EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Thursday he wants to work with Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard. However, he provided few answers as to why the agency approved a recent rash of small-refinery waivers. Speaking to farm broadcasters this week Pruitt discussed the desire to reform the RIN system.
Pruitt added that changing the RIN system would help small refiners who “can’t handle RIN costs” and may decrease the large number of waiver requests. The agency granted nearly 40 RFS waivers to so-called small refiners since 2016. Although he reiterated that they followed the statute when approving those waivers.
The Administrator also detailed how they’re working to make E15 available year-round. However, he made that commitment a year ago and still has not made the move administratively.
Pruitt revealed in the hearing that the agency has received more waiver requests already in 2018 than it did in 2017 and 2016, at more than 30.” Included in last year’s total is a request by Andeavor, which posted a $1.5 billion profit last year. Also, oil giants Exxon and Chevron have requested waivers for 2018. Lawmakers say they’re concerned about EPA’s lack of transparency on waivers and unwillingness to provide details on the companies receiving waivers.
