Proposal Aims to Reallocate Small Refinery Exemptions
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has expressed strong support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reallocate renewable fuel production that has been lost due to small refinery exemptions.
“Renewable fuels are an important tool in meeting America’s domestic energy needs. EPA’s proposal takes a positive step toward strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard and reinforcing the role farmers play in growing crops for biofuels.
By addressing small refinery exemptions through reallocation, the agency is pursuing policies that promote energy independence through American-grown fuels,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
The proposal aims to address the gap created when small refineries receive exemptions from blending requirements. By reallocating renewable fuel volumes, the EPA seeks to maintain consistent production targets and ensure that the nation continues to move toward energy independence with American-grown fuels.
Duvall highlighted the economic importance of the plan, urging the EPA to adopt a full, 100 percent reallocation approach. According to Duvall, this measure will help lower fuel costs for drivers while also providing new opportunities for rural communities to benefit from biofuel production.
The Farm Bureau believes that reallocating lost renewable fuel volumes will support farmers who supply crops for biofuel processing and will help maintain a strong market for corn and other feedstocks. This, in turn, is expected to strengthen rural economies and promote cleaner energy sources across the United States.
By closing loopholes created by small refinery exemptions, the EPA proposal represents a significant policy step toward promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and supporting American farmers.