Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

This bill would modify the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to allow biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to preserve renewable identification number (RIN) credits when their fuel is used in ocean-going vessels like cargo ships, tankers, and cruise ships. Currently, the RFS excludes fuel used in ocean-going vessels from the definition of transportation fuels, which means producers must retire RINs when biodiesel or renewable diesel is used in marine shipping. If enacted, this legislation would designate renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels as an additional renewable fuel, similar to how jet fuel is treated, allowing producers to keep or sell these credits instead of retiring them.

Proponents argue the bill would create new market opportunities for American farmers and biofuel producers by incentivizing the use of renewable fuels in the maritime industry. They contend it would support domestic agriculture, reduce emissions from shipping, and improve air quality near ports and waterways. The legislation is bipartisan and has been introduced in both the House and Senate. However, the bill has not yet been voted on and remains under committee consideration.