LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligations for 2026 and 2027. This final rule implements the highest-ever renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the RFS, including 15 billion gallons of conventional renewable fuels like corn-based ethanol in both 2026 and 2027.
“We welcome these strong finalized RVOs, particularly the 15 billion annual ethanol gallons,” said Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes. “These volumes show a clear commitment to American-made renewable fuels. Robust RVOs are critical to keeping prices at the pump lower for consumers while also supporting our ethanol producers and farmers. With worldwide fuel supply chains in disruption, we thank EPA for finalizing these volumes and bringing certainty to the market.”
In addition to the implied 15 billion gallons of ethanol in both compliance years, the final rule requires 10.82 billion advanced biofuels renewable identification numbers (RINs) in 2026 and 10.98 billion advanced biofuels RINs in 2027. The rule also shows that EPA will reallocate 70% of renewable fuel volumes waived under small refinery exemptions (SREs) for 2023 – 2025.
“We advocated for 100% reallocation, but 70% is a step in the right direction,” Rhodes said. “This action will restore over two billion gallons of previously exempted demand. Given current economic conditions, ensuring a healthy market for renewable fuels is crucial to supporting America’s ethanol and agricultural producers. Furthermore, today’s ruling greatly enhances American energy security, which was the main intent behind the RFS originally and is even more important today.”
The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.
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