Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) proposal for 2026 and 2027 as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The agency has proposed robust renewable fuel targets for 2026 and 2027, with an implied 15-billion-gallon annual target for conventional renewable fuels like ethanol. Additionally, it has proposed a regulatory change—lowering RIN values for foreign biofuels and feedstocks—that will decrease U.S. reliance on imports and increase American energy security.
In a statement, MCGA President Jim Kanten said the 2026 and 2027 RVO proposal is a positive first step for American farmers and U.S. energy independence. “This overdue rule will bolster farm families and rural economies and provide certainty to the U.S. agriculture industry,” he said.
But Kanten also noted the proposal does not address the 169 pending small refinery exemptions (SREs), which if approved could water down the RVO targets. He said MCGA is pleased by the agency’s commitment to reallocate RINs from exempt parties but urged a restrained approach to SREs.
MCGA thanks members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation from both political parties, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Representatives Angie Craig, Brad Finstad, and Michelle Fischbach, for their commitment to a robust RFS program. We look forward to working with the Trump administration to finalize robust RVO targets for 2026 and 2027.
