Clean Fuels Alliance America has submitted a formal request to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, calling for the 2026 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirement for biomass-based diesel to be set at a minimum of 5.25 billion gallons. The organization also urged the agency to increase the 2027 volume to 5.75 billion gallons to support continued industry growth, reports Biomass Magazine.
The appeal was backed by 48 member companies, all of which signed a joint letter emphasizing the importance of these targets.
In the letter, Clean Fuels and its members wrote, “We are asking the EPA to move quickly in setting the 2026 RFS biomass-based diesel volume at not less than 5.25 billion gallons. Additionally, we urge you to support further growth by setting the 2027 volume at 5.75 billion gallons.”
The group argues that these volumes are essential to strengthening U.S. energy independence, creating employment opportunities, and supporting rural economies. “Clear action from the EPA will help the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries continue their planned expansion and put Americans back to work,” the letter states.
Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels, emphasized that the proposed volumes reflect the current state of domestic production and investment. “We’re asking for this adjustment because it matches what the industry is already producing, the investments we’ve made in new facilities, and the increasing availability of raw materials. We believe this move will help grow the sector, save jobs, and provide more security for American farmers.”
The letter also referenced a recent study by GlobalData, commissioned by Clean Fuels, which found that the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry supports more than 107,000 jobs and contributes $42.4 billion to the economy annually.
Clean Fuels Alliance America represents producers, feedstock providers, and other stakeholders in the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries, advocating for policies that encourage clean fuel development and use.
