WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today released the below statement following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s announcement of a proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program:

“While the Biden administration scrambles to stabilize sky-high gas prices, today’s announcement will only lead to higher prices at the pump, more litigation, and further uncertainty. The proposed requirements totally ignore congressional intent in the Clean Air Act to allow for waivers for small refiners facing hardship due to RFS mandates. EPA’s proposed blanket denial of all exemption requests from small refiners—including those in West Virginia—is extremely concerning considering recent federal court decisions that have favored small refiner petitioners. It seems EPA is adamant on inflicting maximum harm on a key economic sector for political purposes and is happy to risk the thousands of jobs provided by America’s small refiners. This is more evidence of this administration’s intent to destroy the oil and gas industry, regardless of the outcomes for American families.”

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