ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) — alongside Clean Fuels Alliance America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, the National Oilseed Processors Association and the US Canola Association — issued a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set ambitious Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026 and beyond. The coalition is calling for the EPA to establish the 2026 biomass-based diesel (BBD) volume at no less than 5.25 billion gallons, with a corresponding increase in the advanced biofuel volume.

According to NARA, over the past several years, significant investments in biofuel production capacity and feedstock supply have led to a doubling of domestic biodiesel and renewable diesel production. Currently, these fuels account for approximately 9% of on-road diesel demand in the United States, providing consumers with cost-effective, domestically produced clean fuel options, according to the association. 

NARA commented on this, stating that “the [rendering] industry’s continued expansion supports US energy security, farm prosperity and rural economic development by creating markets for agricultural byproducts and repurposing waste materials such as rendered fats and used cooking oil.”

Projections from the US Energy Information Administration indicate that US biodiesel and renewable diesel production will exceed 5.4 billion gallons in 2026, with total domestic production, including sustainable aviation fuel and other advanced biofuels, expected to surpass 6 billion gallons.

“Setting the 2026 biomass-based diesel volume at 5.25 billion gallons and providing a stable growth trajectory for 2027 and beyond will ensure that American consumers continue to have access to affordable and sustainable transportation fuels,” NARA added. “These volumes will reinforce farm security, stimulate job creation, and drive economic opportunity, all while supporting the United States’ broader energy and environmental goals.”

Moving forward, NARA stated that it looks forward to working with the EPA to finalize a robust and timely RFS rule that reflects the capabilities and contributions of the biofuel and rendering industries.

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