Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin faced members of the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the agency’s 2026 fiscal year budget request, including as it relates to biofuels.
Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) asked Zeldin about the need for a permanent legislative solution for the nationwide sale of year-round E15. “Is it true that, despite President Trump’s best efforts, if we want real certainty here for consumers, Congress has to act. Is that correct?” asked Fischer.
“That is the most durable and easiest solution to this issue,” responded Zeldin. “I’ve been in the position a little over 100 days, and I have had many, many, many meetings about this topic. And a lot of passionate advocacy from, including you, Senator, and your colleagues and your constituents. If Congress was to finalize a long-term, durable solution, so much of that advocacy on your part, all of your time can be better spent fighting for other priorities of your constituents.”
Sen. Fischer also asked Zeldin for an update on when EPA might release Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We are going to be going through a rule making process now over the course of the next few months,” said Zeldin. “We did inherit a blown deadline. We’re looking to not only resolve that deadline in setting RVOs, but to also look to the future and to operate going forward in a way where we don’t blow any deadlines moving forward. So over the course of the next few months, there’s going to be an opportunity for the public to weigh in during a public comment period before a final decision is made.”
Listen to the exchange here:
Sen. Fischer questions EPA Admin Lee Zeldin 5:36