Trump biofuel plan to reduce RFS waivers

Reuters is reporting that President Trump’s biofuel policy changes will include a reduction in the amount of controversial ‘hardship waivers’ issued. According to the wire service the administration is in the ‘last stages’ of officially proposing the changes to the law.

Among the revisions is the introduction of E15 sales all year and the counting of ethanol exports towards the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). While the biofuels industry welcomed the proposal of year-round E15, it was critical of exports counting towards the RVO, saying that it would have a negative impact on corn demand and draw accusations of illegal subsidies from trading partners.

Trump’s plan is the latest attempt to resolve the drawn-out debate over the RFS, with oil states claiming it is an undue burden on refiners, while corn states praise it as a boon for agricultural communities and an essential tool to combat transport emissions.