The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed a decision from the D.C. Circuit Court that upholds EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standards for 2020-2022 and rejects the oil refining industry’s challenges to the rule. The Court found that EPA exercised its discretion appropriately in setting RFS standards for those years, including a supplemental volume requirement to comply with a 2016 D.C. Circuit Court decision. RFA and other biofuel advocates intervened in the lawsuit in support of EPA.
In reaction to the Court decision, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered the following statement:
“Today’s decision is a win for America’s renewable fuel producers, farmers, and consumers seeking lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels. The Court’s decision, which affirms EPA complied with the law and properly exercised its authority in setting these standards, will help set the tone for future RFS rulemakings and the long-term administration of the program. Specifically, we are pleased that the Court confirmed EPA’s approach to assessing certain statutory factors and considering the benefits of renewable fuels. Further, we are strongly encouraged by the Court’s confirmation of EPA’s authority to account for potential small refinery exemptions on a prospective basis when setting standards. Finally, we are pleased with the Court’s decision to uphold EPA’s authority to impose a supplemental 250-million-gallon volume in 2022 to make up for the volume that EPA improperly waived in 2016. Taken together, today’s Court opinion sets some important precedents and puts the RFS on solid footing for the future.”
