Governors' Biofuels Coalition

A group of conservative organizations are out with a letter urging Trump to revamp the Renewable Fuel Standard by moving its point of obligation, which they describe as a “mandate [that] hinders economic growth and stifles innovation” particularly among smaller companies. “Moving the ‘point of obligation’ would level the playing field between large oil companies and independent refiners as well as reduce the unfair advantage that the mandate gives large gas station chains over small mom-and-pop gas stations,” wrote the groups, including Tea Party Nation and Institute for Liberty. Of course, shifting that obligation to comply with the program had been a major goal of Carl Icahn, the Trump adviser and refinery owner who resigned his unpaid White House position in August amid concerns he was using his influence to help one of his companies.

Lawmakers write letter of their own: Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, as well as 12 House members, sent a letter Trump urging him to revamp the RIN credit program which they said is “undermining the continued viability” of Northeast oil refiners. “We are concerned that current compliance costs and the volatile RIN market may lead to the closure of one or more these merchant refineries, which would have a devastating impact on the regional economy,” they wrote.

Previous | Next