IRFA applauds Trump administration’s robust RFS blending levels for 2026-’27

Farmers and renewable fuel producers gathered for an agriculture celebration at the White House March 27, where President Donald Trump announced historic Renewable Fuel Standard blending levels for 2026 and 2027. 

The RFS blending levels finalized March 27 were the largest ever, including 15 billion gallons for conventional renewable fuels like ethanol and over 5 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel like biodiesel. 

“Today’s RFS levels are a strong step forward for renewable fuel producers and farmers,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “President Trump and the EPA are to be commended for getting the RFS back on track. The RFS remains a powerful source of demand for Iowa corn and soybeans, while promoting American energy security.” 

In addition to setting blending levels, the RFS rule finalized plans to reallocate 70 percent of small-refinery exemptions (SREs) granted for the 2023-’25 compliance years.  

In addition, the rule prospectively reallocated 100 percent of the expected SREs for 2026-’27.  

If not reallocated, SREs reduce the RFS blending levels and undermine renewable fuels demand. 

“While we’re disappointed that the rule failed to fully reallocate the refinery exemptions from the 2023-’25 compliance years, it would be unfair not to acknowledge that the Trump administration inherited an SRE mess and worked hard with all parties to find a balanced solution,” Shaw stated. “We also appreciate President Trump and the EPA prospectively accounting for SREs going forward, which puts the RFS on a stable path for the future.”