EPA v. Houston Refining LP

Case summary

This case involves the use by Houston Refining LP, ( HRLP ) of 427,991 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, HRLP paid a $42,799 civil penalty. In addition, HRLP removed the invalid RINs from all applicable RFS2 annual compliance reports, replaced the invalid RINs that were needed to meet its RVO, and resubmitted corrected reports to EPA. For more information, see the RFS webpage at http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/civil-enforcement-renewable-fuel-standard-program.

Defendants (1)

• Houston Refining LPNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• LYONDELL CITGO REFINING CO LTD

  12000 LAWNDALE, HOUSTON, TX, 77001

  Registry ID: 110058113704

• LYONDELL CITGO REFINING CO LTD

  12000 LAWNDALE, HOUSTON, TX, 77001

  Registry ID: 110058113704

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Houston Refining LPentered 2014-07-24

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $42,799

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2014-07-24Final Order Issued
• 2014-07-24Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2014-08-08Enforcement Action Data Entered