House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) have led more than 40 colleagues, including the entire Texas Republican Delegation, in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter recommends changes to the proposed 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) rule.
The lawmakers argue that their recommendations are intended to lower fuel costs for Americans, keep the liquid fuels manufacturing industry competitive, and support efforts to expand domestic energy production. They warn that without these modifications, the current proposal could threaten U.S. refineries and result in higher fuel costs for consumers.
“To maintain the viability of the liquid fuel manufacturing industry and keep energy costs low for American consumers and businesses, it is critical the EPA modifies its June 2025 proposed rule on Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs),” the letter states. “When finalizing this rule, we urge you to consider the impact the refining sector has on the American economy, ensure the rulemaking maintains stability in the domestic fuels market, and sustain a strong and competitive industry that is vital to our nation’s energy security.”
Specific recommendations from Arrington and Pfluger include aligning RVO volumes with available domestic feedstocks, preventing regulatory compliance burdens from shifting to larger refiners when Small Refinery Exemptions are granted, and maintaining a 100% Renewable Identification Number value for imported renewable fuels and feedstocks.
Industry groups such as the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers have expressed support for this effort. Chet Thompson, President and CEO of American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, said: “If the EPA’s proposed rule on the 2026 and 2027 RVOs is finalized, it will put American consumers on the hook for a $70 billion RFS bill and require Americans to pay for MORE biofuel feedstock imports into the United States. We appreciate the coalition of House members led by Representatives Arrington and Pfluger for drawing attention to this issue and for providing commonsense recommendations that would keep fuel costs low for American consumers while maintaining a competitive liquid fuels industry.”
Jodey Arrington has held his seat since winning his first election in 2016 against Troy Bonar with over 86% of votes. He has continued his electoral success in subsequent years: defeating Miguel Levario in 2018 with over 75% of votes; Tom Watson in 2020 with nearly 75%; Nathan Lewis in both 2022 with over 80% of votes, and again in 2024 with similar margins.
The full text of the letter sent to Administrator Zeldin is available online.
