Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, on Dec. 7 introduced a bill that aims to allow companies to preserve renewable identification number (RIN) credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard for renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels. 

Following its introduction, the bill, titled “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessells Act,” was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. To date, Reps. John Garamendi, D-Calif.; Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill.; and Carlos A. Gimenez, R-Fla., have cosponsored the legislation. 

The Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act would amend a portion of the Clean Air Act by adding “fuel for ocean-going vessels” to a portion of the CAA that addresses “additional renewable fuel” under the RFS. According to the Iowa Biodiesel Board, language included in the bill would essentially treat marine applications as identical to home heating oil and jet fuel under the RFS.

“Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels,” Miller-Meeks said. “This legislation allows for RINs to be generated for renewable marine fuel without requiring an obligation on any parties. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation which opens the door for communities, like farmers in Iowa, to engage, and be involved, in the marine fuel industry and conversation.”

“Reducing emissions from cargo vessels and cruise ships means cleaner air and healthier communities near our ports and working waterfronts. I am thrilled to introduce this new, bipartisan bill with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Gimenez, and Budzinski to support the global maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, renewable fuels,” Garamendi said. “And that transition can start in California with the Bay Area’s skilled, union refinery workers I am honored to represent in Congress who are ready, willing, and able to produce renewable biofuel for ocean-going vessels.”  

The IBB, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and the Iowa Soybean Association have issued statements in support of the bill. 

“We applaud Rep. Miller-Meeks for taking a leadership role in making this important, common-sense fix to the RFS,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of IBB. “The commitments to decarbonizing the transportation sector are the strongest we’ve ever seen, and that includes the marine industry. We all have an interest in encouraging ocean-going vessels to reduce the marine industry’s greenhouse gas impact through the use of biodiesel.”   

“This legislation will help expand the use of biomass-based diesel in oceangoing vessels, which makes biofuels a low-cost, home-grown solution for the air, land and sea,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of IRFA. “IRFA members thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for pushing creative solutions that drive demand for biofuels while enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and supporting family farmers.”

“International shipping companies and cruise lines are increasingly seeking low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet climate goals and consumer demand,” said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs for Clean Fuels. “This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock and enable biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to meet the low-carbon fuel needs of shipping companies at a competitive price. It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RINs for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.”

“By some estimates, sustainable marine fuel is poised to cross 325 billion dollars by 2036, and it’s in everyone’s interest that soybean farmers and biodiesel producers capture some of that the value,” said Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president and a soybean farmer from Farmersburg, Iowa. “When farmers participate in the energy market through greater demand for soybean oil, the farm economy becomes diversified and stronger. We thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for having the foresight to encourage the blue-water marine fleet to use biodiesel in its fuel, which will reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality around ports while strengthening the farm economy.”