EPA Grants Record 1.76 Billion Biofuel Blend Exemptions

The United States Environmental Protection Agency granted oil refineries 1.76 billion biofuel blend mandate exemptions for the 2025 compliance year. This volume represents the highest level of exemptions since 2017 and significantly exceeds the agency's initial projection of 990 million credits.

Eighteen refineries received full exemptions, including four facilities owned by Delek US Holdings Inc. and the Salt Lake Refinery operated by Chevron Corp. Marathon Petroleum Corp. received a partial exemption for its Mandan Refinery. The decision comes as President Donald Trump meets with refining executives to lower gasoline prices, which have risen due to conflict in Iran.

To mitigate the impact on biofuel demand and maintain support from the agricultural sector before the November midterm elections, the administration will increase blend quotas. The agency plans to reallocate 100% of the difference between the projected and actual exempted volumes into the 2026 and 2027 mandates.