EPA Finalizes Historic New Renewable Fuel Standards

Highest-ever biofuel volume requirements set for 2026 and 2027

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:25pm

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the historic Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 'Set 2' final rule, establishing the highest-ever renewable fuel volume requirements for 2026 and 2027. The new standards are expected to boost farm income, strengthen American energy independence, and create over 100,000 new jobs in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Why it matters

The RFS program has diversified the nation's energy supply and advanced American energy independence for 20 years. The new 'Set 2' standards will further reduce reliance on foreign oil, provide long-term certainty for farmers and biofuel producers, and drive economic growth in rural communities.

The details

The final rule increases the renewable fuel volume requirements to the highest levels in program history. To meet the 2026 and 2027 targets, biodiesel and renewable diesel production and use will need to increase by over 60% compared to 2025. This will drive renewed demand for American soybean producers. The rule also maintains the 15 billion gallon conventional biofuel level to provide continued certainty for corn growers and ethanol producers.

  • The new 'Set 2' standards will take effect in 2026 and 2027.

The players

EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency responsible for implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard program.

President Donald Trump

The former president who announced the finalization of the historic 'Set 2' RFS rule.

Lee Zeldin

The EPA Administrator who has been working to further American energy independence and deliver for the American people.

Brooke L. Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who stated the new RFS standards will create a $3 to $4 billion increase in net farm income.

Geoff Cooper

The President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, who welcomed the release of the final RFS volume obligations.

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What they’re saying

“Today's announcement is truly historic for our nation's farmers and energy producers. These numbers represent the highest levels of biofuels ever required to be blended into our fuel supply.”

— Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

“At a time when American consumers are looking for relief at the pump and hard-hit farmers are looking for new demand opportunities, we commend EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Donald Trump for delivering robust RFS volume requirements for 2026 and 2027.”

— Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association

“When properly implemented, the RFS strengthens U.S. energy security, supports America's farmers and rural communities, saves consumers money at the pump, and cleans the air for everyone.”

— Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition for Ethanol

What’s next

EPA will begin developing future volume requirements for 2028 and beyond to continue supporting American farmers, biofuel producers, and energy independence.

The takeaway

The historic 'Set 2' RFS standards will drive significant growth in American-made biofuels, boosting farm incomes, creating new jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign oil - a major win for the Trump administration's agenda of restoring American energy dominance.