2018 EnviroFlash Announcements about EPA Fuel Programs

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This page lists recent EnviroFlash announcements that have been released to update stakeholders about EPA fuel programs.

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EMTS Maintenance on Saturday, December 1st

EMTS will be down for system maintenance this Saturday, Dec. 1. The maintenance will occur from 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM. In order to avoid issues, please do not log into EMTS or submit any files during this time. Thank you for your cooperation.

EMTS Functionality Has Been Restored

The issue that was preventing usage of the EPA Moderated Transaction System has been addressed, and full EMTS functionality has been restored. You may now proceed with file submission and other EMTS activities. Thank you for your patience during the EMTS outage.

EPA Moderated Transaction System is currently down

The EPA Moderated Transaction System is currently down and is not accepting submissions. We are aware of the issue and are working to restore full EMTS functionality. We will send out another Enviroflash once the issue has been resolved; until this occurs please do not submit files to EMTS. Thank you for your patience.

EMTS v5.1 Release Outage Scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, 2018

On Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) will be offline in order to deploy Version 5.1 of the application. This version will include new functionality enabling organizations to e-sign Copy of Record transactions in EMTS, leading to streamlined quarterly reporting. To avoid failed submissions and other possible issues, please do not attempt to submit any node-based or web-based transactions in EMTS between 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 and 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

New Procedures for RFS Compliance Reporting Coming Soon

Starting Thursday, October 25, 2018, organizations will be able to use e-signature to sign the Copy of Record for EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) transactions.  Organizations will NO LONGER be required to upload the following files into the Fuels Reporting system (DCFUEL) beginning with 2018 Quarter 4 Reporting:
 
  • RIN Generation Report: A report that includes details on the batches of RINs that a reporting party generated during the quarter.
  • RIN Transaction Report: A report that includes details on the Buy, Sell, Separate, and Retire transactions a reporting party submitted during the quarter.
The deadline for 2018 Quarter 4 reporting is March 31, 2019.
 

EPA Updates RFS Website to Improve Transparency

Today, EPA updated the RFS public data web pages that include new data and information for both stakeholders and the public.  The updated RFS website includes interactive and dynamic features that allow users to customize display of information. New information includes: 
  • The number of small refinery exemption petitions received, approved, and denied for each compliance year; 
  • The weekly average price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) traded; and 
  • The weekly volume of RINs traded. 

OTAQREG Unavailable Friday, August 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (EDT)

On Friday, August 24, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) will be unavailable while a new version of the application is being deployed. OTAQREG v1.3 will include minor bug fixes and enhancements. If you have questions, please contact Fuels Programs Support at [email protected].

New and Modified RFS Pathways – Registration Action Required

On July 24, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized an action that approves or modifies a number of fuel pathways using sorghum oil and corn oil feedstocks under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Renewable fuel producers affected by these changes are encouraged to act now in order to start using or continue to use these pathways as soon as possible upon the effective date of this rule.

The Grain Sorghum Oil Pathways final rule introduces three feedstocks and removes one obsolete feedstock for biodiesel, renewable diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, naptha, and LPG pathways found in rows F, H, and I of the table of approved pathways, Table 1 to 40 CFR 80.1426.  The added feedstocks are distillers corn oil, distillers sorghum oil, and comingled distillers corn oil and distillers sorghum oil.  The removed feedstock is non-food grade corn oil, which is being replaced by distillers corn oil.  

Renewable fuel producers that wish to use these new feedstocks may modify their registrations in EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) OTAQREG registration system now to include the additional feedstock codes.  Amended supporting information, including an updated independent engineering review, will be required for a producer to add the pathway for distillers sorghum oil and/or commingled distillers corn oil and sorghum oil pursuant to 40 CFR 80.1450. The new feedstock codes will also be added to the CDX EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) and will be available to generate RINs on the effective date of this rule.

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED FROM PRODUCERS REGISTERED FOR A PATHWAY WITH THE NON-FOOD GRADE CORN OIL FEEDSTOCK:  Producers registered for one or more pathways with the non-food grade corn oil feedstock code should submit a registration request as soon as possible to add the same pathway or pathways but with the distillers corn oil feedstock code instead. No amended supporting documentation is necessary.  Sixty days after the effective date of this rule, the non-food grade corn oil feedstock code will be removed from EMTS, and RINs will not be able to be generated using that feedstock code. Therefore, producers should include no edits other than the distillers corn oil pathway addition(s) in their registration request to ensure it is processed as quickly as possible.  At the next registration update after the effective date of this rule, producers should request to remove the pathway or pathways with the non-food grade corn oil feedstock.

