White House Announces Small Refinery Biofuel Waiver Resolution

(WASHINGTON, DC) In 2005, Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with the intent of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. This program expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. As the operator of the RFS program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a path for a small refinery exemption (SRE) for those small operators facing economic hardship by complying with the regulation. Just last year, however, EPA granted 31 SRE’s leading to fewer biofuel gallons being blended in the nation’s fuel supply. Under an agreement between EPA, USDA and the White House, EPA will propose and request public comment on expanding biofuel requirements beginning in 2020 and will seek comment on actions to ensure that more than 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol be blended into the nation’s fuel supply next year and that the volume obligation for biomass-based diesel is met. This will include accounting for relief expected to be provided for small refineries. USDA will also seek opportunities through the budget process to consider infrastructure projects to facilitate higher biofuel blends as the administration continues to work to address ethanol and biodiesel trade issues.