News

RFA on Wheeler hearing: some good and bad

The head of the Renewable Fuels Association liked some of what he heard during Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s confirmation hearing.

Geoff Cooper says Wheeler recommitted to getting the RVP rulemaking for E15 done by this summer.

“That was important for us to hear. With the government shutdown going on, we’ve been growing more and more anxious about EPA’s ability to get that rule done, so it was encouraging to hear Mr. Wheeler commit again to making sure that rule is done by the end of May.”

But he tells Brownfield Wheeler’s commentary on small refinery exemptions fell short.

“And really the lack of any commitment or pledge to account for or repair the damage that’s been done to our industry as a result of those small refinery exemptions that Mr. Wheeler’s predecessor handed out to virtually every refiner that came knocking.”

Wheeler testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday. 

American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says he expects Wheeler to be confirmed.