EPA Proposes Stricter Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026–2027
The Breath of Change and the Shadow of Arrival by DALL-E 3
EPA Proposes Stricter Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026–2027
Bread and Circus: The Complete Record of American Governance
Today’s newsletter covers official U.S. government happenings from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches yesterday, as well as key economic indicators. Below, you’ll find concise summaries of each document, with links to the original sources for further reading.
🏛️ Legislative Branch: 3 documents (1 Congressional Record - Daily Digest, 1 Congressional Record - House Section, 1 Congressional Record - Senate Section)
⚖️ Judicial Branch: No activity
📊 Economic Indicators: 2 documents (1 Bureau of Labor Statistics press release, 1 Pew Research report)
Total words condensed: 161,460 into 1,750
The Big Picture
This week, the U.S. government marked a historic moment with President Trump’s proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, emphasizing national pride and reflection on America’s founding. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed new renewable fuel standards for 2026 and 2027, aiming to increase the use of cleaner fuels while reducing reliance on imported biofuels and renewable electricity credits. These proposed rules, subject to public comment until August 8, 2025, reflect a continued federal push toward energy independence and environmental protection, though they will also affect fuel producers and potentially consumer prices at the pump.
On the legislative front, the Senate passed the GENIUS Act to regulate digital payment stablecoins, signaling growing attention to the oversight of emerging financial technologies. The Senate also confirmed key officials to the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services, filling important government roles. However, tensions remain high over immigration enforcement, with federal troops deployed in Los Angeles without local consent, sparking debate about federal authority and community impact. Public opinion on these immigration policies is deeply divided, with less than half of Americans approving the Trump administration’s approach, highlighting ongoing political and social challenges.
Pattern to Watch
A clear pattern emerging from these developments is the federal government’s assertive stance on both energy and immigration policy, marked by increased regulation and enforcement actions. The EPA’s tightening of renewable fuel standards and reduction of credits for imported fuels indicate a strategic shift toward supporting domestic energy production and reducing greenhouse gases, with concrete rules taking effect starting January 1, 2026. Simultaneously, the deployment of active-duty military forces for immigration enforcement in cities like Los Angeles, despite local opposition, signals an escalation in federal immigration tactics. Public opinion remains split on these immigration measures, suggesting potential political friction ahead. Continued monitoring of EPA rule finalizations and federal-local conflicts over immigration enforcement will reveal whether these trends intensify or prompt policy adjustments.
🦅 Executive Branch
White House
On June 17, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a formal proclamation to mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a key early fight in the American Revolution. This proclamation is an official statement made under the President’s constitutional authority to recognize important historical events. It does not create new laws or rules but serves to honor the bravery of the colonial soldiers who fought in 1775. The proclamation affects the general public by encouraging remembrance and reflection on American history and patriotism on that specific day. While it has no direct legal impact, it highlights the significance of the battle as a symbol of courage and national spirit. Read full document →
Federal Register
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning new rules for the years 2026 and 2027 about how much renewable fuel, like biofuels made from plants and waste, must be used in the United States. They are also proposing to lower the amount of a special type of biofuel called cellulosic biofuel required for 2025 because there isn’t enough of it being made. These rules affect fuel producers and importers who must follow the new fuel amounts and changes by 2026 and 2027. The EPA is also suggesting changes to reduce the credits given for some imported renewable fuels and to stop counting renewable electricity as part of the fuel program. This matters because it helps the country use cleaner fuels, which can reduce pollution and protect the environment, but it also affects companies that make and sell fuel and the prices people pay at the pump. The EPA will hold a public hearing on July 8, 2025, where people can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. Read full document →
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules for the Renewable Fuel Standard program that set how much renewable fuel, like biofuels made from plants and waste, must be used in the years 2026 and 2027. Fuel producers and importers, including those who make or bring in gasoline and diesel, must follow these rules starting January 1, 2026. The EPA is also proposing to cut in half the credits (called RINs) given for renewable fuels made from foreign materials or imported fuels, to encourage more use of American-made renewable fuels. Additionally, the EPA wants to remove renewable electricity from the program because it does not directly replace fossil fuels in vehicles. These changes aim to support U.S. farmers and energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help create jobs, while making sure more clean fuel is made and used in the United States. Comments on the proposal are due by August 8, 2025. Read full document →
