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EPA will reportedly increase biofuel target by 3 percent

Bloomberg reports that the EPA is on track to propose requiring 19.88 billion gallons of biofuels to be used in 2019 under the RFS. That is up 3 percent from 2018 requirements.

The proposal would also include 15 billion gallons for conventional biofuels and 4.9 billion gallons for advanced biofuels.

But, the proposed rule won’t reallocate biofuel blending obligations waived under the small refinery exemption program. The Trump administration is said to have temporarily abandoned the proposal because of opposition from oil refiners.

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt faced backlash during his recent Midwest tour when he defended the RFS hardship waivers, saying they’re required by law. Ethanol supporters have expressed frustration over reports that waivers were being used to help bail out large oil refineries.

The EPA has until November 30 to finalize the annual biofuel targets.