July 17, 2018
BY Erin Krueger
On July 12, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., urged Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and live up to the administration’s commitment to a strong RFS and the year-round sale of E15. Heitkamp also invited Wheeler to visit North Dakota to see firsthand the impact of EPA policies on farmers, ranchers and energy producers in the state.
“The former EPA administrator did not keep his commitment to protect biofuels and promote the yearlong sale of E15, so it’s essential that we make it crystal clear to the new Acting Director of the EPA that we expect promises made to be promises kept,” Heitkamp said. “I’m inviting Acting Administrator Wheeler to visit North Dakota to see firsthand the impact that EPA policies have on jobs and our rural economy – from corn, soybean, and canola farmers to ethanol producers like Red Trail Energy in Richardton, which I recently visited. The EPA shapes policy that affects a wide swath of North Dakota’s economy, and I look forward to working with the new Acting Director on pragmatic solutions to our energy, agriculture, and environmental challenges.”
In a letter to Wheeler, Heitkamp said it encouraging that the EPA made its statutory deadline in releasing the proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for the RFS, but said it is concerning that the uncertainty regarding EPA’s improper use of small refiner hardship waivers was not addressed. She also expressed disappointment that the administration has failed to live up to its commitment to support year-long E15 sales, which continues to threaten farmers and biofuel producers.
“Continuing to propose incremental adjustments to the annual RVOs while simultaneously undermining the RFS via improper refinery waivers does not constitute the strong support for the RFS and biofuels that Congress continually demands,” Heitkamp wrote. “I urge you to quickly and transparently resolve the issue surrounding improperly granted waivers and to formally propose grating E15 a Reid vapor pressure waiver allowing for sale year-round.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
A full copy of the letter, which also addresses the Clean Power Plan and Waters of the United States regulations, can be downloaded from Heitkamp’s website.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.
The U.S. exported 31,160.5 metric tons of biodiesel and biodiesel blends of B30 and greater in May, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on July 3. Biodiesel imports were 2,226.2 metric tons for the month.
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is implementing multiple changes to the Camelina pilot insurance program for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. The changes will expand coverage options and provide greater flexibility for producers.
EcoCeres Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement to supply British Airways with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The fuel will be produced from 100% waste-based biomass feedstock, such as used cooking oil (UCO).
President Trump on July 4 signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The legislation extends and updates the 45Z credit and revives a tax credit benefiting small biodiesel producers but repeals several other bioenergy-related tax incentives.