EPA Denies 36 Refinery Waivers Granted in 2018

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Thursday the denial of 36 Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The agency will offer relief for 31 waivers previously granted due to “extenuating circumstances” in each refinery’s initial waiver grants in 2018.

Scott Richman, chief economist at the Renewable Fuels Association says that according to public and private data reviewed by EPA, there’s no need for SREs. He cites a lack of disproportionate economic hardship refineries claim keeps them from meeting RFS obligations. Former President Donald Trump allowed more than 30 SREs in 2018, a catalyst that served as an eventual successful court case from biofuel advocates.

Read more on EPA’s decision on SREs and its impact on the biofuels industry.