EPA Denies Majority of Biofuel Blending Exemption Requests

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied almost all outstanding petitions from oil refiners seeking exemptions from biofuel blending mandates. The agency rejected 26 petitions from 15 small refineries for the 2016-2018 and 2021-2023 compliance years, with two petitions still pending. The EPA also disclosed the names of refiners that submitted petitions and those participating in an alternative compliance schedule. President Joe Biden's administration aims to reduce carbon emissions and has not yet granted any waivers to refineries, in contrast to the previous administration. The EPA stated that none of the petitioning refineries demonstrated disproportionate economic hardship caused by compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard.