RINSTAR Blog
EPA to Grant Emergency Waivers for E10/E15 Gasoline Sales
In response to looming fuel supply disruptions, the EPA has issued emergency waivers effective May 1–20, 2025, allowing gasoline with up to 15 % ethanol (E15) to be sold under E10 regulations. This temporary relief, granted at the request of Midwestern governors, also relaxes stricter E10 standards in seven states—boosting flexibility for fuel suppliers and helping ensure consistent consumer access. The agency may extend the waiver if fuel shortages persist
Understanding Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)
Delve into Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)—the 38-character alphanumeric codes tracking renewable fuel batches under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Learn their origin, structure, lifecycle stages (generation, separation, trading, retirement), and why they matter for compliance. Plus, discover how RINSTAR simplifies RIN management from EMTS registration to EPA reporting.
Understanding Remedial Actions in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program
Under the RFS regulations (40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M and Part 1400), remedial actions are tailored responses to correct violations involving RIN generation, reporting, or transactions. This article outlines six common corrective scenarios—like transferring assigned RINs to the wrong party or transferring RINs without actual fuel—and guides you through proper documentation, EMTS use, and when to notify or seek EPA approval.
E15 Gains Momentum in Renewable Energy Landscape
On March 31, 2025, the USDA announced it will allocate $537 million through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to fund 543 projects across 29 states—supporting fuel stations to install infrastructure for higher-blend biofuels like E15, E85, and B20, signaling significant growth for E15 in the renewable energy market.
RNG Tax Credit Bill Introduced
The bipartisan Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025, introduced by Reps. Fitzpatrick and Sánchez and Sens. Tillis and Warner, proposes a $1.00 per gasoline-gallon equivalent tax credit for RNG used or sold as transportation fuel—including certified blended RNG—effective through 2035. The credit, funded by the federal budget, shifts policy from complex mandates under the RFS toward a streamlined, long-term financial incentive.
Fueling Change: A Brief History of the Renewable Fuel Standard
Discover the evolution of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), from its inception under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (RFS1) to its expansion via the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (RFS2)—that raised the renewable fuel target to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and structured biofuel categories with lifecycle emissions thresholds.
Your Go-To Guide for RFS Reporting Deadlines
Stay ahead of RFS compliance with this clear breakdown of mandatory reporting deadlines. Whether quarterly (RFS 0107 via EPA’s OTAQDCFUEL) or annual (RFS 0304, attest engagements, and producer questionnaires), this guide helps obligated parties—refiners, importers, blenders—manage submissions, avoid penalties, and leverage tools like RINSTAR’s auto-populated reporting dashboards.
Rise and Shine with the RFS: Clean Fuels Conference 2025 Expert Panel Discussion Breakdown by RINSTAR
At the Clean Fuels Alliance America Conference (Jan 20–23, 2025) in San Diego, early-morning panelists Kate Shenk and Anthony Reed unpacked pressing RFS issues—from delayed 2026 rule-making and legal action to historic policy shifts and small refinery exemption impacts.
Challenges in RIN Tracking and How to Overcome Them
The RIN system helps enforce the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, but parties often face challenges like price volatility, fraud risk, and regulatory complexity. This guide outlines mitigation strategies—such as diversifying RIN categories, enhancing internal controls, leveraging blocked-list tools, and using compliance platforms-to help avoid audits and penalties.