18th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum
October 12-14, 2026
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel | Chicago, Illinois
18th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum
October 12-14, 2026
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel | Chicago, Illinois
Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
Newcomers and veterans alike love this 101-style course to kick off the conference. Whether you’re learning or recapping, you’ll benefit from this essential overview of how the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) works and the role that Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits play in compliance.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting annual biofuels blending targets and establishing overall policy direction for the RFS program. After EPA finalized its latest targets for 2026 and 2027 in late March, stakeholders are already eager for signals regarding the Renewable Volume Obligation targets for 2028 and beyond. Hear from a key leader at the EPA as they discuss the RFS as well as upcoming rulemaking items and updates.
It’s the most wonderful RFS discussion of the year. Stakeholders with biofuels and refining interests square off in a freewheeling discussion of RFS- and biofuels-related issues. Advocates for both sectors will share their often-opposing views on the state of the RFS and where it might be heading. After the year of policy turmoil we’ve seen around the RFS and E15, this roundtable promises to be riveting.
With RIN generation so far in 2026 falling far short of the pace needed to meet the 2026 targets, the cumulative RIN bank has been dwindling rapidly. Will it be completely depleted by the end of 2026, and how will that balance affect RIN prices and decisions around compliance? Panel experts will provide data and their own viewpoints on how it might all shake out.
RINs prices surged past $2/RIN and have regularly posted fresh all-time highs for much of 2026. What’s been the impact of the higher prices, and how sustainable are the elevated price levels? Our panelists will discuss what has boosted prices, what could potentially deflate the RIN bubble, and most importantly, where might prices go next.
Biofuels producers spent years awaiting the finalized guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, and the transitional period was rocky for many and fruitful for some. This panel will examine the continuous changes coming down the pipeline regarding 45Z and how to maximize the benefits of credits in your business.
The RFS has been molded and modified by pivotal courtroom moments since the program’s inception, and the past year has been no different. Hear from experienced RFS attorneys on what decisions have been made in the legal arena and what showdowns might be looming on the horizon.
As refiners adapt and evolve to a rapidly shifting global energy climate, numerous refiners are embracing low-carbon fuels and reduced emissions alongside traditional operations. Hear from a key RFS-obligated refiner as they share their story of transforming and adapting to these changes and the effect on RFS compliance.
The small refinery exemption waiver program under the RFS experienced a few wild twists and turns over the past year, and we’ll examine those changes and what they mean for small refiners and other obligated stakeholders alike.
Breakthroughs in E15 policy have been near the top of the ethanol industry’s wishlist for years, but what else is at stake? Hear the ethanol producer’s perspective on the current climate and how margins are being affected by shifting credit values.
Production margins for biodiesel and renewable diesel have experienced a sharp rebound, practically overnight, and more production is needed to meet blending targets. Hear how biomass-based diesel producers are dealing with the new dynamic, as well as an update on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
The renewable natural gas (RNG) industry continued its steady growth over the past year and is eyeing new emerging opportunities in other markets. Get an update on the state of the RNG market, new projects, key demand drivers, as well as policy changes to support the industry’s growth.