Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Amy Klobuchar have introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at allowing companies to retain Renewable Identification Number credits (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program when fuel is used in ocean-going vessels.

Senator Ricketts highlighted the benefits of expanding biofuel use, stating, “Expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions.” He emphasized that the bill would provide new market opportunities for Nebraska farmers who have contributed significantly to the renewable diesel economy.

Senator Klobuchar added that domestically produced biofuel enhances energy independence and boosts rural economies. She stated, “This common sense legislation will expand markets for farmers and fuel producers by providing ocean-going vessels a lower carbon fuel.”

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, leading the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, noted its potential impact on various marine vessels: “Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels.” She expressed gratitude to her colleagues for supporting legislation that could involve communities like Iowa’s farmers in the marine fuel industry.

Dawn Caldwell from Renewable Fuels Nebraska described it as "a win for everyone who values stronger markets, cleaner energy, and a stronger, safer America," urging Congress to pass it swiftly.

Caleb Ragland from the American Soybean Association praised efforts by lawmakers advocating soy-based biofuels: “The Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act seeks to allow biofuels to truly tap into the marine transportation market through the RFS.”

Kurt Kovarik from Clean Fuels supported removing regulatory obstacles: “This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock... It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RFS credits for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.”

Jennifer Garson from the Sustainable Maritime Coalition stressed its importance: “Biofuels are an important pathway for future fuels... This Act is critical for compliance.”

Currently, the RFS excludes "fuel used in ocean-going vessels" from transportation fuels. Refiners must retire RINs associated with biodiesel and renewable diesel used in international waters. The proposed act aims to include these fuels under "additional renewable fuel," enabling companies to utilize or sell related RINs.