September 9, 2026. RNG Coalition applauds Congress for establishing a strong statutory foundation for renewable natural gas (RNG) under Section 45Z and commends the Trump administration for translating that direction into a workable framework that recognizes the value of RNG, strengthens domestic energy production, and creates new opportunities for American livestock farmers.
The release of Notice 2026-53 and the September 2026 revision of the 45ZCF-GREET model represents an important step forward for RNG and American clean fuel production. The updated framework provides long-awaited clarity for dairy- and swine-manure-derived RNG, including distinct pathways derived from farm-specific prior manure management practices. These updates best reflect actual operating conditions at RNG facilities and recognize the fundamental proposition that agricultural waste-to-energy turns a rural liability into a strategic and renewable energy asset.
The September model also meaningfully broadens the opportunity for RNG development under Section 45Z by adding pathways for RNG produced from food scraps, corn stover, grain stillage and mixed organic wastes. These improvements better reflect the actual diversity of RNG feedstocks and production systems already operating across the United States, and should provide greater certainty for investment in projects that provide environmental benefit, support agriculture, improve waste management infrastructure, and expand domestic clean fuel production.
“On behalf of the RNG industry, we appreciate the substantial work undertaken by Treasury, IRS, DOE and USDA to implement these important changes. These outcomes reflect several of the priorities our organization has consistently advanced through sustained engagement with the agencies and Congress,” said Geoffrey Dietz, Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs for the RNG Coalition.
“The RNG industry looks forward to continue working with the Administration as it finalizes Section 45Z regulations and further refines 45ZCF-GREET. A durable, technology-neutral Section 45Z framework that accurately accounts for RNG’s benefits will bring significant new investment in American clean fuels and support further RNG project development.”