🚜 EPA Proposes New RFS Rule for 2026–2027: Key Policy Changes and Volume Targets
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new proposed rule updating the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027. The rule outlines new blending obligations, makes technical corrections, and reflects a broader shift toward domestic energy security under Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy.”
📊 Updated Renewable Fuel Volume Targets
The table below outlines the proposed volume requirements by category:
| Fuel Category | 2026 Volume (Billion RINs) | 2027 Volume (Billion RINs) |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulosic Biofuel | 1.30 | 1.36 |
| Biomass-Based Diesel (BBD) | 7.12 | 7.50 |
| Advanced Biofuel | 9.02 | 9.46 |
| Total Renewable Fuel | 24.02 | 24.46 |
🔄 Major Policy and Regulatory Changes
- 2025 Cellulosic Waiver: Reduces cellulosic biofuel from 1.38B to 1.19B RINs due to projected production shortfalls.
- Imported Fuels Deprioritized: RINs for imported fuels and foreign feedstocks cut in half to favor domestic production.
- eRINs Removed: EPA eliminates all renewable electricity (EV-based) provisions from RFS compliance.
- Technical Revisions: New equivalence values, percentage standards now expressed in RINs, and updated fuel pathway clarifications.
- Compliance Overhaul: Small refinery reporting required annually. RNG reporting frequency relaxed. New EMTS data fields added for better traceability.
- Auditor Rule Change: Auditors now renew every 2 years (was 1 year). Site reviews must occur within 6 months of submission.
🇺🇸 Policy Orientation Shift
The proposal clearly aligns with recent energy policy directives that emphasize domestic sourcing, rural support, and national energy independence. It supports American biodiesel and corn/soy-based fuels while limiting exposure to imported biofuel feedstocks.
📝 What’s Next?
The proposal will undergo formal publication, followed by a public comment period. Final rules are expected later this year. Stakeholders across agriculture, refining, and clean fuels are encouraged to review and submit feedback.
For continued coverage of U.S. energy policy, visit the Energy Market section.
Read the full 294 page proposal at epa.gov
