive comments to EPA aimed at ensuring the forthcoming final rules provide certainty and growth for the U.S. ethanol industry.
