WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement regarding EPA’s announcement that it will grant 31 so-called “hardship” waivers to small refineries.
“This is a small step in the right direction, but I’m very skeptical that every company receiving waivers truly needs them. When EPA began handing out ‘hardship’ waivers, RIN certificates were 80 cents but dropped to 20 cents and they have only continued to go down.
“I’m also concerned about EPA’s RVO estimates. Considering EPA estimated zero waivers last year and now it’s announcing it will issue 31, it is unreasonable to expect EPA will follow through on its zero estimate for next year. EPA needs to provide a more reasonable estimate and account for any anticipated waivers in the next RVO rule in order to not undermine the RFS.
“I will continue pushing to ensure EPA issues fewer waivers that are based on true need.”
Grassley is a leader in the
fight to maintain a strong RFS. He led efforts to
put pressure on the EPA to stop issuing so-called “
hardship exemptions” to obligated refiners as well as to make the exemption process more transparent and
highlight the importance of the RFS to President Donald Trump and his administration.
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