EPA Biofuels Announcement Draws Praise and Criticism

Farmers, industry groups, and lawmakers react to historic renewable fuel volume targets for 2026-2027

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring soybean pods, a glass beaker of golden biofuel, and a metal gear cog, symbolizing the importance of renewable energy policy for American agriculture and industry.Biofuel policy that supports American farmers and domestic manufacturing is crucial for energy security and economic resilience.Scott City Today

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026-2027, setting the highest levels in program history. The news has been met with praise from agriculture groups, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders, who say the increased targets will boost domestic biofuel markets and soybean demand. However, the American Biogas Council criticized the EPA for underestimating real-world biogas production capacity.

Why it matters

The RFS program is a key policy tool for driving demand for biofuels made from American-grown crops and agricultural waste. The new volume targets are expected to provide much-needed certainty and stability for farmers, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers as they navigate economic pressures and market volatility.

The details

The updated 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligation rule will increase biomass-based diesel blending to approximately 5.4-5.5 billion gallons—an over 60% increase from 2025 volumes. The rule also reallocates 70% of retroactive 2023-2025 small refinery exemption volumes that EPA took action on last year.

  • On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the long-awaited Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 'Set 2' final rule.
  • The new RVOs will take effect in 2026 and 2027.

The players

Scott Metzger

American Soybean Association President and farmer from Ohio.

Devin Mogler

President and CEO of National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA).

Jed Bower

Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President.

Amy France

National Sorghum Producers Chair and farmer from Scott City, Kansas.

Rob Larew

National Farmers Union President.

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What they’re saying

“U.S. soybean farmers needed a win to boost domestic markets this year, and President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Rollins delivered in a big way.”

— Scott Metzger, American Soybean Association President and farmer

“The historic volumes for biomass-based diesel, the 70 percent reallocation of waived gallons, and the commitment to account for SREs on a go-forward basis restores program integrity and puts the RFS back on a growth trajectory.”

— Devin Mogler, President and CEO of National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)

“There is still more to be done to help our growers, and we look forward to working side-by-side with the president and our allies in Congress to get permanent year-round E15 legislation over the finish line.”

— Jed Bower, National Corn Growers Association President

“Maintaining the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard is essential. Reallocating those gallons helps protect the market opportunities farmers depend on.”

— Amy France, National Sorghum Producers Chair

“Expanded biofuel volumes translate directly into stronger markets for our corn and soybean growers, helping support farm income and rural communities.”

— Rob Larew, National Farmers Union President

What’s next

Congress is being urged to enact biofuel tax incentives, such as reinstating the Biodiesel Tax Credit, to further strengthen demand for renewable fuels and help bring down retail fuel costs.

The takeaway

The EPA's new biofuel volume targets are a major win for American farmers and the domestic biofuels industry, providing much-needed certainty and stability. However, some industry groups argue the targets still fall short of the industry's true production capacity.