In addition to the EPA public hearing on the RFS Supplemental Notice, the House Energy & Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee held a hearing on Tuesday titled “Protecting the RFS: The Trump Administration’s Abuse of Secret Waivers.” Testifying at the hearing from the biodiesel industry was Gene Gebolys, CEO of World Energy and former NBB governing board member.

Other groups that testified at the hearing were the Renewable Fuels Association, Siouxland Energy Cooperative and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. During the hearing Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) highlighted the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act (H.R. 3006) that he introduced with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN). The bill sets an annual deadline of June 1 for small refineries to petition for exemption from the upcoming year’s blending requirements.

Meanwhile Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) led a congressional letter to EPA Administrator Wheeler expressing concern that the RFS Supplemental Notice falls short and does not provide the certainty of relief that biofuel producers and farmers need. Twenty-three House Members signed on to the letter, which can be viewed here.

There was also a congressional letter this week supporting the biodiesel tax credit. Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) led the Democrat letter to Speaker Pelosi urging that the biodiesel tax credit and other expired clean energy credits be extended this year. Over 30 Democrat House Members have signed on to the letter.