The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported a drop in renewable fuel credit generation for January, with total output falling compared to the same month last year, Biodiesel Magazine reported.
Data released on February 19 showed that nearly 1.68 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs) were created under the Renewable Fuel Standard during January. This was about 9 percent lower than the 1.84 billion credits recorded in January 2024.
Credits linked to cellulosic biofuels saw the sharpest fall. Only about 7.59 million D3 credits were generated during the month. Of these, 5.98 million were tied to cellulosic ethanol made by domestic producers, while 1.61 million were linked to renewable natural gas. A very small number — 299 credits — were issued for compressed renewable natural gas. Overall, this category declined by 91 percent from the same period last year.
Biomass-based diesel credits also dropped. Nearly 438.19 million D4 credits were generated in January, down 10 percent year-on-year. Most were issued for renewable diesel and biodiesel produced within the country. Smaller volumes were linked to renewable jet fuel and imported biodiesel.
Advanced biofuel credits totaled more than 15.79 million in January, reflecting a 32 percent decrease compared to a year ago. These credits covered fuels such as naphtha, renewable diesel, ethanol, and renewable heating oil, largely produced domestically.
The largest share of credits came from conventional renewable fuel, mainly ethanol. Nearly 1.22 billion D6 credits were generated, slightly lower — by about 2 percent — than January 2024 levels. Almost all were issued for domestically produced ethanol, with a small portion attributed to imports.
Meanwhile, 9,226 D7 credits for cellulosic diesel were recorded in January. All were linked to imported cellulosic heating oil. This category saw a 68 percent decline compared to the previous year.
The latest figures indicate an overall slowdown in renewable fuel credit generation at the start of the year, with most categories registering lower volumes than January 2024.
