U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on May 14 confirmed the agency will “over the next few months” be completing a rulemaking process to set new Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs). 

Zeldin commented on the EPA’s RFS rulemaking plans during a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Appropriation’s Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies to review President Donald Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget request for the EPA. 

During the hearing, Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., criticized the previous administration for missing RFS regulatory deadlines and setting RVOs for biobased-diesel too low. She asked Zeldin for an update on the EPA’s expected timeline for its next RFS RVO rulemaking. 

Zeldin said the agency is “going to be going through the rulemaking process now over the next few months.” He also indicated the EPA plans to meet future statutory RFS rulemaking deadlines. 

“Over the course of the next few months there is going to be an opportunity for the public to weigh in during a public comment period before a final decision is made,” he added, noting that many parties are already advocating for increased RVO levels. 

Fisher also discussed the issue of E15, asking Zeldin if congressional action is the best solution to ensure the ability to sell E15 year-round. “That is the most durable and easiest solution to this issue,” Zeldin responded. 

A full replay of the hearing is available on the Senate Committee on Appropriations website.