The Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule on October 15, 2026, to reallocate additional 2025 small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard program.

The EPA is co-proposing two approaches to revise the existing 2026 and 2027 small refinery exemption reallocation volumes. The proposal responds to a higher volume of 2025 small refinery exemptions than previously projected when the agency set renewable fuel volumes and percentage standards on April 1, 2026. One proposed approach would reallocate the additional 2025 small refinery exemption volume equally between the 2026 and 2027 small refinery exemption reallocation volumes.

The proposed action may extend the existing 2026 compliance reporting deadline of March 31, 2027. Entities potentially affected by this action include those involved with the production, distribution, and sale of transportation fuels and renewable fuels.

The EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on November 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. All hearing attendees must register for the virtual public hearing by October 28, 2026, which is also the last day to pre-register to speak at the hearing. The EPA intends that each participant will have three minutes to provide oral testimony, subject to the number of signups and time constraints. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before December 4, 2026.