Ricketts and Klobuchar Unveil Renewable Fuel Act for Ocean-Going Vessels

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act, a bipartisan initiative allowing companies to retain Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) when using biofuels in ocean-going vessels, according to Senator Pete Ricketts.

Renewable Fuel Bill Introduced for Ocean-Going Vessels

Senator Ricketts highlighted the significance of the bill, stating, “Expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions. This bipartisan bill will deliver new market opportunities for Nebraska farmers who have played a crucial role creating a strong renewable diesel economy.”

Senator Klobuchar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader benefits of the bill: “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports our farmers, and boosts rural economies. This common sense legislation will expand markets for farmers and fuel producers by providing ocean-going vessels a lower carbon fuel.”

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), who is leading the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, explained its impact: “Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels. This legislation allows for RINs to be generated for renewable marine fuel without requiring an obligation on any parties. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation which opens the door for communities, like farmers in Iowa, to engage, and be involved, in the marine fuel industry and conversation.”

Industry Support and Future Prospects

The bill has received strong backing from the renewable fuels and agricultural industries. Dawn Caldwell, Executive Director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska, praised the initiative: “This bill is a win for everyone who values stronger markets, cleaner energy, and a stronger, safer America. It’s a commonsense step to put renewable energy to work on the high seas, which will support our country’s farmers and producers while moving us one step closer to energy independence. We’re grateful to Senator Ricketts for leading on this issue that is so crucial to Nebraskans. And we call on his colleagues in Congress to pass it quickly and look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”

Caleb Ragland, President of the American Soybean Association, underscored the bill’s relevance to soybean farmers, noting, “Soybean farmers are constantly looking for new and innovative markets for our crop, including new opportunities for soy-based biofuels. The Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act seeks to allow biofuels to truly tap into the marine transportation market through the RFS, and we appreciate the work of Senator Rickets, Senator Klobuchar, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, and Congressman Garamendi as they continue to advocate for soy-based biofuels.”

Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels, emphasized the bill’s role in supporting the renewable fuels industry: “Global shipping companies are looking to U.S. farmers and fuel producers to take the lead in providing clean fuels. This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock and enable U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers in partnership with soy and canola growers to meet the needs of shipping companies at a competitive price. It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RFS credits for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.”

Jennifer Garson, Executive Director of the Sustainable Maritime Coalition, highlighted the importance of biofuels in maritime sustainability: “Biofuels are an important pathway for future fuels for the maritime industry. And the United States with its vast biofuel feedstocks and resources creates an enormous economic opportunity for the nation’s farmers to produce fuels to meet the growing global demand for alternative fuels. However, in order to match this enormous supply with the maritime sector, the biofuels industry needs the Renewable Fuels for Oceangoing Vessels Act. This Act is critical for compliance, as RINS are the currency of the RFS program and we applaud its reintroduction in this Congress.”

With growing support from lawmakers and industry leaders, the bill is poised to advance discussions on renewable fuels in maritime shipping, presenting new opportunities for biofuel producers and American farmers.