Industry welcomes EPA's anti-fraud measures.

摘要

In response to "rampant fraud" in the issuance of renewable identification numbers (RINs), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released information on its proposed Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which is intended to give fuel producers the means to determine a RIN's validity. The new scheme gives refiners a number of options when purchasing RINs. "Option A" involves an in-depth audit of purchased RINs by an EPA-certified QAP provider. Fraudulent RINs will be replaced by the QAP and the biofuel industry. "Option B" involves a less expensive, more cursory audit, where the refiner is responsible to replace any fraudulent RINs. Both options would allow refiners to make an affirmative defense against penalties if any fraudulent RINs slip through the system. Since the QAP is voluntary, refiners would also have a third option of buying un-audited RINs, running the risk of replacement costs and penalties later on.