the fungibility of biofuels that can be used in transportation fuel and in residential heating applications. For 15 years, EPA has correctly allowed RIN generation for heating oil used in both residential space heating and water heating— consistent with Congressional intent. The proposed definitional changes appear unduly restrictive, which would be a significant and unexplained departure from established policy that must be addressed. To support its goals of increasing American biofuel use and strengthening energy independence, Congress provided that biofuel used in space and water heating applications can
westmor-ind
. com contribute toward meeting the RFS volume requirements. To meet Congress’ s goals, EPA’ s implementation of the RFS program should support increased use of biofuels in this market, rather than restrict such use through overly burdensome requirements that could disincentivize producers from supplying the heating oil market, thereby reducing supply, potentially increasing prices, and undermining the innovative efforts our industry has made to rise to Congress’ s challenge.
Claiming it is merely“ clarifying” the regulations regarding the use of the terms“ heating oil” and“ renewable fuel oil,” EPA’ s proposed rule creates confusion and could impose undue restrictions on the use of biofuels in the heating oil market. Indeed, we believe some of the claimed“ technical corrections” could be read as making significant changes to the current regulations without explanation and in violation of the notice and comment requirements of the Clean Air Act. As such, NEFI urges EPA not to finalize the proposed revisions to the heating oil definition or those related to its proposed new definition of“ renewable fuel oil.”
NEFI has been a strong supporter of the growth of biofuels to support American farmers and rural economies, enhance energy reliability and affordability, meet growing demand for cleaner fuels, and promote American energy dominance. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable propane, and other advanced biofuels provide our mostly small family businesses with the opportunity to help achieve state and federal goals while enhancing their own competitiveness and preserving a future for themselves in the evolving energy economy. The RFS program has been key to supporting the growth of biofuel use in the heating oil market. When implemented properly, it has also led to reduced prices for consumers, as RIN values can be passed down to customers in the form of savings.
Continued growth and success of biofuel use in the heating oil industry
26 SEPTEMBER 2025 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www. fueloilnews. com