Agenda

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the RFS or a first-timer, this refresher course is the perfect way to start off the event. Listen in for a critical overview of how the program works as well as key, must-know information in the area of compliance.

EPA is responsible for setting annual renewable fuel blending targets and establishing overall policy direction for the RFS program. After a whirlwind of decisions and rulemaking undertakings over the past year, EPA has the program back on track. Hear about the agency’s latest modifications to the RFS as well as upcoming rulemaking items they’re currently working on, including but not limited to renewable volume obligations (RVOs), small refinery exemption (SRE) waivers and the RFS reset for post-2022, when congressionally mandated blending comes to an end.

Annually, it might be the most anticipated RFS discussion of the year. Industry stakeholders from both the biofuels side and the refinery side square off in a freewheeling discussion of biofuel-related issues. Advocates for both sectors will share their often-opposing views on the state of the program and where they believe it should be heading.

RINs prices have held comfortably above $1 for much of 2022, providing improved blend economics for biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and others. How sustainable are the price gains seen during the Biden Administration, and what can we expect in the coming year? Our panelists will discuss why prices have risen, what could deflate the RIN bubble, and most importantly, where might prices go next?

The RFS has had its share of pivotal courtroom moments over the program’s history, and the past year has been no different, with key decisions driving EPA action on multiple fronts. Two veteran energy attorneys will discuss the latest court rulings and the wide range of legal issues facing the RFS and how those may impact your business operations.

Our expert panel explores the current state of the biomass-based based diesel market, including supply and demand drivers, where the industry is heading and potential roadblocks to expanded use of the fuel and the outlooks for both traditional biodiesel and renewable diesel.

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry has seen sharp growth since last taking the stage at this OPIS event in 2016, especially over the past year. What has gone right for the industry in recent years and what other obstacles must be overcome before the fuel can truly take off with widespread blending increases? Our panel of industry representatives will discuss market and policy factors affecting SAF’s future.

It’s a rapidly changing world, and many refiners are embracing low-carbon fuels and reduced emissions to combat climate change. Hear from a key RFS obligated refiner on how they’re adapting to changes and how those changes have affected their RFS compliance.

With a substantial amount of new renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel capacity expected to come online in the next decade, where will the feedstocks come from? Will there be enough feedstocks to sustain the projected growth? Our panel of experts will discuss the outlook ahead.

RFS stakeholders have faced a tidal wave of uncertainty in recent years, but perhaps none have been more affected by EPA action and court rulings that the small refineries. LeAnn Johnson Koch of Perkins Coie LLP, who represents a coalition of small refinery owners, will speak on how small refineries are handling the changes.