NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Federal guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit now more clearly steers biofuel incentives toward U.S.-grown crops, strengthening demand signals for domestic agriculture while narrowing eligibility for imported alternatives. Updated Treasury proposals implement changes enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and clarify how the credit will function through 2029.
The revised guidance, to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register, prioritizes North American feedstocks, including U.S. soybeans and canola, while limiting eligibility for fuels made from imported waste oils such as used cooking oil and tallow. Industry groups say that change realigns biofuel policy with farm production rather than overseas sourcing.
A key shift is the removal of indirect land use change penalties from carbon scoring. That adjustment materially improves the economics for soy-based biofuels, effectively increasing the value of the credit and expanding eligibility across more oilseed pathways.
The update also underscores that 45Z works best alongside a strong Renewable Fuel Standard. Without complementary blending targets, the tax credit alone may not fully translate into sustained demand growth.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
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