Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

This bill, the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act, would expand the Renewable Fuel Program under the Renewable Fuel Standard by adding fuel used in ocean-going vessels to the list of renewable fuels that can generate credits (RINs) under the program. In practical terms, this means renewable fuels used to power ships could count toward compliance with the program and create potential revenue or credit opportunities for renewable-fuel producers and suppliers. The change is broad and does not specify particular fuel types beyond broadly including “fuel for ocean-going vessels,” leaving details to regulators. Key deadlines are established: the bill amends the Clean Air Act to include this new category, applies beginning with the second calendar year after enactment, directs the EPA to issue implementing regulations within one year of enactment, and requires a follow-up report to Congress within one year after the final regulations are issued. The approach relies on future EPA rulemaking to define eligibility requirements, lifecycle greenhouse gas standards, and other compliance details for fuels used by ocean-going vessels.