🏛️ Legislative Branch
Congressional Record
On June 17, 2025, the Senate passed a law called the GENIUS Act (S.1582) with 68 votes in favor and 30 against. This law sets rules for certain digital money called payment stablecoins. The Senate also agreed to several resolutions to remember important events and people, like the 10th anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting. The Senate confirmed some important government officials, including Olivia Trusty to the Federal Communications Commission and Gary Andres to the Department of Health and Human Services, with votes ranging from 53-45 to 57-40. The Senate used a special procedure called cloture to limit debate and move quickly on these nominations. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives introduced many new bills but did not hold any votes or meetings that day. These actions are important because they show progress on regulating digital money, honoring history, and filling key government jobs that affect health, communications, and security. Read full document →
Random excerpts from the Senate
For far too long, the mullahs in Iran have publicly aspired to wipe Israel off the face of the map. And for decades, they have fomented a campaign of terror throughout the Middle East, threatening Israel and innocents everywhere and destabilizing the entire region. It was Hamas who killed more than 1,000 Israelis on October 7, 2023. But it was Iran who made that attack possible through years of funding, training, and weaponry provided to this terrorist organization. In the early hours of Friday morning, Israel struck back, attacking a number of sites in Iran, including sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program.
— Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
Over the last 2 weeks in Los Angeles, my hometown, we are seeing masked Federal agents in tactical gear ordered into our communities. We have seen the disturbing pattern of increasingly extreme and cruel immigration enforcement operations targeting nonviolent people at places of worship, at schools, in courthouses—all to meet an arbitrary quota. Now we are seeing President Trump federalize National Guard troops and deploy them without the Governor’s consent. Active-Duty marines are now being deployed, escalating tensions in our city. It is important to note—all this without coordination with State and local law enforcement.
Despite repeated requests for the justification for these extreme actions and after months and months of little to no response from the administration on their aggressive and theatrical immigration raids, the Trump administration has done everything in their power but to provide transparency to the American people about their mission in Los Angeles. So last week, I chose to go home to try to get answers from the administration as they are literally militarizing our city. I want to share what I learned and I want to share what I heard because it should shock the conscience of our country.
One of the first items on my schedule last Thursday was a meeting and a briefing with General Guillot, the 4-star general in charge of U.S. Northern Command. Many of you know him. The briefing was scheduled at the Federal building in West Los Angeles where they are overseeing these military operations. Now, colleagues, when the U.S. military is deployed domestically, when our troops are deployed against the wishes of the Governor for the first time since 1965, against the wishes of the local mayor, and even against the wishes of local law enforcement—both the police chief and the sheriff—we are in uncharted territory.
In May 2025, the prices the U.S. pays for things it buys from other countries stayed the same overall, after a small 0.1% rise in April. Fuel prices, like oil and natural gas, dropped a lot—4% in May and 15.7% over the past year—making gas and energy cheaper. But prices for other goods like machines, cars, and food went up a little, about 0.3% in May and 1.7% over the year. On the other hand, prices for things the U.S. sells to other countries fell by 0.9% in May, the biggest drop since October 2023, though they still rose 1.7% over the year. This means it costs less for the U.S. to buy fuel but more for other products, while the U.S. earns slightly more from exports overall despite recent price drops. For everyday people, this can affect the cost of goods they buy and sell, energy bills, and how well American businesses compete in the world. Read full document →
Pew Research
This study asked Americans what they think about the immigration actions taken by President Trump’s government. Out of 5,044 adults surveyed in June 2025, 42% said they approve of the overall approach, while 47% disapprove. People are split on some actions, like using local police to help deport immigrants (50% approve, 49% disapprove) and giving money to immigrants to leave the country voluntarily (49% approve, 50% disapprove). Most Republicans support these actions, with about 60% or more approval, but only about 25% or fewer Democrats agree, except 41% of Democrats approve of paying immigrants to leave. Many Americans (53%) think these policies will cost taxpayers money, and 46% believe they will weaken the economy, but 41% expect less crime because of them. Most people (65%) want a way for undocumented immigrants to stay legally, and 36% think they should be able to become citizens if they meet certain rules. These views show that Americans are divided, especially by political party, and these opinions affect how the country handles immigration and community safety. Read full document →
