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American Coalition for Ethanol calls proposed RFS Integrity Act ‘necessary’

The American Coalition for Ethanol says the recently introduced RFS Integrity Act is necessary to address timing and transparency issues with the small refinery exemption (SRE) program.

Katie Muckenhirn with ACE tells Brownfield the legislation is vital to restoring integrity in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS.) “The Trump administration really let refiners take the program out for a joy ride.  I will say ACE has been encouraged by some of the steps the Biden administration, EPA administrator Regan have taken over the last few months.”

The RFS Integrity Act of 2021, introduced by Senators Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois earlier this week, would require small refineries to petition for RFS hardship exemptions by June 1st of each year.  The change would ensure EPA properly accounts for exempted gallons in the Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) it sets each November.

She says the Environmental Protection Agency is cooperating with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to limit exemptions and turning over documents to the Government Accountability Office. “It appears EPA is taking some good steps forward to get the RFS back on track.  Currently, EPA is still sitting on 70 pending waivers.  That’s why the RFS Integrity Act is just needed,” she says.

The bill is supported by the American Soybean Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association.

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