EPA Extends Green Fuel Paperwork: Business as Usual
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking for more time to collect info on the Renewable Fuel Standard rules for 2023-2025, which help boost cleaner fuels in the U.S. This affects fuel producers and sellers who must follow these standards. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts, and the extension keeps the program running smoothly without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory RFS Information Collection
If you are a regulated respondent (for example, biogas producers, RNG importers, SFW feedstock suppliers, QAP providers, and other listed entities), you are required to respond to the Renewable Fuel Standard information collection under 40 CFR parts 80 and 1090. The EPA estimates 11,057 respondents, with a total estimated burden of 152,679 hours per year and total annual costs of $24,527,843 (including $10,699,875 in annualized capital or O&M costs).
Biogas and Waste Feedstock Reporting Rules
Certain RFS provisions require specific information collection: biogas-derived renewable fuel requirements (ensuring biogas is produced from renewable biomass and permitting biogas as a biointermediate), third-party requirements for engineering reviews, the RFS quality assurance program and annual attest engagements, and recordkeeping for waste feedstocks including separated food waste (SFW). These provisions are included in the ICR submitted for renewal.
RIN Registration and Reporting Requirements
The RFS program requires registration, recordkeeping, and reporting for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) — including the type and number of RINs generated, sold, and retired — and respondents must use EPA-provided secure systems to register, submit compliance reports, and transact RINs.
Estimated Increase in Respondent Burden
The ICR estimates an increase of 69,286 hours in total respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB; the document attributes this increase primarily to increases in participating respondents and their responses.
EPA Secure Systems Reduce Some Burden
EPA provides secure systems that respondents use to register, submit compliance reports, and transact RINs, which the agency says removes a burden from industry. EPA also uses the collected information to monitor compliance and ensure the integrity of the RIN market.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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