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
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
January 06, 2026 11:30 AM
·
Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
January 06, 2026 11:06 AM
·
On a spreadsheet, it looks like the ultimate way to harvest extra profit. But in the eyes of the IRS—as RFD-TV Farm Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains—this “tax-free” bank can quickly turn into a field full of weeds.
January 06, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
January 05, 2026 02:49 PM
·
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
January 05, 2026 02:36 PM
·
