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Environmental Protection Agency

Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes

Published April 1, 2026. Takes effect June 15, 2026, printed at 91 FR 16388, amending 40 CFR 1090, 40 CFR 63, 40 CFR 80. 95,579 words.

In plain English

Fuel sold here must hold some renewable content. This sets the amounts.

Read it at the Federal Register →

What the Rule Says It Does

Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to determine the applicable volume requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for years after those specified in the statute. The EPA is establishing the applicable volumes and percentage standards for 2026 and 2027 for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. The EPA is also partially waiving the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement and revising the associated percentage standard due to a shortfall in cellulosic biofuel production. Finally, the EPA is promulgating several regulatory changes to the RFS program, including removing renewable electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the RFS program (eRINs) and making minor revisions to the biogas provisions of the RFS program.

This is the rule's own summary, as the Federal Register prints it.

The Order It Names

The rule names this order itself. What it does about it is a reading, and none is recorded here.

On the Face of the Rule

As filed

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 1, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 16388-16500] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-06275]

Vol. 91

Wednesday,

No. 62

April 1, 2026

Part IV

Environmental Protection Agency

40 CFR Parts 63, 80, and 1090

Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes; Final Rule

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 63, 80, and 1090

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0505; FRL-11947-02-OAR] RIN 2060-AW23

Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes

AGENCY

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION

Final rule.

DATES

This rule is effective on June 15, 2026, except for amendatory instruction 47, which is effective on April 28, 2026, and amendatory instruction 17, which is effective on January 1, 2027. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this regulation is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 15, 2026.

ADDRESSES

The EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0505. All documents in the docket are listed on the https://www.regulations.gov website. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material is not available on the internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available electronically through https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

For information about this final rule, contact Dallas Burkholder, Assessment and Standards Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number: 734-214-4766; email address: [email protected].

The fields the Federal Register prints at the head of the rule, quoted as printed. Its summary is quoted above.

Why the Agency Says It Is Doing This

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Does this action apply to me?

Entities potentially affected by this action are those involved with the production, distribution, and sale of transportation fuels (e.g., gasoline and diesel fuel) and renewable fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and biogas). Potentially affected categories include:

NAICS \a\ Examples of potentially

Category codes affected entities

Industry......................... 111110 Soybean farming. Industry......................... 111150 Corn farming. Industry......................... 112111 Cattle farming or

ranching. Industry......................... 112210 Swine, hog, and pig

farming. Industry......................... 211130 Natural gas liquids

extraction and

fractionation. Industry......................... 221210 Natural gas production

and distribution. Industry......................... 324110 Petroleum refineries

(including importers). Industry......................... 325120 Biogases, industrial

(i.e., compressed,

liquefied, solid),

manufacturing. Industry......................... 325193 Ethyl alcohol

manufacturing. Industry......................... 325199 Other basic organic

chemical manufacturing. Industry......................... 424690 Chemical and allied

products merchant

wholesalers. Industry......................... 424710 Petroleum bulk stations

and terminals. Industry......................... 424720 Petroleum and petroleum

products wholesalers. Industry......................... 457210 Fuel dealers. Industry......................... 562212 Landfills.

\a\ North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities potentially affected by this action. This table lists the types of entities that the EPA is now aware could potentially be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be affected. To determine whether your entity would be affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability criteria in 40 CFR parts 80 and 1090. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

The passage that opens the rule's preamble, where the agency sets out what it is doing and on what authority. Every heading that follows it is listed below.

What the Rule Contains

Every heading the Federal Register prints in this rule, in the order it prints them. 129 headings, 95,579 words in all.

