NOPA Statement on EPA Small Refinery Exemptions Determination

WASHINGTON, August 22, 2025 – The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for addressing the backlog of Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) petitions the current administration inherited. By taking a measured approach to resolving these petitions, EPA now has the opportunity to finalize a rule that can provide greater stability and predictability for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program at a critical time for farmers and processors. 

“Resolving these petitions is an important step towards bringing certainty to the program and ensuring that the RFS continues to deliver on its promise to support our great farmers and rural manufacturing jobs,” said Devin Mogler, President and CEO of NOPA. “We urge EPA to build on this progress by moving quickly to finalize the 2026 and 2027 RVO in a responsible way that accounts for these waived gallons by ensuring at least 5.25 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel demand while maintaining the imported proposal for imported biofuels and feedstocks. These measures are essential to ensuring the program strengthens domestic markets and keeps investment and jobs in rural America.” 

The RFS remains a critical tool for advancing U.S. energy dominance and supporting American farmers and rural manufacturing jobs. By finalizing a rule with robust BBD volumes and a half RIN for imports, EPA can ensure that domestic feedstocks remain the preferred alternative, allowing American farmers and processors to compete on a level playing field. 

NOPA will continue to engage with EPA and other stakeholders as the agency works to finalize the RVO and implement policies that deliver lasting benefits for U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and energy independence. 

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Organized in 1930, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) represents the U.S. soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed-crushing industries. NOPA’s membership is engaged in the processing of oilseeds for meal and oil that are utilized in the manufacturing of food, feed, renewable fuels, and industrial products. NOPA’s 20 member companies operate 71 softseed and soybean solvent extraction plants across 20 states, crushing over 99% of all soybeans processed in the United States, the equivalent to more than 2 billion bushels annually. More information at www.NOPA.org.

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