EPA Sets Historic Biofuel Blending Targets

New standards aim to boost rural economy and energy independence

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:33am

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced its highest-ever Renewable Fuel Standard targets, requiring a roughly 60% increase in biofuel and renewable diesel production over 2025 levels. The move is expected to generate over $10 billion in rural economic benefits and create 100,000 new jobs, according to the agency.

Why it matters

The new biofuel blending requirements are part of the Trump administration's push for greater energy independence and reduced reliance on foreign oil. However, the goals have faced pushback from some industry groups who argue they are too aggressive and could lead to higher fuel prices for consumers.

The details

The EPA's 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard will set biofuel volumes at the highest levels in the program's 20-year history. The standards are expected to reduce demand for foreign oil by approximately 300,000 barrels per day. Biofuels are primarily produced from corn and soybean crops, with corn-derived ethanol being the most common.

  • The new standards were announced on April 1, 2026.
  • The standards will take effect in 2026 and 2027.

The players

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who touted the new biofuel standards in a speech to farmers at the White House.

Lee Zeldin

The current Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who said the agency is "proud to deliver on this mission and to do so at historic levels."

Brooke Rollins

The current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who said the higher biofuel volumes are expected to create a $3 to $4 billion increase in net farm income.

Fueling American Jobs Coalition

An advocacy group representing independent oil refiners, which said the EPA's goals were "too aggressive" and would likely result in higher prices at the pump for consumers.

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What they’re saying

“What they've done to you — and the country, what they've done to the country — is just incredible. The environmentalists, I mean, they are terrorists. They were terrorists.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

“For 20 years, this program has diversified our nation's energy supply and advanced American energy independence. EPA is proud to deliver on this mission and to do so at historic levels.”

— Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

“With President Trump and Administrator Zeldin's leadership, these historically high volumes are expected to create a $3 to $4 billion dollar increase in net farm income.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

“Unfortunately, with today's announcement, it's clear that our efforts to advocate for achievable volumes were ignored, and this will now likely result in even higher prices at the pump for consumers.”

— Fueling American Jobs Coalition, Advocacy Group

What’s next

The new Renewable Fuel Standard targets will take effect in 2026 and 2027.

The takeaway

The EPA's historic increase in biofuel blending requirements aims to boost rural economies and reduce reliance on foreign oil, but faces pushback from some industry groups concerned about the impact on fuel prices.