The push for renewable energy in the United States has taken a step forward, as the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) and American Biogas Council teamed up with six other organizations to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to open up the Renewable Fuel Standard to eligible sources of biobased electricity.
The proposed rule, issued by the EPA in December 2022, sets renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023, 2024, and 2024, while also expanding the RFS program to include certain types of renewable electricity that can fuel cars. This proposal will allow electric renewable identification numbers (eRINs) to be generated for electricity produced from qualifying biogas and contracted for use in electric vehicle (EV) charging.
However, recent press reports indicate that the EPA may exclude or separate the eRIN provisions from the RFS “set” rule, which is set to be finalized in June. To ensure the inclusion of eRINs, the RNG Coalition and ABC partnered with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Bridge to Renewables, The Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the Zero Emission Transportation Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies to send a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on May 5, urging the agency to move forward with its eRIN proposal.
In the letter, the groups emphasized the importance of eRINs in supporting a broad market transformation of the electric vehicle and biogas power sectors, stating, “Congress and EPA have clearly established a role for electricity in the Renewable Fuel Standard, and EPA's eRINs proposal should not be further delayed or abandoned.” The groups also pointed out that eRINs are complementary to other federal policies that encourage the production of renewable fuels and will directly support the electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet.
The letter further highlighted the long-awaited opportunity presented by eRINs, citing their potential to bring about critical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and their many environmental and economic benefits. The RNG Coalition, ABC, and their partners believe that eRINs will play a key role in reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and advancing its transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy future.
In conclusion, the push for eRINs is an essential step towards promoting renewable energy in the United States, as it will pave the way for the electrification of the vehicle fleet and help to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The RNG Coalition and ABC's partnership with other organizations in urging the EPA to finalize the eRIN framework as part of the RFS “set” rulemaking is a positive development that will hopefully lead to the adoption of more sustainable and eco-friendly energy practices in the country.
