The White House has held separate meetings with oil refiners and biofuel producers as it works to resolve a long-standing dispute over U.S. biofuel-blending requirements, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Biofuels-news.com reports the talks focus on billions of gallons of blending obligations that were waived for small refineries, raising questions about whether larger refiners should make up any of the exempted volumes.
A decision, originally expected by the end of October, was delayed by the federal government shutdown. The outreach reflects the administration’s effort to balance competing interests: the oil industry argues that federal mandates threaten refinery jobs, while the agricultural sector says the waivers have reduced demand for corn-based ethanol and other biofuels. The outcome could influence fuel prices, farm incomes, and energy policy heading into next year. Officials also discussed year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, or E15, potentially linking the measure to small-refinery waiver reforms to win support from both industries.
SOURCE: NAFB News Service
