WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today for proposing to reallocate 100% of the difference between projected and actual exempted gallons lost to small refinery exemptions (SREs) in the 2025 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), one of America’s most vital energy programs that provides stability and growth to rural communities and biofuel producers across the U.S.  

In August, EPA announced a plan to grant 29 SREs from the 2025 RVO, threatening to undermine the economic benefits of the Trump Administration’s historic 2026-2027  RVOs, which set the number of gallons of biofuels that the nation’s oil refiners must blend into the nation’s fuel supply each year. In the same announcement, EPA pledged to fully account for any lost demand created by those SREs before the end of October.  

“With this proposal, EPA would deliver on the full potential of historic RVOs and fulfill its promise to make American farmers and biofuel producers whole,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Reallocating lost gallons would strengthen the rural economy and provide relief to farmers looking for reliable new markets that won’t be destroyed by costly exemptions. We applaud our champions in Congress for fighting tirelessly on behalf of homegrown biofuels, USDA Secretary Rollins for advocating for the nation’s rural communities, and EPA for continuing to deliver markets for America’s farmers and supporting growth and investment in liquid fuels across the country.” 

The post Growth Energy: EPA Reallocation Rule Would Deliver on Promise of Trump Administration’s Commitment to Rural America appeared first on Growth Energy.

UNL88 is Gaining Quick Traction in the Marketplace.

Today, there are more than 5,200 retail locations in 35 states selling E15 at a price point up to a dollar cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline.

The vast majority of these locations are selling UNL88 (E15) along with E85 at blender pumps and making both available at nearly every dispensing location.

MOVERS. Major retailers selling or committed to selling E15 include: Sheetz, Thorntons, Kum & Go, bp, Maverik, Love’s, Circle K, RaceTrac, Kwik Trip, Cenex, Casey’s, Rutters, Pump & Pantry, NUVU Fuels, United Dairy Farmers, QuikTrip, Sinclair, Minnoco, Protec Fuel, Royal Farms, Murphy USA, and Family Express.

LOCATION. These retailers are not exclusively in the rural Midwest. Many of these retailers are in major metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Louisville, Raleigh-Durham, and San Antonio.

VOLUME. The average convenience store sells 1 million gallons of gasoline per year on average, while the bulk of the retailers involved in the industry-sponsored Prime the Pump program sell 2.8 million gallons per year on average — nearly 3 times as much volume as the traditional retailer.

BLEND. The retailer partners are seeing an average bioethanol blend rate that easily exceeds 10 percent, pushing beyond the so-called 10 percent blend wall.

The post UNL88 (E15): Progress Update appeared first on Growth Energy.

National Laboratory of the Rockies: Ethanol can fuel ships now: the ~112 methanol dual-fuel vessels in service can run on it with no changes and could use 2 billion gallons a year. Compared with methanol, it has 35% more energy, is less toxic, costs less and is available at scale. Trials and the first commercial bunkering began in 2025-26. Next: shape the new ISO fuel standard and map U.S. port infrastructure and costs.

The post Evaluation of Ethanol Use in Marine Shipping appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the release today of a new report by the National Lab of the Rockies (NLR), “Evaluation of Ethanol Use in Marine Shipping,” that demonstrates ethanol’s technical, economic, and environmental potential as a viable, low-carbon fuel for ocean-going vessels.

“This report makes it clear that the American ethanol industry could have a potentially transformative impact on the maritime sector,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The things that make ethanol such an attractive option as a fuel for ships are the same things that make it vital as a fuel for light-duty vehicles—lower emissions, cost competitiveness, and scalability. We thank NLR for its critical work outlining the ways in which ethanol can meet the needs of today’s shipping sector and look forward to working with our members and the entire industry to secure ethanol’s global future as a marine fuel.”

“Ethanol has advantages that few other potential marine fuels do. Its robust compatibility with methanol infrastructure, its overall scalability, and its environmental benefits make it uniquely suited to help the shipping sector achieve its goals,” said NLR Senior Research Fellow and author of the report Robert McCormick. “We hope this research paves the way for greater collaboration between ethanol producers and shippers, and that it encourages further study to fully grasp the impact ethanol could have in maritime applications.”

“The marine fuel market is key to new growth for ethanol,” said U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC) President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “Even modest adoption could create billions of gallons of new demand, providing another long-term market for corn growers while helping the shipping industry reduce emissions.”

