September 02, 2026 

EPA Grants 1.76 Billion RIN Exemptions, Plans Reallocation

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved 29 small refinery exemption petitions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements, exempting a total of 1.76 billion renewable identification numbers, or RINs. EPA granted full exemptions to 18 refineries and 50 percent exemptions to 11 others. Three petitions were denied, while two were ruled ineligible. The Renewable Fuels Association says the exemptions could reduce demand for domestic biofuels. However, the group is encouraged by EPA’s plan to propose reallocating 100 percent of the exempted volume into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations. RFA President Geoff Cooper says that approach could prevent a net loss in renewable fuel demand. “While we continue to believe most of the SREs issued today are completely unjustified, we are somewhat encouraged that EPA is taking steps to minimize the damage through reallocation,” Cooper said. RFA says ethanol remains a lower-cost fuel option compared with regular gasoline. 

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Biofuel Groups React To EPA Small Refinery Exemptions

Biofuel and farm groups are expressing mixed feelings about the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to grant 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard obligations. EPA granted full and 50 percent exemptions covering 1.76 billion renewable fuel credits. The agency says it will propose reallocating 100 percent of the exempted volume into the 2026 and 2027 blending obligations. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says exemptions should only be granted when refiners can demonstrate significant economic hardship. “It’s difficult to see how these refiners have met this threshold when they’re simultaneously reporting sky-high and, in some cases, record-setting earnings,” Skor said. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower says the reallocation is essential for protecting farmers, biofuel producers, and consumers. “Biofuels are a homegrown solution for increasing our country’s energy supply and reducing fuel costs,” Bower said. Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America says producers are already operating at record pace to meet RFS volumes. 

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Farmer Sentiment Strengthens For Second Straight Month

Farmer sentiment strengthened for the second straight month, with the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rising nine points in August to 135. The biggest improvement came in farmers’ expectations for the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped 11 points, while the Current Conditions Index gained just one point. For the first time since June 2025, more farmers expect their operations to be financially better off a year from now than worse off. Twenty-eight percent expect improvement, compared with 24 percent expecting conditions to worsen. Optimism about export prospects also reached its highest level since December. However, higher input costs remain the biggest concern, cited by 45 percent of respondents. Farmers were less optimistic about making major capital purchases, with the Farm Capital Investment Index falling five points to 45. Meanwhile, the Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index rose eight points to 127, and 65 percent of farmers said farmland remains a good investment.

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California Moves Closer to E15 Sales

California is moving closer to making E15 gasoline available at the pump after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation removing the final barriers to selling the higher-ethanol blend. The Renewable Fuels Association says Senate Bill 795 passed the Assembly 56-to-zero and the Senate 34-to-zero. The measure allows retailers to use existing vapor-recovery equipment for E15 if manufacturers certify compatibility. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the move could give California drivers access to lower-cost fuel while creating another market for American ethanol. “The passage of this bill means Californians will finally be able to enjoy savings at the pump with a lower-cost fuel blend that’s also better for the environment,” Cooper said. The California Environmental Policy Council has already approved an E15 analysis, and state regulators are expected to consider final approval of the E15 regulation September 24.

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DMI Challenges Students To Develop Dairy Products For Sustained Energy

Dairy Management Inc. is challenging college students to develop new dairy-based products aimed at consumers seeking sustained energy. The 2027 New Product Competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students across the U.S. during the 2026-2027 academic year. Students can compete individually or in teams under a faculty adviser. This year’s competition focuses on consumers looking beyond quick energy boosts. DMI says they increasingly want products that provide steady energy, reduce fatigue, improve stamina, and support better sleep. DMI Vice President of Product Research Dr. Rohit Kapoor says the competition is about more than innovation. He says it’s about preparing the next generation of food and dairy leaders to respond to changing consumer needs, with dairy at the center. Entries must contain more than 51 percent dairy ingredients by weight and provide at least a good source of dairy protein. The submission deadline is February 1, 2027.

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Texas Cattle Group Applauds Screwworm Progress

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is applauding the release of the first eligible New World Screwworm Infested Zones in Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission released two zones, a move the cattle group says restores continuity of business for ranchers and landowners in those areas. Association President Stephen Diebel credited cooperation among federal and state animal health officials, along with producers on the ground, for the progress. “This milestone shows what can be accomplished when federal and state animal health officials work alongside those on the ground, using science-based protocols to guide the response,” Diebel said. He acknowledged the fight against New World Screwworm is not over, but said the group remains committed to protecting the livestock industry and pushing the pest back toward the Darién Gap, an area located along the international border between Panama and Colombia.

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