EPA v. Valero Energy Corporation

Case summary

This case involves the use by Valero Energy Corporation ( Valero ) of 3,529,824 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, Valero paid a $350,000 civil penalty. In addition, Valero 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)

• Valero Energy CorporationNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• VALERO REFINING COMPANY

  ONE VALERO WAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78249

  Registry ID: 110042335096

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Valero Energy Corporationentered 2013-06-12

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $350,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2013-06-12Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2013-06-12Final Order Issued
• 2013-07-10Enforcement Action Closed
• 2013-08-09Enforcement Action Data Entered