White House pushes for more refinery waivers to ease pump prices

• The EPA is reviewing 34 waiver requests and initially projected approving around 1 billion RINs, but the White House is pushing for 1.2-1.8 billion RINs in exemptions
• Attorneys general from Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri oppose expanded waivers, citing refiners' record profits and arguing exemptions undermine economic hardship claims
• The American Soybean Association warns high exemptions could eliminate 500 million gallons of biodiesel demand and cost soybean farmers approximately $1 billion in lost revenue

Summary: White House Pushes for Expanded Refinery Waivers to Lower Gas Prices

The White House is pressuring the EPA to grant expanded biofuel blending waivers to small oil refineries in an effort to reduce gasoline prices ahead of November midterm elections. Senior adviser Stephen Miller and the Energy Dominance Council are leading the push, sources report.

Key Details:

• EPA is reviewing 34 waiver requests and initially projected approving waivers covering approximately 1 billion RINs (Renewable Identification Numbers)
• White House wants significantly higher volumes waived, with industry sources expecting 1.2-1.8 billion RINs in exemptions
• The 2026 renewable fuel requirement was set at a record 26.81 billion RINs
• Decision expected by end of August

Market Context:

Under federal law, refiners must blend biofuels like corn-based ethanol into fuel or purchase RINs credits. Small refineries can seek hardship waivers. Higher exemptions would reduce biofuel demand substantially.

Stakeholder Impact:

• Oil refiners: Support expanded waivers, arguing biofuel mandates increase operating costs
• Agriculture sector: Strongly opposes; American Soybean Association warns expanded waivers could eliminate 500 million gallons of biodiesel demand, costing farmers $1 billion in lost revenue
• RINs market: Prices plunged to four-month lows Monday on exemption speculation

Political Tensions:

The move has triggered fierce opposition from Midwest agricultural states. Attorneys general from Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri urged EPA to reject broad waivers, citing strong refinery earnings. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) criticized potential "near record level" exemptions benefiting profitable refiners.

The controversy echoes contentious battles from Trump's first term over balancing oil industry interests against Farm Belt support.