Iowa Biodiesel Board Urges EPA to Reallocate RFS Gallons Lost to Small Refinery Exemptions

ANKENY, IOWA – Today, the Iowa Biodiesel Board joined other trade associations in evaluating EPA’s granting of full or partial exemptions from compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standards from 2016-2024 to 38 oil refineries.
 
Grant Kimberley, Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

“We welcome EPA’s decision to move this process forward, and it is encouraging to see some progress toward resolving the uncertainty. At the same time, many questions remain about the outstanding small refinery exemptions and how EPA intends to address reallocation. 

“We are particularly concerned about what happens with small refinery exemptions moving forward, and for 2023 – 2024. These renewable identification numbers (RINs) have not yet been retired, and how they are handled is critical. If the gallons are reallocated into the program, it would provide the certainty our industry and farmers desperately need. If not, this could have very negative consequences for biodiesel producers and soybean oil demand.

“Row crop farmers are already struggling with high costs and negative profit margins, and many of Iowa’s biodiesel producers are essentially on life support. Independent biodiesel producers—many of them farmer-owned—are in real trouble if this part of the puzzle isn’t solved soon.

“EPA indicated it will address the impact of the exemptions in future rulemaking. We urge the Trump administration to follow through on earlier commitment that any gallons granted under exemptions would be reallocated back into the program. Without that, we face another major hit to agriculture and independent biodiesel producers at the worst possible time. We will continue working with EPA and advocating that the integrity of the RFS must be preserved.” 

About the Iowa Biodiesel Board
The Iowa Biodiesel Board represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users. Founded by the Iowa Soybean Association, IBB operates an independent organization and board. For more information on biodiesel, visit Iowabiodiesel.org. 
 

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