EPA v. Vitol (invalid Gen-x RINs)

Case summary

This case involves the use by Vitol, Inc. of 98,140 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 an $9,814 civil penalty. In addition, Vitol 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)

• Vitol Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• VITOL

  2925 RICHMOND AVENUE, 11TH FLOOR, HOUSTON, TX, 77098

  Registry ID: 110069546557

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Vitol (invalid Gen-x RINs)entered 2016-07-28

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $9,814

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2016-07-28Final Order Issued
• 2016-07-28Enforcement Action Closed
• 2016-07-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2016-09-19Enforcement Action Data Entered