FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026
Press Contact: Lyndi Allen
(309) 557-3257
ilrfa@ilcorn.org
IL RFA Applauds 2026-2027 U.S. Renewable Fuel Blending Levels
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Renewable Fuel producers applaud U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” final rule. The RFS blending levels finalized this week, which set blending levels for 2026 and 2027, were the largest ever, including 15 billion gallons for conventional renewable fuels like ethanol and over 5 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel like biodiesel.
“The final RFS volumes represent meaningful progress for farmers and renewable fuel producers across Illinois,” said IL RFA Director Brad Stotler. “These volumes provide much-needed certainty and help ensure renewable fuels continue to drive corn demand, investment, and job creation across rural Illinois.”
In addition to setting blending levels, the RFS rule finalized plans to reallocate 70% of refinery exemptions (SREs) granted for the 2023-2025 compliance years and accounts for potential reallocation from small refinery exemptions in the coming years.
“While the industry would have preferred full reallocation of past refinery exemptions, we recognize the effort to bring stability back to the program,” said Stotler. “Importantly, proactively accounting for SREs gives producers and farmers greater confidence moving forward and helps protect the integrity of the RFS.”
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The Illinois Renewable Fuels Association supports the Illinois ethanol industry by pursuing legislative initiatives, conducting research, and developing infrastructure – all so Illinois consumers can have cheaper, more environmentally friendly renewable fuel options at the pump. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.illinoisrfa.org.