EPA is expected to propose the new annual renewable fuel blending targets via the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2020 ahead of the July 4 recess, according to contacts.
Renewable fuel groups are hoping and lobbying to see a sizable boost in the amount of ethanol refiners are expected to blend to make up for previous refinery exemptions/waivers from the EPA.
However, EPA now appears to have slowed up finalizing the rule-making process on the reset of the RFS levels for 2020-2022. EPA sent its proposals to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and the agency held at least four meetings on the topic, including one Wednesday, June 26.
While the OMB lists the legal deadline for the action as November 30, 2019, the budget office now indicates the final rule on the plan is not expected until February 2020. That indicates EPA is not expected to keep the RFS reset and the 2020 biofuel and 2021 biodiesel on the same regulatory timeline which previously appeared to be the case.
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