• Trump and agency heads convened to address pending biofuel waiver requests.
  • They considered a compensation plan for biofuel producers in future years.
  • The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to balance refiner relief with support for the biofuel industry.

Meeting on Biofuel Waivers

President Donald Trump met with Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Wednesday to discuss pending applications for refiner exemptions from U.S. biofuel laws, according to people familiar with the matter.

The meeting, first reported by Reuters, also covered a proposal to compensate biofuel producers for any lost business due to future exemptions. This comes as the administration faces pressure from both refiners seeking relief from blending mandates and biofuel producers who argue exemptions hurt their sales.

“The discussion focused on a way to move forward that addresses the concerns of both parties,” a source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Spokespeople for the White House, EPA, Energy Department, and Agriculture Department did not respond to requests for comment.

Industry Impact and Next Steps

Refiners have long sought waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires blending ethanol and other biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply. Small refiners can apply for exemptions if they can prove the mandates cause them financial hardship.

Biofuel producers, however, say that too many waivers have been granted, cutting demand and hurting their bottom line. The proposed compensation plan, which would be implemented in future years, could help ease those concerns.

“It’s a delicate balancing act,” said one industry analyst. “The administration is trying to keep both sides happy, but the timeline is tight as they face legal challenges and election-year politics.”

The Trump administration has faced lawsuits over its generous granting of exemptions, and the issue has become politically significant in the Midwest, where many biofuel plants are located.

A decision on the pending waiver applications is expected soon, but no date has been announced. The meeting signals that the administration is aware of the stakes and is trying to craft a solution that could hold up in court.

Update: This article was updated to reflect that the meeting occurred on Wednesday, not Thursday as previously reported.