Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel in Focus This Week

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reviewing the final blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2023 and beyond, with early focus on biodiesel and renewable diesel.

So far, three meetings have been scheduled with industry groups — the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) on May 23, NATSO, which represents truck stops, on May 31, and the Clean Fuels Alliance of America (formerly the National Biodiesel Board) on June 1.

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed levels for biomass-based biodiesel and advanced biofuels have faced criticism, with detractors claiming they do not reflect the expansion that renewable diesel has seen and is planning for.

The Clean Fuels Alliance of America, along with other groups, has urged EPA Administrator Michael Regan to increase the proposed biomass-based biodiesel and advanced biofuels levels. They argue that the current proposed volumes do not align with industry investments and plans to expand production and availability of these fuels by 2025.

EPA is required to finalize the RFS levels for 2023 by June 14, as per a consent agreement reached in court with Growth Energy.