A bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small-refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois led the effort, asking the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to propose a supplemental rule by October 15. The rule would reallocate blending volumes lost after nearly three dozen small refineries received exemptions in August. The Renewable Fuels Association says maintaining strong renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027 is important for farm demand, rural jobs, and energy security. In their letter, lawmakers argued that biofuel demand helps support commodity prices and rural manufacturing. They also cited potential savings for drivers, saying E15 averages 30 cents per gallon less than E10, while B20 biodiesel runs about 11 cents less than regular diesel. The letter was signed by 23 Republicans and 16 Democrats, reflecting bipartisan support for the request.
