News

Biofuels Coalition breaks down significance of SCOTUS ruling on SRE program

Members of the Biofuels Coalition are explaining what last week’s Supreme Court decision likely means for the future of EPA’s small refinery exemption program.

In a 6-3 decision Friday, the justices rejected arguments that EPA cannot extend exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier, temporary exemptions had lapsed.

During a call with reporters Monday, American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings called the Supreme Court ruling “narrow in scope.”

“It focused merely on the question of whether refiners were limited and sort of when they could seek an exemption. The Tenth Circuit decision, in our opinion, still has very far-reaching implications for reining in those small refinery exemptions.”

National Farmers Union president Rob Larew says President Biden made clear on the campaign trail his intent to rein in small refinery waivers.

“We also recognize that by EPA focusing on Congressional intent with all the protections in place, that we can continue to have a strong RFS.”

National Corn Growers Association president John Linder, a farmer from Ohio, pointed out the growth of biofuels has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen rural economies.

“Lost market opportunity implied (by this ruling) serves no one well. And for corn farmers, yes it is corn grind. But equally important is that both renewable fuel and agricultural industries are the cornerstones of the economies of many states.”

Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper says Friday’s Supreme Court decision does NOT mean EPA has to grant pending or future exemption requests or lower the bar for evaluating those petitions.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!