April 14, 2026 2:44 pm
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
March is often described as coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb, but this year, the opposite played out with respect to Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. On March 13, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals quietly stepped aside on one of the closely watched issues in the RFS: SRE reallocations. The court ruled the case moot, declining to weigh in and leaving the question unresolved in Clean Fuels Alliance v. EPA. By the end of March, that quiet moment gave way to a much louder, roaring development. EPA finalized its Set... Read More →
March 27, 2026 3:00 pm
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule, establishing the renewable fuel volume requirements (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 at the highest levels in the program’s history. In its release, the Trump Administration stated the rule “realigns the program with Congress’ original intent –increasing the use of homegrown American fuels.” 2026 and 2027 RVOs. The final rule maintains conventional biofuel volumes at 15 billion gallons for both years while significantly increasing requirements for advanced biofuels, including biodiesel and renewable diesel. EPA estimates production and use of biodiesel and renewable diesel will need to... Read More →
March 25, 2026 3:00 pm
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
On March 15, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency waiver to allow summertime sales of E15 and remove federal impediments to selling E10 in certain states. Effective May 1, this waiver was issued earlier than usual to provide time for the fuels industry to transition the fuel distribution system. EPA stated the waiver “will work to prevent disruption of America’s fuel supply.” RIN prices were up 6-9 cents in response to this news and in anticipation of EPA’s release of the 2026-2027 RVOs (Renewable Volume Obligations) later this week.
March 11, 2026 8:00 am
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
Every Renewable Identification Number (RIN) tells a story under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). For RFS participants, understanding that story is not academic. It informs trading decisions, blending economics, compliance planning, and risk management. Whether you are receiving RINs with biofuel for blending, acquiring RINs for obligation coverage, evaluating inventory, or analyzing market exposure, the ability to quickly interpret what a RIN represents is essential. This guide focuses on what every RFS participant should know — and how to read a RIN in 30 seconds. First: What a RIN Really Represents A RIN is generated when qualifying renewable fuel is... Read More →
February 11, 2026 9:00 am
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is designed around annual compliance obligations and quarterly reporting deadlines that, on paper, look predictable. The annual schedule is set with requirements, timelines, and expectations. The RFS calendar has a habit of slowing down when EPA has not yet finalized every regulatory piece needed to close out a compliance year. As obligated parties look to finalize 2025 reporting, timing is once again a key variable, with implications that extend beyond paperwork and into RIN validity and market behavior. Two clocks, one program For most RFS participants, reporting obligations for 2025 remain unchanged. Producers, renewable fuel... Read More →
February 3, 2026 11:35 am
Published by Rhonda O'Connor
RIN prices continued to climb after the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS released the long-awaited proposed regulations for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (commonly referred to as the 45Z tax credit). While the 45Z credit took effect on January 1, 2025, IRS had only issued interim guidance for it. This lack of regulatory clarity has contributed to delays and disruptions in biodiesel and renewable diesel production across the United States. With proposed regulations now available, renewable fuel producers eligible for the credit have gained some insights about the direction being taken by the Trump Administration. The February 3 proposed regulations... Read More →
