EPA v. Buckeye Pipe Line

Case summary

This case involves the use by Buckeye Pipe Line Company, LLP, ( Buckeye ) of 83,971 invalid Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to meet its renewable volume obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS), promulgated under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The (RFS) program requires producers or importers of renewable fuel to generate fuel credits, known as RINs, in proportion to the amount and type of renewable fuel they produced or imported. The RFS Program also requires that non-renewable fuel refiners and importers, known as obligated parties, and renewable fuel exporters obtain valid RINs and retire those RINs each year by submitting them to the EPA. Congress adopted the RFS Program to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, help grow the nation's renewable energy industry and achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The EPA is charged with developing the RFS program and enforcing its requirements. As part of the settlement with EPA, Buckeye paid an $8,397 civil penalty. In addition, Buckeye removed the invalid RINs from its 2010 RFS annual compliance report and resubmitted the reports to EPA. For more information, see the RFS webpage at http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/renewable-fuels/fuel-novs.html.

Defendants (1)

• Buckeye Pipe Line Company, L.P.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BUCKEYE PIPE LINE

  9999 HAMILTON BOULEVARD, BREINIGSVILLE, PA, 18031

  Registry ID: 110054082452

Statutes cited

• CAA 211 — Regulation of Fuels - Motor Vehicle and Engine Fuels

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Buckeye Pipe Lineentered 2012-04-19

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $8,397

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2012-04-19Final Order Issued
• 2012-04-19Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-05-24Enforcement Action Closed
• 2012-09-18Enforcement Action Data Entered