U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Amy Klobucher have introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act.
The bill would allow companies to preserve Renewable Identification Number credits (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, when the fuel for use is in ocean-going vessels.
At the moment, the RFS excludes fuel used in ocean-going vessels from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners’ and blenders’ obligations.
Refiners and blenders are currently required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes.
The Environmental Protection Agency, however, allows companies to generate and use RINs for additional renewable fuel, which includes heating oil and jet fuel. The Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act would expand the RFS definition of additional renewable fuel and allow companies to use or sell the RINs associated with biodiesel and renewable diesel used in ocean-going vessels.
Senator Ricketts said: “Expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions,”
“This bipartisan bill will deliver new market opportunities for Nebraska farmers who have played a crucial role creating a strong renewable diesel economy.”
Senator Klobuchar said: “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports our farmers, and boosts rural economies.”
“This common sense legislation will expand markets for farmers and fuel producers by providing ocean-going vessels a lower carbon fuel.”
