The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received petitions requesting waivers for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations for 2019 and 2020, arguing severe economic harm due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Small refineries and several state Governors believe that fulfilling these RFS requirements would hurt the economy, and are asking the EPA to adjust the volume obligations for renewable fuel. The agency is seeking public comments on these petitions and the issues they raise, such as the economic and environmental impacts of granting a waiver. Furthermore, the EPA has not yet decided on granting or denying any of these petitions but is encouraging public dialogue to inform future decisions.
Simple Explanation
The EPA got letters from small fuel makers and state leaders asking for a break from making their fuels greener because they think it hurts money stuff. Now, EPA wants people to share what they think about it before making any decisions.