For more information on this action: Final Rulemaking for Grain Sorghum Oil Pathways
For general information on RFS: Renewable Fuel Standard Program
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Fuels Programs Support at [email protected].

EMTS Available for use

The recent issues preventing successful submission of transactions to EMTS have been resolved. EPA appreciates your patience as these issues were being addressed.  Data submitted to OTAQReg through Monday, July 2 are now available in EMTS.  EMTS will undergo a brief outage on July 5th at 6:00-6:30 PM and on July 6th after 5 PM for regular scheduled maintenance updates.

Public Hearing for Renewable Fuel Standards for 2019, and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020

EPA has announced a public hearing for the proposed rule "Renewable Fuel Standards for 2019, and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020":  Public Hearing for Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2019, and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020.  Please note that the agency is having some trouble receiving outside emails.  If you have sent an email to register for the hearing and do not receive a response within 24 hours, please call the number listed in the public hearing Federal Register Notice.

Continued EMTS Issues with Recently Updated Company and Facility Information

EPA is continuing to research a solution that will allow the new version of OTAQREG to share updated registration information with the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS).  Currently, any registration updates made in OTAQREG since June 25, 2018 are not being displayed in EMTS.

Thank you for your patience during the transition to the enhanced registration system.

EMTS Not Displaying Recently Updated Company and Facility Information

On June 25, 2018, an enhanced version of the EPA's Fuels Registration System (CDX OTAQREG) was released. The new version of OTAQREG has been unable to share updated registration information with the EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS).  As a result, any registration updates made in OTAQREG since June 25, 2018 are not being displayed in EMTS.

EPA is working to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience during the transition to the enhanced registration system.

Enhanced version of OTAQREG Deployed Successfully

Enhancements to EPA's Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) were deployed successfully on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 6:00 AM.

Important Action for All Users!

  • Establish e-signature capabilities for the Responsible Corporate Officer (RCO) of your company, if you have not done so previously. Requests to update registered information in OTAQREG cannot be submitted unless RCO e-signature capabilities are enabled.
  • Review the registered data for your company. All program data was migrated from the legacy OTAQREG system and there are some differences in how data elements are stored and displayed in the enhanced system. If you identify any data that should be updated, submit a registration request immediately.
  • Review your pending registration requests. Requests that had not been signed by the RCO by June 21, 2018 will appear on the RCO's OTAQREG home page. These requests must be signed and submitted electronically by the RCO before they will appear in EPA's pending registration list. Requests that were "Awaiting EPA Review" as of June 21, 2018 will continue to be processed in the order that they were received. 
  • Access instructions to enable RCO e-signature capabilities, as well as help tools, release documentation, and other useful information on EPA's website at the following URL: Enhanced Version of EPA’s Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) Released

Reminder: OTAQREG scheduled outage begins Thursday, 6/21

EPA is excited to announce enhancements to the Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) are scheduled for release on June 25, 2018. OTAQREG will be taken down on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time to begin the deployment and data migration process. The new version of OTAQREG will be accessible on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 6:00 AM Eastern Time.

OTAQREG will be updated to improve the experience of the regulated community. System enhancements will include:

  • Ability to submit multiple registration requests simultaneously for each registered company;
  • Ability to save and edit draft requests;
  • Ability to edit and resubmit rejected requests;
  • More informative status updates for pending registration requests;
  • New option to assign a Delegated Responsible Corporate Officer (RCO); and
  • New look and feel.

After the system release, registration requests must be signed and submitted electronically by RCOs. EPA will no longer be able to accept registration requests that are wet-ink signed and mailed to EPA. 

Please visit the following web page for steps to enable e-signature capabilities as well as for announcements, help tools, and other useful information related to these system enhancements: Enhanced Version of EPA’s Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) Released

Scheduled Enhancements to OTAQREG

EPA is excited to announce that enhancements to the Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) are scheduled for release on Monday, June 25, 2018. OTAQREG will be taken down on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time to begin the deployment and data migration process. The new version of OTAQREG will be accessible on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 6:00 AM Eastern Time.

OTAQREG will be updated to improve the experience of the regulated community. System enhancements will include:

  • Ability to submit multiple registration requests simultaneously for each registered company;
  • Ability to save and edit draft requests;
  • Ability to edit and resubmit rejected requests;
  • More informative status updates for pending registration requests;
  • New option to assign a Delegated Responsible Corporate Officer (RCO); and
  • New look and feel.

