Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), established by Congress in 2005, requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels in U.S. transportation fuel to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Administered by the EPA, the program mandates strict emissions reporting through Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which track biofuel production and compliance. Regulated entities—including fuel producers, refiners, and importers—must submit detailed quarterly and annual reports on fuel pathways, feedstock emissions, and RIN transactions via the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS). Noncompliance can result in heavy fines and invalidated RINs, ensuring accountability under federal climate goals.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a pioneering U.S. cap-and-trade program targeting CO₂ emissions from power plants 25 MW or larger across 11 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Regulated facilities must continuously monitor emissions using CEMS and submit quarterly reports to both EPA's CAMPD database and RGGI's COATS platform. Strict compliance requires matching emissions with purchased allowances, with penalties of three forfeited allowances per excess ton. The program's transparent reporting and declining emission caps drive measurable reductions while supporting clean energy investments.