Yesterday, Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) spearheaded a bipartisan letter addressed to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan regarding the upcoming Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard. This follows EPA’s announcement in its regulatory agenda that it plans to delay proposing RVOs for 2026 until March 2025 and finalizing them until December 2025.
The letter urges the EPA to establish RVOs for 2026 and beyond that adequately support volumes for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels, ensuring they align with availability and production capacity while also increasing overall renewable fuel volumes equivalently.
The letter emphasizes that advancing biofuels in the United States is crucial for fostering economic opportunities nationwide and expanding market access for American farmers. ASA strongly supports this initiative and collaborated closely with state soybean affiliates to gather congressional endorsements.
Background: The most recent RVOs for 2023-2025 failed to adequately accommodate the growth in the biofuels sector and the influx of imported feedstocks. This oversight has led to the temporary closure of biofuel production facilities and a decline in soybean oil prices. Robust RVOs are essential for supporting soybean farmers, enhancing domestic energy security, and advancing environmental sustainability.
