U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and Pete Ricketts have introduced a bipartisan bill that seeks to open new markets for farmers in Ohio and across the country by encouraging the use of biofuels using homegrown farm products for ships and oceangoing vessels.

Called the "Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act," the bill would specifically expand markets for American made biofuels by ensuring renewable fuel used in ships and other vessels would be eligible for a renewable fuel credit already available for biofuels used in other industries.

"Ohio can be a leader in producing more sustainable marine fuels – creating new markets for Ohio farmers," said Brown. "From ships crossing the Atlantic to vessels delivering goods to ports along Lake Erie, Ohio soybean farmers can produce the renewable fuel of the future that drives this industry."

According to the legislation, it would preserve Renewable Identification Number (RIN) Credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for renewable fuels when its used for ships and other seafaring vessels. 

RINs are used as a form of currency used for compliance with the RFS program.

The Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act would expand the Renewable Fuel Standard definition of additional renewable fuel and allow companies to use or sell the RINs associated with biodiesel and renewable diesel used in ocean-going vessels.

Right now, the standard excludes "fuel used in ocean-going vessels" from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners' and blenders' obligations. Both refiners and blenders are required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes. 

The bill is supported by Ohio Soybean Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, American Soybean Association, Cruise Lines International Association, American Waterways Operators, and North American Renderers Association.

The full text of the bill can be read here: