Yesterday’s EPA hearing on the proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) drew testimony from a wide range of industry leaders, including Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and Grant Kimberley of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. Their comments highlighted the crucial role that renewable fuels play in the nation’s energy and economic future. The hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to outline both the strengths and concerns associated with the proposed rule.
Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, testified at Tuesday’s EPA hearing, voicing strong support for the agency’s proposed increases in biomass-based diesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027. Speaking on behalf of Iowa’s biodiesel producers, soybean farmers, and the broader biofuels value chain, Kimberley thanked the EPA for “proposing record-setting biomass-based diesel volumes,” calling it a “welcome signal” that recognizes the strength and long-term potential of the industry. He highlighted that biodiesel production contributed $598 million in value to soybean farmers in 2024 alone—roughly $1 per bushel—underscoring the economic impact on Iowa agriculture and rural communities.
Kimberley also urged the agency to maintain its commitment to market stability by properly addressing small refinery exemptions (SREs). “If exemptions aren’t accounted for, the number quickly becomes less meaningful and only feeds market uncertainty and chaos,” he said. He applauded the EPA’s proposal to project SREs in advance, ensuring that final volume targets are fully realized. Kimberley closed his remarks by reaffirming the industry’s readiness to meet the challenge: “The Iowa Biodiesel Board stands ready to support the successful implementation of these volumes and ensure we keep building on this momentum.”
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor led off by thanking the EPA and the Trump Administration for the proposed rule. She applauded the fact that this is the strongest RFS proposal ever made, if realized. But she also echoed Kimberly by saying that how SREs are handled in the future will make or break the strength of this proposal.
Skor also urged the EPA to ride the momentum of the RFS proposal by working with Congress to finalize a national E15 rule. She emphasized that year-round access to E15 is critical for both consumers and the biofuels industry.
