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RFA optimistic about upcoming EPA blending rule, but is critical of slow process

The EPA is working on biofuel renewable volume obligations for 2023 and beyond, and it’s the first time the agency will choose volumes without a statutory number set by Congress.

Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association tells Brownfield he expects EPA to announce their proposal within the next month, and it might also include 2024 and 2025. “Every year, every November, we’re kind of waiting to see what the agency is going to do. If we get several years of standards all at one time, we think that’s going to be good for the program.”

Cooper is pleased EPA is getting closer to announcing the renewable volume obligations but says the process is taking too long by waiting until November to announce the rule, which still must be finalized. “They have committed to finalizing those volumes by June of 2023, and again, part of this package is going to include the requirements for 2023, so we’re already five or six months into the year before they finalize those volumes. You know, that’s not ideal.”

Thirteen Senators signed a bipartisan letter to EPA urging them to establish renewable volume obligations that are additive for all fuel types in the upcoming “set” rule.  Cooper says, “Now that they’re kind of turning the reigns over to EPA, they want to keep a watchful eye on the RFS and ensure that Congress’s intent with the original program continues to be recognized and honored by the agencies.”

Cooper says without having the rule finalized, the market is again flying blind.