After the system release, registration requests must be signed and submitted electronically by RCOs. EPA will no longer be able to accept registration requests that are wet-ink signed and mailed to EPA. RCOs who do not currently have e-signature capability in OTAQREG should take the required steps now, in the current system, to enable e-signature capabilities in anticipation of this update. RCOs who do not take these steps prior to the release will have to enable e-signature capabilities after June 25, 2018, in the enhanced system.

Please visit the following web page for steps to enable e-signature capabilities as well as for announcements, help tools, and other useful information related to these system enhancements: Enhanced Version of EPA’s Fuels Registration System (OTAQREG) Released

EMTS version 5.0 release

On Thursday, June 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM Friday, June 29, EMTS will be offline in order to deploy version 5.0 of the application. This version will include upgrades to the Java version used by the application as well as the underlying frameworks upon which the application depends. These upgrades are necessary in order to ensure the continued stability, reliability, and security of EMTS. To avoid failed submissions and other possible issues, please do not attempt to submit any node-based or web-based transactions to EMTS or use the EMTS web interface from Thursday, June 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM Friday, June 29.

Public Stakeholder Workshop for Fuels Regulatory Streamlining

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public stakeholder workshop at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL on May 21-23, 2018, for the upcoming Fuels Regulatory Streamlining rulemaking. Attendees are not required to register in advance, but we ask that you do so by May 14, 2018, to help us with workshop planning. Please email [email protected] for registration information. More information about Fuels Regulatory Streamlining is available at: Fuels Regulatory Streamlining.

RFS Program Cellulosic Waiver Credits - Address Change for Submitting Paper Checks

March 2, 2018

Effective immediately, the mailing address for submitting paper checks for purchase of Cellulosic Waiver Credits under the Renewable Fuels Standard program is changed to the following:

U.S. EPA
Fees and Collections Branch
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Mail Code 2733R

Washington, DC  20004

Any checks submitted to the old address will be forwarded and processed for a short time.  Note that at this time no changes are being made to electronic funds transfers submitted via the Pay.Gov and Fedwire payment methods. 

Additional information regarding Cellulosic Waiver Credits may be found on EPA's Renewable Fuels Standard Program website at Cellulosic Waiver Credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program.

If you have questions, please contact Fuels Programs Support at [email protected].

Part 80 Fuels Programs to Improve Registration Process

February 23, 2018

The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") is working to improve the customer's experience with the part 80 fuels programs registration process by making it faster, simpler, and more transparent. Key updates being released today are listed below:

  • Posting a list by registration ID of fuel registration requests submitted to EPA for review under the Part 80 fuels programs. This information will allow parties to monitor the status of their pending fuel registration requests. EPA intends to update this list online weekly.
  • Providing several new compliance tools, including instructional videos and checklists, so that users have the information they need before submitting their registration requests to assemble complete registration packages.
  • Implementing a new, more streamlined approach to processing registration requests that will allow EPA to focus its review on complete packages for faster review.

More information can be found on the EPA's website at Part 80 Pending Registration List. Make sure to check back often as we plan to post additional compliance tools and materials.

RFS 2017 Annual Compliance deadline

January 12, 2018

This Enviroflash is a reminder of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program's 2017 Annual Compliance deadline of March 31, 2018, by which all renewable fuel exporters and obligated parties must submit their annual compliance reports.

We understand that there may be some uncertainty with respect to which RINs should be used for 2017 compliance in light of the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Americans for Clean Energy v. EPA, 864 F.3d 691 (D.C. Cir. 2017), and the fact that the EPA has not yet indicated its intentions with respect to responding to the remand in that case.  Although the EPA is still evaluating how to proceed in light of the Courtâ??s decision, we anticipate that, consistent with the Court's decision, any future action we may take on a past year's renewable fuel standards will take into account the retroactive nature of such future action.  For example, without prejudging any future action, we note that we currently believe that it would be appropriate for the EPA to allow use of current-year RINs (including carryover-RINs) to satisfy further obligations, if any, for a past compliance year that may result from the ACE remand.  Therefore we do not believe concerns regarding future EPA action on remand should lead parties to retain 2016 RINs that they would otherwise retire for 2017 compliance.

If you have questions, please contact Fuels Programs Support at [email protected].

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Last updated on March 29, 2024