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Renewable Fuel Standard Program

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15 and to Elements of the Renewable Identification Number Compliance System

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Rule Summary

On March 12, 2019, EPA proposed regulatory changes to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 during the summer months. EPA is also proposing regulatory changes to modify certain elements of the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, in order to bring greater transparency to the market and deter price manipulation.

Under the proposed expansion, E15 would be allowed to be sold year-round without additional RVP control rather than just eight months of the year.

Proposed reforms to RIN markets include:

  • Prohibiting certain parties from being able to purchase separated RINs
  • Requiring public disclosure when RIN holdings exceed specified thresholds
  • Limiting the length of time a non-obligated party can hold RINs
  • Increasing the compliance frequency of the program from once annually to quarterly

Proposed Rule (PDF) (47 pp, 573 K, published March 21, 2019)

Additional Resources