Sponsors (23)
This bill increases near-term fuel supply flexibility and relief for some small refineries and consumers, but does so at the risk of worse air quality and potential market/admin costs that could raise prices and regulatory burden.
Small refineries that retired 2016–2018 RIN credits could have those credits returned or applied to their EPA EMTS accounts, giving those firms greater compliance flexibility and financial relief.
Fuel retailers and consumers would be able to access fuels substantially similar to certified or previously waived fuels, easing local supply constraints and reducing the risk of shortages.
Motorists and regional fuel buyers (particularly in rural areas) could see a broader seasonal range of fuel options through an expanded 10–15% RVP reference, which may lower localized pump prices.
Rural and urban communities could experience increased ozone-forming emissions if RVP restrictions are loosened (expanded to 10–15%), worsening air quality and public health outcomes.
Taxpayers and obligated fuel industry participants could face higher compliance costs or higher fuel prices if returning retired RIN credits reduces available RIN supply or shifts costs across the market.
EPA and fuel market participants would face increased administrative and reconciliation burdens from retroactive credit adjustments and related regulatory changes, raising compliance complexity and costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Amends the Clean Air Act to add an RVP exception for certain fuels, expand a 10% RVP reference to 10–15%, and restore/apply certain small-refinery RINs/credits for 2016–2018.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Debra Fischer · Last progress February 13, 2025
Amends parts of the Clean Air Act that govern fuel vapor pressure and renewable fuel credits. It creates a new exception allowing some fuels to enter commerce if they are substantially similar to certified fuels or were previously waived except for a vapor pressure limit, changes a referenced 10 percent Reid vapor pressure range to 10–15 percent, and establishes relief for certain small refineries by restoring or crediting renewable identification numbers (RINs) or credits retired for 2016–2018 when specific petition conditions were met.