EPA Grants 14 Waivers to Biofuel Blending Requirements

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday (11/7) it has granted 14 waivers in all, comprising full and partial exemptions, to 16 petitions received from small U.S. refineries seeking to be excluded from federal biofuel blending standards.

The EPA said in a statement that it granted 100% exemption to two petitions and 50% exemption to 12 other filings.

The balance two requests were denied, the agency said.

The 16 petitions were filed under the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) covering the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance – a standard established between 2021 and 2024.

The waivers granted by the EPA effectively reduce the affected refineries’ required volume obligations for blending renewable fuels.

The decision provides relief for refiners but dampens market demand for ethanol, the core component of E15 fuel.

The EPA action comes as the ethanol industry faces growing headwinds. 

The American Petroleum Institute withdrew last month its long-standing support for year-round E15 sales.

The API pivot “dismantled the long-standing alliance” with renewable fuel advocates, the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA) said at its annual conference this week.

SIGMA’s Government Relations Team and Legislative Committee saw the API moveas effectively ending any remaining legislative pathway for the E15.