ANKENY, IOWA (October 3, 2025) — Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberley testified at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s public hearing on “small refinery exemptions” under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). He thanked the agency for proposing high volumes of biomass-based diesel in the next Renewable Volume Obligations, while urging them to fully reallocate all waived gallons.
“I will say this as plainly as I can: the future of biodiesel markets — and the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard — depend on EPA following through on its responsibility to reallocate 100 percent of all small refinery exemptions,” Kimberley told EPA officials. “Anything less creates uncertainty, undermines the program and hurts the very people this policy was designed to support.”
Kimberley emphasized the toll that delays have taken on producers and rural communities.
“Iowa is home to several independent biodiesel producers, and I want you to understand that they have been brought to their knees this year. Times are hard and the clock is ticking for a recovery of this American energy industry. These delays don’t just show up on paper — they translate into real losses for farmers, fuel producers, and rural economies across Iowa and the nation. It’s imperative EPA act before it’s too late.”
He outlined three priorities for the agency in his comments:
- Honoring the promise: “The president pledged that no gallons waived would go unaccounted for. The draft rule falls short of that promise by even entertaining the idea of partial or zero reallocation. EPA must keep that commitment.”
- Protecting program integrity: “The RFS only works if it is whole. Failing to reallocate 100 percent of waived gallons erodes confidence in the system and signals to investors and producers that federal energy policy can’t be trusted.”
- Safeguarding rural economies: “Producers and farmers cannot shoulder another backdoor cut in demand — especially at a time when market certainty is desperately needed.”
“Full reallocation of all refinery exemptions is the only path forward that honors commitments, protects the integrity of the RFS, and sustains biodiesel’s role in America’s energy and agricultural economy,” Kimberley concluded.
About the Iowa Biodiesel Board
The Iowa Biodiesel Board represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users. Founded by the Iowa Soybean Association, IBB operates an independent organization and board. The IBB works to promote the commercial and economic success of biodiesel in Iowa. For more, visit IowaBiodiesel.org.
