Congressmen August Pfluger (R) and Jodey Arrington (R) sent a Letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging revisions to the proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for 2026 and 2027 under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The two Congressmen led 40 of their colleagues, and the letter received signatures from the entire Texas Republican Delegation.
In the letter, the lawmakers advocate for policy changes that they say will reduce fuel costs and preserve domestic refinery competitiveness. They also argue that the revisions will align with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin's energy agenda.
They praised the EPA's shift from prior policies, writing, "We commend your effective leadership in implementing President Trump's mission to 'Unleash American Energy.'"
The letter outlines three key recommendations, including aligning RVO volumes with domestic market realities, preventing reallocation of compliance burdens from Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) onto larger refiners, and maintaining full Renewable Identification Number (RIN) value for imported renewable fuels.
The lawmakers emphasized that the proposed RVO increases could inflict significant financial burdens on U.S. refineries and consumers.
"To maintain the viablility of the liquid fuel manufacturing industry and keep energy costs low for American consumers and businesses, it is critical the EPA modifies its june 2025 proposed rule," the lawmakers wrote.
They argue that a shift of obligations because of SREs and weaking RIN values for imports would strain the industry further and distrupt energy markets.
The letter reinforces Republican support for refining sector stability, urging the EPA to finalize a rule that protects U.S. consumers and producers.
