H.R. 1896 — Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

This section amends the definition of renewable fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program—requiring specified volumes of renewable fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) to be blended into transportation fuel—to exempt fuel for ocean-going vessels containing fossil fuel, adding it to the list of exempted fuels that includes home heating oil and jet fuel. (Thus, obligated parties are not required to blend renewable fuels into fuel supplied to ocean-going vessels.) The amendment applies beginning with the first calendar year after enactment; directs the EPA Administrator to promulgate implementing regulations within 365 days of enactment; and requires a report to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee within 365 days after final regulations.