EPA v. NECO Distribution and Transport

Case summary

This case involves the use by NECO Distribution and Tranport Ltd ( NECO ) of 203,397 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, NECO paid a $20,340 civil penalty. In addition, NECO 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://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/civil-enforcement-renewable-fuel-standard-program

Defendants (1)

• NECO Distribution and Transport LtdNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• NECO DISTRIBUTION

  425 STATE ROUTE 37 # 200, HOGANSBURG, NY, 13655

  Registry ID: 110055643549

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• NECO Distribution and Transportentered 2013-08-06

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $20,340

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2013-08-06Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2013-08-06Final Order Issued
• 2013-08-12Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2013-08-21Enforcement Action Closed