The request by President Donald Trump for a review of EPA plans regarding small refiner exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is delaying decisions on those requests, according to sources quoted by Reuters.
The Department of Energy sent its scoring results of what were initially 40 requests for SREs for the 2018 compliance year in April, the report noted. However, since that took place, EPA data shows that two of those requests were either declared ineligible or were withdrawn, leaving 38 still pending.
The report indicated that a session could be held next week between Trump, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, but the report also said the session may not take place.
Trump became involved in the situation when farmers in June complained to him about the SREs at an appearance he made in Iowa where he highlighted the administration’s decision to make sales of E15 fuel available year-round.
It is not clear how the situation will play out, but SREs have become a flashpoint between refiners and biofuel backers.
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