President Trump’s EPA has unveiled its boldest renewable fuel plan yet, requiring a record 24.46 billion gallons by 2027 to prioritize American farmers over foreign suppliers while reducing gas prices for consumers nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- The EPA is increasing Renewable Fuel Standard requirements to 24.02 billion gallons in 2026 and 24.46 billion gallons in 2027, up from 22.33 billion gallons in 2025
- The proposal aims to strengthen America’s energy independence by reducing reliance on foreign oil by approximately 150,000 barrels per day
- American farmers, particularly corn and soybean growers, will benefit from increased stable markets for their products
- A new system will prioritize domestic biofuels over foreign sources through adjustments to Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) values
- The plan removes electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the RFS program
America First Energy Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed significant increases to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027, marking the 20th anniversary of the program with its most ambitious targets yet. This initiative represents a core component of President Trump’s energy independence strategy, designed to reduce American reliance on foreign energy sources while supporting domestic agricultural markets. The mandate will increase the required renewable fuel volume from 22.33 billion gallons in 2025 to 24.02 billion gallons in 2026 and 24.46 billion gallons in 2027, creating the highest Renewable Volume Obligation in the program’s history.
“We are creating a new system that benefits American farmers while mitigating the impact on gas prices and ensuring the continued existence of liquid fuels,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We can no longer afford to continue with the same system where Americans pay for foreign competitors.”
Boosting Rural America
The RFS program has long served as a critical market stabilizer for American agricultural products, particularly corn and soybeans used in the production of ethanol and other biofuels. This new proposal directly supports farmers by ensuring consistent demand for their crops while creating jobs in rural communities. By establishing clear volume targets through 2027, the administration is providing the certainty needed for agricultural producers and renewable fuel manufacturers to make long-term investments in production capacity, technology improvements, and infrastructure development throughout America’s heartland.
“President Trump recognizes how important the Renewable Fuel Standard is for American corn and soybean farmers. This move by Administrator Zeldin is the boldest proposal ever and will provide certainty in a much-needed market for our producers while delivering lower prices at the pump for consumers. USDA and EPA have never been more aligned on the need for more American grown biofuels. This is the highest ever Renewable Volume Obligation and it sends a strong signal to the U.S. biofuels industry that President Trump has their backs and gives them the incentive to invest in American products for American consumers and to export around the world. America’s national security depends on our energy security, and biofuels are a crucial asset that brings more jobs and helps farmers in rural America,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Prioritizing American Production
A key innovation in the new proposal is the introduction of a “second dial” system that will adjust the value of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) based on whether biofuels are domestically produced or imported. This mechanism directly supports President Trump’s America First energy policy by creating financial incentives that favor U.S. producers over foreign competitors. The proposal also notably removes electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the RFS program, redirecting those credits toward liquid fuels that directly benefit American farmers and manufacturers while ensuring the continued viability of traditional fuel infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders have generally responded positively to the EPA’s timely proposal. “We thank EPA for releasing a timely proposal that will get the Renewable Fuel Standard program back on track and bring much-needed certainty to the marketplace. We look forward to reviewing the rule and working with the administration on an outcome that benefits all stakeholders and is in the best interest of American consumers,” said Will Hupman of the American Petroleum Institute.
Energy Independence and National Security
The EPA estimates that these new renewable fuel requirements will reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil by approximately 150,000 barrels per day by 2026-2027. This reduction directly enhances America’s energy security by decreasing vulnerability to foreign supply disruptions and price manipulations. The Trump administration views biofuels as a strategic asset that complements domestic oil and natural gas production in achieving true energy independence. By leveraging America’s agricultural abundance to fuel our transportation needs, the proposal creates a more resilient energy system while keeping American dollars within our own economy.
The renewed focus on American-made renewable fuels also addresses supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global disruptions. Domestically produced biofuels represent a reliable energy source that isn’t subject to international shipping delays or foreign political interference. This proposal demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to prioritizing American energy resources and protecting critical infrastructure from external threats, while simultaneously supporting the rural communities that form the backbone of our agricultural production system and national food security.
