Trump order prompts biodiesel advocates to submit comments to EPA

In mid-May biodiesel advocacy groups such as the National Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association submitted comments to the U.S. EPA in response to an executive order by President Donald J. Trump aimed at reducing burdensome regulations.

Executive Order 13777, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,” called for input on regulations that may be appropriate for repeal, replacement or modification.

The NBB stated the goal of its submission is to make it easier to administer the Renewable Fuel Standard program and to support the increased use of biofuel.

NBB provided comments on funding for additional guidance and compliance assistance, RFS implementing regulations, the proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support rule, product transfer documents (PTD) and vehicle regulations.

Specifically, NBB requested the agency add approved feedstocks to Table 1, clearly define heating oil for biodiesel, raise the threshold for upward delegation of RIN assignments, provide funding for additional guidance and compliance assistance, reconsider the CARBIO program that allows for an alternative feedstock tracking mechanism for Argentine biodiesel under RFS, and maintain or increase RFS volume requirements. NBB also suggested changes to the proposed REGS rule, PTD requirements and vehicle regulations.

“NBB welcomes the opportunity to provide constructive feedback on ways to further improve the successful, working RFS program,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at NBB. “These suggestions would lighten the load of overburdened EPA staff and streamline some burdensome processes for participants of the program. Taken together, these adjustments would continue to support the growing biodiesel industry.”

The IRFA also submitted comments to EPA. Among those relevant to biodiesel are that RFS levels for advanced biofuels—especially biomass-based diesel—should be aggressively increased as Congress intended, and as production capacity and the market clearly allow.

IRFA also urged EPA to finalize its proposed denial of changing the RFS point of obligation and to pull the pending REGS rule.