  1. AGENCYOn its face · 5 words
  2. ACTIONOn its face · 3 words
  3. SUMMARYOn its face · 125 words
  4. DATESOn its face · 57 words
  5. ADDRESSESOn its face · 79 words
  6. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACTOn its face · 40 words
  7. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONPreamble · 259 words
  8. Preamble Acronyms and AbbreviationsPreamble · 220 words
  9. Outline of This PreamblePreamble · 4 words
  10. I. Executive SummaryPreamble · 459 words
  11. I. Executive SummaryPreamble · 943 words
  12. A. Summary of the Key Provisions of This ActionPreamble · 9 words
  13. 1. Volume Requirements for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 1,775 words
  14. 5. Other Regulatory ChangesPreamble · 383 words
  15. B. Impacts of This RulePreamble · 309 words
  16. C. Policy ConsiderationsPreamble · 781 words
  17. D. Endangered Species ActPreamble · 284 words
  18. II. Statutory Requirements and ConditionsPreamble · 5 words
  19. A. Directive To Set Volumes RequirementsPreamble · 146 words
  20. B. Statutory FactorsPreamble · 802 words
  21. C. Statutory Conditions on Volume RequirementsPreamble · 380 words
  22. 2. Cellulosic BiofuelPreamble · 817 words
  23. D. Authority To Establish Volume Requirements and Percentage Standards for Multiple YearsPreamble · 208 words
  24. E. Considerations Related to the Timing of This ActionPreamble · 964 words
  25. F. Impact on Other Waiver AuthoritiesPreamble · 590 words
  26. G. SeverabilityPreamble · 546 words
  27. H. Judicial ReviewPreamble · 90 words
  28. III. Volume Requirements for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 164 words
  29. A. Analyzed VolumesPreamble · 1,494 words
  30. Figure III.A.1-1: Cellulosic RINs GeneratedPreamble · 1,563 words
  31. b. Ethanol From Corn Kernel FiberPreamble · 484 words
  32. c. Other Cellulosic BiofuelsPreamble · 376 words
  33. 2. Non-Cellulosic Advanced BiofuelPreamble · 820 words
  34. Figure III.A.2.a.i-1: Domestic Production of Biodiesel and Renewable DieselPreamble · 1,677 words
  35. Figure III.A.2.b.ii-1: Imports of BBD FeedstocksPreamble · 2,856 words
  36. b. Renewable Jet FuelPreamble · 1,067 words
  37. d. Analyzed Volumes of Non-Cellulosic Advanced BiofuelsPreamble · 110 words
  38. 3. Conventional Renewable FuelPreamble · 1,503 words
  39. b. Conventional Biodiesel and Renewable DieselPreamble · 426 words
  40. 4. Summary of Analyzed VolumesPreamble · 178 words
  41. B. BaselinesPreamble · 2,519 words
  42. C. Volume Changes AnalyzedPreamble · 170 words
  43. D. Summary of the Assessed Impacts of the Analyzed VolumesPreamble · 438 words
  44. 1. Job Creation and Rural Economic DevelopmentPreamble · 588 words
  45. 2. Energy SecurityPreamble · 1,009 words
  46. 3. Climate ChangePreamble · 626 words
  47. 4. Fuel CostsPreamble · 1,626 words
  48. 6. Conversion of Natural Lands, Water, Soil, and Ecosystem ImpactsPreamble · 525 words
  49. E. Volume Requirements for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 223 words
  50. 1. Cellulosic BiofuelPreamble · 619 words
  51. 2. Non-Cellulosic Advanced BiofuelPreamble · 2,949 words
  52. 3. Biomass-Based DieselPreamble · 665 words
  53. 4. Conventional Renewable FuelPreamble · 789 words
  54. 5. Summary of the Volume Requirements for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 806 words
  55. F. Treatment of Carryover RINsPreamble · 857 words
  56. 1. Projected Number of Available Carryover RINsPreamble · 1,065 words
  57. G. Consideration of Alternative VolumesPreamble · 1,405 words
  58. H. Summary of Final Volumes for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 247 words
  59. IV. SRE ReallocationPreamble · 76 words
  60. A. Background and Policy RationalePreamble · 2,427 words
  61. B. Legal JustificationPreamble · 923 words
  62. C. SRE Reallocation VolumesPreamble · 994 words
  63. V. Total Applicable Volumes and Percentage Standards for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 203 words
  64. A. Total Applicable Volumes for 2026 and 2027Preamble · 231 words
  65. B. Calculation of Percentage StandardsPreamble · 301 words
  66. C. Treatment of Small Refinery VolumesPreamble · 221 words
  67. D. Percentage StandardsPreamble · 161 words
  68. VI. Partial Waiver of the 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume RequirementPreamble · 276 words
  69. A. Cellulosic Waiver Authority Statutory BackgroundPreamble · 2,043 words
  70. B. Assessment of Cellulosic RINs Available for Compliance in 2025Preamble · 959 words
  71. C. Implementation of the Cellulosic Waiver AuthorityPreamble · 1,419 words
  72. D. Calculation of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Percentage StandardPreamble · 166 words
  73. VII. Removal of Renewable Electricity From the RFS ProgramPreamble · 81 words
  74. A. Historical Treatment of Renewable Electricity in the RFS ProgramPreamble · 654 words
  75. B. Statutory Basis for Removal of Renewable Electricity From the RFS ProgramPreamble · 1,834 words
  76. C. Implementation of Removal of Renewable Electricity From the RFS ProgramPreamble · 132 words
  77. D. Withdrawal of December 2022 Proposal Regarding Renewable ElectricityPreamble · 161 words
  78. VIII. Other Changes to RFS RegulationsPreamble · 40 words
  79. A. Renewable Diesel, Naphtha, and Jet Fuel Equivalence ValuesPreamble · 1,812 words
  80. B. RIN-Related ProvisionsPreamble · 3 words
  81. 1. RIN Generation and AssignmentPreamble · 1,020 words
  82. a. Statutory and Regulatory HistoryPreamble · 493 words
  83. b. Changes From the Set 2 ProposalPreamble · 371 words
  84. c. Additional ClarificationsPreamble · 863 words
  85. C. Percentage Standard EquationsPreamble · 1,989 words
  86. D. Renewable Fuel PathwaysPreamble · 344 words
  87. 1. Table 1 Pathways That Include “Any” Production ProcessPreamble · 4,066 words
  88. c. Row MPreamble · 585 words
  89. e. Row UPreamble · 203 words
  90. f. Row PPreamble · 87 words
  91. g. Rows Q and TPreamble · 926 words
  92. h. Other Associated Regulatory ChangesPreamble · 545 words
  93. 2. Adding Waste Fats, Oils, and Greases as Feedstock for Producing Renewable Naphtha and LPGPreamble · 115 words
  94. E. Updates to DefinitionsPreamble · 4 words
  95. 1. New DefinitionsPreamble · 1,053 words
  96. F. Compliance Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Registration ProvisionsPreamble · 7 words
  97. 1. Exempt Small Refinery Compliance ReportingPreamble · 1,483 words
  98. G. New Approved Measurement ProtocolsPreamble · 298 words
  99. H. Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel RequirementsPreamble · 251 words
  100. I. Extension of RFS Compliance Reporting DeadlinesPreamble · 1,145 words
  101. J. Biogas RegulationsPreamble · 134 words
  102. 1. Measurement, Sampling, and TestingPreamble · 1,419 words
  103. K. Technical AmendmentsPreamble · 48 words
  104. IX. Set 1 RemandPreamble · 1,688 words
  105. X. Administrative ActionsPreamble · 3 words
  106. A. Assessment of the Domestic Aggregate Compliance ApproachPreamble · 483 words
  107. B. Assessment of the Canadian Aggregate Compliance ApproachPreamble · 237 words
  108. XI. Statutory and Executive Order ReviewsPreamble · 19 words
  109. A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and ReviewPreamble · 81 words
  110. B. Executive Order 14192: Unleashing Prosperity Through DeregulationPreamble · 78 words
  111. C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)Preamble · 328 words
  112. D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)Preamble · 1,599 words
  113. E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)Preamble · 140 words
  114. F. Executive Order 13132: FederalismPreamble · 46 words
  115. G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal GovernmentsPreamble · 75 words
  116. H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety RisksPreamble · 137 words
  117. I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or UsePreamble · 102 words
  118. J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR Part 51Preamble · 246 words
  119. K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)Preamble · 46 words
  120. XII. Amendatory InstructionsPreamble · 267 words
  121. XIII. Statutory AuthorityPreamble · 34 words
  122. List of SubjectsRegulatory text · 271 words
  123. Subpart A--General ProvisionsRegulatory text · 3,077 words
  124. Subpart E--Biogas-Derived Renewable FuelRegulatory text · 2,352 words
  125. Subpart M--Renewable Fuel StandardRegulatory text · 9,560 words
  126. Subpart A--General ProvisionsRegulatory text · 1,500 words
  127. Subpart C--Gasoline StandardsRegulatory text · 132 words
  128. Subpart D--Diesel Fuel and ECA Marine Fuel StandardsRegulatory text · 131 words
  129. Subpart N--Sampling, Testing, and RetentionRegulatory text · 146 words

