Renewable Fuels Association Urges EPA to Restore Fuel Volumes

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging the United States Environmental Protection Agency to fully restore renewable fuel volumes that were lost through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

During a hearing on Wednesday, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper called for the reallocation of 770 million renewable identification numbers (RINs) that were waived beyond previous expectations. Cooper argued that this full reallocation is necessary to prevent exempted gallons from eroding market demand for biofuels produced in 2026 and 2027.

The RFA criticized the EPA's waiver process, stating that small refinery exemptions were designed to provide temporary economic relief rather than serve as a "permanent entitlement." The association maintains that these ongoing exemptions undermine market benefits and discourage critical investment from farmers, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers.