Study shows EPA’s proposal to assign 50% of imported RINs could boost US biomass-based diesel

In Washington, a recent economic analysis finds that EPA’s proposal to assign 50% of the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits to imported biofuels and biofuels made from imported feedstocks compared to domestic would strengthen domestic soybean markets while preserving flexibility in biomass-based diesel sourcing. The study, funded by the United Soybean Board and conducted by World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES), evaluated feedstock demand, farmer income, and commodity pricing under different final decisions for EPA’s proposed 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes.

The half-RIN proposal ensures that imported feedstocks remain available for biofuel producers but reduces policy incentives to substitute foreign oils for U.S. soybean oil. According to the study, the option still allows imports to be used but makes domestic feedstocks, including soybean oil, more competitive. EPA’s pending volume rule already projects record biomass-based diesel use, which would support domestic crushing and soybean oil utilization.