Heard in the Aisles: SREs, biodiesel, tank corrosion & more from NATSO

摘要

Orlando, Fla. – The coming change in leadership at the federal EPA is expected to result in fewer small-refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to David Fialkov, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Truck Stop Operators. Fialkov spoke at a renewable fuels workshop during the recent NATSO convention here. He said Andrew Wheeler, who was just confirmed as EPA administrator, “is not a fan” of the Renewable Fuel Standard, but he is “a good, practical guy,” who likely will recognize his dual political loyalties to merchant refiners and ethanol producers. Wheeler will probably cut back on some of the small-refinery exemptions but won’t end them outright, Fialkov said. Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued many small-refinery exemptions, which reduced demand for renewable fuels and depressed the price of RINs, the currency of the RFS. Last year, the EPA granted 48 small-refinery exemptions. As of Feb. 21, the EPA has received 37 requests for SREs for the 2018 compliance year, but has not yet taken any action on them.