Ethanol stakeholders were hopeful that an announcement would be made on Friday about how EPA will deal with the recent court ruling on small refinery exemptions, but Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Geoff Cooper says they are anxiously awaiting that decision.

“We don’t know what exactly what EPA is going to do, but we know what they should do, and that is take that 10th Circuit Court opinion and apply it nationally and that it would essentially put an end to the small refinery exemption program,” said Cooper in one of many interviews he did at the Commodity Classic last week in San Antonio.

Interview with Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue confidently told the audience at Commodity Classic on Friday that the decision will mean less small refinery waivers. “I think you will see those waivers significantly reduced this year, which will also help the demand going forward,” Perdue said to applause.

During a press availability, Perdue added, “We were hoping to have an announcement even today but they want to just make sure they get it right and not fast.”
Secretary Perdue SRE comments 1:47

2020 Commodity Classic Photo Album