EPA v. Astra Oil

Case summary

This case involves the use by Astra Oil Company LLC, ( Astra ) of 11,370 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, Astra replaced the invalid RINs that were needed to meet its RVO, removed the invalid RINs from all RFS annual compliance reports 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)

• Astra Oil Company LLC (SB)Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• ASTRA OIL COMPANY

  5718 WESTHEIMER RD SUITE 1800, HOUSTON, TX, 77057

  Registry ID: 110067442547

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Astra Oilentered 2015-11-18

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2015-11-18Enforcement Action Closed
• 2015-11-18Final Order Issued
• 2016-03-07Enforcement Action Data Entered