Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule that would increase Renewable Volume Obligations for 2023, 2024, and 2025:
“The renewable fuels volumes proposed by the EPA today are not achievable and do not reflect the challenges Delawareans face at the pump because of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. The cost of complying with the RFS is at a record high because the volumes don’t align with what our country can actually produce and consume. I appreciate the administration’s recognition of the difficulties for independent refiners to comply with the RFS and the need to maintain our refining capacity, but I am disappointed by the uncertainty this proposed rule creates for Delaware’s skilled union workers.
“I urge Delawareans to comment on this proposed rule. I remain committed to working with the Biden administration, my congressional colleagues, and our state’s organized labor and farming communities both to find a path forward on the RFS and to secure clean energy investments in our state that will support our union jobs and energy independence.”
Under the RFS, refiners are obligated to either blend biofuels into their refined products or purchase Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). RINs have reached historically high prices in recent years, creating difficulties for independent refineries, such as the Delaware City Refinery, that have to purchase RINs because of limited capability to blend biofuels into their products. Senator Coons has advocated for solutions to these challenges for years, including supporting investments in the production of sustainable fuels that will help reduce exposure to volatile RIN prices. The EPA will take public comments on the proposed rule, and the final rule is due in June 2023.
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