Clean Fuels testifies on US EPA’s 2026-’27 RFS rule proposal

Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen delivered oral testimony July 8 at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing on proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Multiple Clean Fuels staff and member companies also testified, thanking EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA staff for proposing a much-needed step-change in the biobased diesel RVOs.

Clean Fuels also encouraged the agency to maintain the proposed volumes as it addresses outstanding small-refinery exemption (SRE) petitions.

“Our industry has made substantial investments over the past several years in both biofuel production, feedstock supply and distribution infrastructure,” Rehagen said.

Domestic production of biodiesel and renewable diesel has doubled since 2020 and continues to grow.

“We supplied more than 5 billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF to the U.S. market in 2024, and we are poised to deliver more in 2026,” Rehagen testified. “EPA’s acknowledgement of the industry’s investments in new capacity and intent to provide consistent RFS growth are greatly appreciated.”

Rehagen added he is pleased that since the proposed rule came out, the markets have reacted in a positive fashion.

“Uncertainty around small-refinery exemptions, however, still hangs over the industry,” he said. “We ask that you sustain the volumes as proposed to ensure that our capacity is fully utilized.”