NCGA Comments on EPA’s Small Refinery Biofuel Exemptions

The president of the National Corn Growers Association released a statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency announced its decision to exempt some small refineries from blending biofuels in their supplies at levels required under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

With today's announcement EPA has taken an important step toward resolving a stubborn issue that has lingered without resolution for too many years, according to Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr.

"With government reports projecting record high corn yields this year, we continue to focus on corn demand, including increasing ethanol sales," Hartman said. "We want to see the Renewable Fuel Standard continue to be implemented as it was intended, and we want to extend year-round, nationwide consumer access to 15% ethanol fuel blends through the summer months. Both will ensure greater energy security and lower gas prices for consumers."

Out of the 175 outstanding petitions, EPA indicated it is granting full exemptions to 63, granting partial exemptions to 77, denying 28 petitions and determining seven to be ineligible.

Small refineries are allowed to submit petitions to EPA each year, requesting hardship exemptions from requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The standard, originally passed and signed into law in 2025, requires refiners to include ten percent biofuel blends in their fuel production.