Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has led more than 45 members of Congress in calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a rule that would reduce Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for imported renewable fuels and maintain proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel. The lawmakers argue these measures are needed to ensure the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) continues to support American energy security, farmers, and domestic biofuel producers.

In a bipartisan letter addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the group wrote: “At a time when many farmers are struggling to break even, all federal biofuels policies should prioritize domestic agriculture and biofuel production, not foreign fuels made from foreign feedstocks. Additionally, while farmers face the uncertainty of foreign market demand, the Import RIN reduction would provide essential support for the farm economy so farmers could sell more products domestically.”

The EPA’s June proposal included record levels for biomass-based diesel in its Set 2 proposal and suggested cutting RINs by 50% for imported renewable fuels and those produced from foreign feedstocks. According to the lawmakers’ letter: “The Import RIN reduction also aligns with congressional intent under the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which prioritizes domestic feedstocks. Aligning EPA's policy with this standard helps level the playing field for domestic feedstock and biofuel producers with imported feedstocks, such as Brazilian tallow and so called ‘used cooking oil’ from China, which would otherwise directly undercut U.S. energy, agriculture and manufacturing.”

The EPA’s analysis indicates that implementing the Import RIN proposal would create jobs and drive economic growth in sectors like farming, transportation, and manufacturing—especially in rural communities.

Signatories of the letter include Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Michael Rounds (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). Numerous House members also signed on.

Organizations supporting this initiative include the American Soybean Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, and National Sorghum Producers.

Grassley played a role in establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard through his work on the Energy Policy Act of 2005. He has continued efforts to ensure that federal agencies implement related laws as intended. Earlier this year, Grassley joined Senator Klobuchar in urging higher Renewable Volume Obligations for biomass-based diesel after concerns that current levels set by EPA do not reflect market realities or production capacity—a situation they say has contributed to biodiesel plant closures in Midwest states.

The full text of their letter is available online.