By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Farm and biofuel organizations are offering a mixed reaction to EPA’s decision to grant 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements. The exemptions cover 1.76 billion renewable fuel credits, but EPA says it plans to propose reallocating the entire exempted volume into 2026 and 2027 blending requirements. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says refinery exemptions are supposed to be reserved for companies experiencing significant economic hardship. She questions whether that standard is being met when some refiners are reporting strong or record earnings.
National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower says full reallocation will be essential to protecting corn growers, biofuel producers and consumers. Clean Fuels Alliance America says renewable fuel producers are already operating at a record pace to meet federal blending requirements. The industry will now be watching closely to see whether EPA follows through with full reallocation of those exempted gallons.