EPA v. Shell Chemicals

Case summary

This case involves the use by Shell Chemicals LP ( Shell Chemicals ) of 100,000 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, Shell Chemicals paid a $10,000 civil penalty. In addition, Shell Chemicals 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)

• Shell Chemicals LPNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SHELL OIL CO

  910 LOUISIANA, HOUSTON, TX, 77002

  Registry ID: 110010723299

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Shell Chemicalsentered 2012-04-18

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $10,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2012-04-18Final Order Issued
• 2012-04-18Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-06-08Enforcement Action Closed
• 2012-09-24Enforcement Action Data Entered