EPA v. Shell Chemical LP-Mobile

Case summary

This case involves the use by Shell Chemical LP-Mobile (?Shell Chemical?) of 58,623 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, Shell Chemical paid an $5,862 civil penalty. In addition, Shell Chemical 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)

• Shell Chemical LP-MobileNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (4)

• SHELL CHEMICAL LP-MOBILE

  400 INDUSTRIAL PKWY EAST, SARALAND, AL, 36571

  Registry ID: 110012509071

• SHELL CHEMICAL LP-MOBILE

  400 INDUSTRIAL PKWY EAST, SARALAND, AL, 36571

  Registry ID: 110012509071

• SHELL CHEMICAL LP-MOBILE

  400 INDUSTRIAL PKWY EAST, SARALAND, AL, 36571

  Registry ID: 110012509071

• SHELL CHEMICAL LP-MOBILE

  400 INDUSTRIAL PKWY EAST, SARALAND, AL, 36571

  Registry ID: 110012509071

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Shell Chemical LP-Mobileentered 2017-05-23

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $5,862

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2017-05-23Final Order Issued
• 2017-05-23Enforcement Action Closed
• 2017-05-23Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-08-17Enforcement Action Data Entered