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Renewable fuels groups, farmers encouraged by EPA RVO proposal

Some renewable fuels groups are cautiously optimistic that the recently proposed biofuel blending requirements could provide significant growth for the industry.

Paul Winters, director of public affairs and federal communications with Clean Fuels Alliance America, says the increase in renewable volume obligations is good news. “This proposal would in fact be a very strong change from volumes that were set for 2023-25, and most of the proposal would ensure that there is additional market space for our fuels.”

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the administration is creating a new system to benefit American farmers while mitigating the cost of gas prices for consumers.

EPA’s proposal for 2026 includes 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, over 9 billion gallons for advanced biofuels including 5.61 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel and 1.3 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuel. For 2027, the mandate includes 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, and 9.46 billion gallons of advanced biofuel.

Winters tells Brownfield there is still some uncertainty how the Administration and federal courts will handle pending small refinery exemptions. But, he says, the proposal appears to account for them. “By including that estimate in the RVO formula calculation, that ensures those exemptions if they’re granted in the future, will not come at the expense of the marketplace for renewable fuels.”

Northeast Nebraska soybean farmer Greg Anderson says the higher mandate will allow crushing facilities to come back online and meet their production capacity. “We’re seeing that the food industry is getting all the soybean oil that they need and the excess oil that we as Nebraska and Midwestern soybean farmers grow. We need a market for that. And now biofuels is not a niche market anymore. It’s a mainstream fuel.”

Republican U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa tells Brownfield President Trump has recognized the long-term benefits of biofuels. “I think it’s notable that this administration is reversing course on the silly proposal to do e-RINs,” she said. “This is going to be a focus on liquid fuels.”

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says EPA’s mandates are the boldest proposal ever and provide for much-needed certainty for the biofuels and agriculture industries.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the volumes provide crucial growth opportunities for ethanol producers and farmers and lowers the cost of American-made energy.

Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol, says this rulemaking is a pivotal opportunity to fully utilize the Renewable Fuel Standard by setting ambitious blending targets that reflect the role American ethanol has in the U.S. economy.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the announcement secures an economic lifeline for the nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. The proposal unlocks investments, creates jobs and supports growth in rural America.

National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr says the action provides significant certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.

Devin Mogler, president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association, says the strong volumes and prioritization of US farmers aligns with actual domestic production capacity and American grown feedstocks are at the center of an affordable energy future.

Brownfield’s Brent Barnett contributed to this report.