The Rest of the Text

This rule runs to 95,579 words. The rest of it is set out over 5 pages, split at the rule's own headings so that no heading is parted from the words printed under it.

How to cite this
  1. The rule itself

    Environmental Protection Agency, “Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes,” 91 FR 16388 (April 1, 2026). Effective June 15, 2026.
    https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/01/2026-06275/renewable-fuel-standard-rfs-program-standards-for-2026-and-2027-partial-waiver-of-2025-cellulosic

  2. This page

    “Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes,” a final rule naming an order indexed here. Read the Mandate, https://readthemandate.org/rules/rule-2026-06275/ (retrieved October 10, 2026).

Cite the document when the claim is about what the document says. Cite this page when the indexing, the wording or the record of what has happened is what is being relied on.

How This Rule Is Set Out

Federal Register documents are United States government works and are not under copyright, so the rule is here whole rather than cut to an excerpt. It is split at the headings the Register itself prints: the line it is filed under, the captioned fields on its face, the preamble where the agency says what it is doing and why, and the amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations. No passage is shortened. This rule is long enough that its text is set out over 5 pages rather than one.

Two things the Register prints are not reproduced: the running head it repeats at every page break, and the tables it sets as pictures rather than as words. Its own marker for one of those tables, [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED], is left standing where the table was, so a reader can see that something is there and follow the link to the page it is on.