EPA v. Vitol

Case summary

This case involves the use by Vitol Inc., ( Vitol ) of 303,937 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, Vitol paid a $30,394 civil penalty. In addition, Vitol 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)

• Vitol Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• VITOL SA INC

  1100 LOUISIANA ST STE 5500, HOUSTON, TX, 770025255

  Registry ID: 110010683297

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Vitolentered 2014-06-17

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $30,394

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2014-06-17Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2014-06-17Final Order Issued
• 2014-06-19Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2014-06-25Enforcement Action Closed