The owner of a Texas biodiesel company has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $138 million in restitution and forfeiture for biofuels fraud.
Biodiesel Producer Fined $138M for Fraud
The owner of a Texas biodiesel company has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and to pay a $138 million fine in restitution and forfeiture for biofuels fraud.
by Staff
March 9, 20161 min to read
Philip Joseph Rivkin created and sold more than 60 million false biodiesel credits under the federal renewable fuel program. He faked the production of millions of gallons of biodiesel at a Houston-based refinery, according to Dallas News.
Rivkin pleaded guilty in June to the charges of making a false statement under the Clean Air Act. He sold the credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to customers since 2009.
No biodiesel was ever produced was ever produced at the facility, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Rivkin operated multiple companies in the fuel and biodiesel industries out of Texas.
Refiners are required to use predetermined annual volumes of biofuels under the federal renewable fuel program. Compliance with the program is followed via the RIN certificates that are affiliated with each gallon of biofuel.
More Fuel Smarts
Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths for Truck Powertrains [Listen]
Listen as Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency shares insights into battery-electric trucks, natural gas, biofuels, and clean diesel on this episode of HDT Talks Trucking.
Read More →
Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →
Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast
Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.
Read More →
Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling
In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.
Read More →
Researchers Demonstrate Wireless Charging of Electric Heavy-Duty Truck at Highway Speeds
Purdue researchers demonstrated a high-power wireless charging system capable of delivering energy to electric heavy-duty trucks at highway speeds, advancing the concept of electrified roadways for freight transportation.
Read More →
EPA Wants to Know: Are DEF De-Rates Really Needed for Diesel Emissions Compliance?
The Environmental Protection Agency is asking diesel engine makers to provide information about diesel exhaust fluid system failures as it considers changes to emissions regulations.
Read More →
Sponsored•February 1, 2026
6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI
6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI
Read More →
California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval
The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.
Read More →
Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes
The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?
Read More →