ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) expressed its support in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of an increased Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the association, the new targets will support US agricultural and rendering industries. 

For total renewable fuels, the EPA proposed a volume requirement of 24.02 billion gallons in 2026 and 24.26 billion gallons for 2027. For biomass-based diesel, the agency proposed a volume requirement of 5.61 billion gallons in 2026 and 5.86 billion gallons in 2027. 

“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.”

Rendered animal fats and other recycled byproducts processed by many NARA members serve as vital feedstocks for the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel, according to NARA. These fuels can help significantly reduce greenhouse gas emission and also create a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable, low-carbon energy. 

“This substantial increase in the RVO provides long-term certainty for producers,” said Kent Swisher, president and chief executive officer of NARA. “We commend the EPA’s continued support of sustainable fuel technologies.

“The rendering industry is proud to be part of the solution,” he added. “This announcement supports American farmers, boosts rural economies and promotes environmental stewardship — while reducing our nation’s dependence on petroleum-based fuels.”

NARA plans to continue working with the EPA, US Department of Agriculture and industry partners to support the growing market for renewable fuels and the feedstocks that help create them.

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