Iowa Corn Growers Optimistic on EPA’s Proposed Reallocations of Small Refinery Exemptions

On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency released their supplemental rule on the recently announced small refinery exemptions (SREs). EPA is co-proposing additional volumes representing complete (100 percent) reallocation or 50 percent reallocation for SREs granted in full or in part for 2023 and 2024, as well as those projected to be granted for 2025, as part of the ongoing RFS rulemaking. In addition, EPA is also asking for comments on no reallocations at all. EPA is also providing more information on its projection of SREs to inform the calculation of the 2026 and 2027 percentage standards.  

 “With the current state of the farm economy and a USDA projected record corn crop, farmers cannot afford to lose any demand for biofuels such as ethanol,” said Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “ICGA appreciates the Trump Administration’s support for American farmers. We encourage the EPA to reallocate 100% of the 2023-2025 SRE’s and add those volumes to 2026 and 2027 RFS obligations. This will ensure renewable fuel demand is maintained at the levels intended. Any increase of RINs in the market due to SREs could significantly impact the value of renewable fuels and limit consumption.” 

The rule will go through a 45-day period of public comment and a virtual public hearing on October 1, 2025, prior to being finalized. 

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242