EPA Issues Notice Of Proposed Settlement For Wyoming Refineries

On September 14, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Notice of Proposed Settlement Agreement; Request for Public Comment in the Federal Register. The notice is to settle lawsuits filed by Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company and Sinclair Casper Refining Company challenging EPA's denial of requests for extensions of small refinery temporary exemptions in August 2014. Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), small refineries are able to request an exemption of Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) Program blending mandates that would result in significant economic harm. The settlement allows the refineries to submit a request for exemption and EPA has agreed to make a decision on the request within 90 days. Comments are due by October 14, 2015.