The report details the many advantages ethanol offers when used as a fuel for ships, including:

• Molecular similarity to methanol: “Large dual-fuel methanol engines can operate on ethanol with no changes.”
• Lower emissions: “A cited study estimated U.S. corn ethanol at approximately 51.4 gCO_2eq/MJ, about 46% lower than petroleum fuels, with additional reductions possible through carbon capture and sequestration.”
• Lower toxicity: Ethanol has “lower human toxicity” compared to other marine fuels, and in the event of a spill, “rapid dissolution and low bioaccumulation [of ethanol] reduce long-term environmental persistence compared to conventional oil spills.”
• Abundant supply: “The United States has about two billion gallons per year of idled production capacity (nearly six million mt).”
• Energy density: “Ethanol has approximately 35% higher energy content than methanol…”

The report also identifies marine shipping as a potentially significant market for ethanol producers, estimating that the currently operating methanol dual-fuel fleet alone could consume roughly two billion gallons of ethanol annually under high-substitution scenarios.

NLR prepared the report with support from Growth Energy and USGBC. Read the full report here.

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today after it voted to approve regulations that will allow the state to give its residents access to E15, a 15% ethanol-blended fuel that sells for $0.30 per gallon less on average compared to regular fuel.

“California drivers need relief at the pump and E15 is the easiest way to deliver. With this vote, CARB has cleared the way for consumers to get access to this more affordable fuel option,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “E15 saves consumers money and can be used in the vast majority of vehicles on the road, all while simultaneously lowering emissions.  We commend Chair Lauren Sanchez and the entire board for taking action on behalf of drivers looking for lower prices at the pump. As we’ve said before, our industry is eager to help get E15 into the market and we look forward to continuing our partnership with state regulators and retailers to make this happen as soon as possible.”

The vote comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature of SB 795, a bill that directs the state fire marshal to finalize the rules necessary to increase retail access to E15 in the state. CARB’s approval of these regulations is the culmination of years of collaboration between the agency and the ethanol industry, working through the multimedia evaluation process, which included rigorous testing to demonstrate E15’s environmental benefits. The final steps of this rulemaking were mandated and funded by the 2025-26 state budget.

Before the vote, Growth Energy Director of State Government Affair Dallas Gerber delivered remarks urging the Board to adopt permanent E15 approval. Read his testimony as prepared for delivery here.

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Each year, Growth Energy recognizes the leading congressional staffers who have gone above and beyond to assist and actively engage with the Growth Energy team and our members on a variety of issues that impact the biofuels industry. Growth Energy proudly announced this year’s winners of the Outstanding Congressional Staff awards at the 2026 Growth Energy Biofuels Summit (GEBS) this September.

“It is hard to overstate the value of working and partnering with competent, thoughtful, assertive, responsive congressional staff,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “They are the best of the best congressional staffers on Capitol Hill when it comes to biofuels, and today we are proud to recognize all their hard work over the past year.”

Learn more about this year’s winners below.

Winner – Lacy Pitts, Agriculture Policy Advisor to Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.)

Lacy Pitts is the Agriculture Policy Advisor to Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology. She is proud to work on one of the most exciting policy areas in town and deliver agriculture market value back to Kansas farmers and rural communities alongside the Senator. Lacy grew up on a farm in south central Kansas and received her degree in Agriculture Economics from Kansas State University.

Winner – Heath Brandt, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa)

Heath Brandt serves as Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Randy Feenstra from Iowa’s 4^th District, covering the representative’s work on the House Agriculture Committee and House Ways and Means Committee. His previous experience includes Torrey Advisory Group, a multi-client lobbying firm specializing in food and agriculture. A Missouri native with deep roots in agriculture, Heath grew up managing his family’s equine boarding and training facility and working for a purebred angus seedstock operation. Heath is a graduate of the University of Missouri where he studied Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Economics.

Winner – Mikayla Bodey, Policy Director to Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

Mikayla Bodey serves as the Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry under Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Prior to serving under the senator, Mikayla led the committee’s work on energy and rural economic development issues for former Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and has also worked for the offices of Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02) and former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). Mikayla is from Champaign County, Ohio where she grew up on her family farm, and is a graduate of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, where she holds a degree in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy.

Winner – Eric Dunay, Legislative Director for Representative Sharice Davids (D-Kan.)

Eric Dunay is a Legislative Director for Rep. Sharice Davids from Kansas’ 3^rd District, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. For the past five years, he has advised Rep. Davids on a variety of policies including biofuels and energy and assisted with her introduction of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Eric is a graduate of Syracuse University and before joining Rep. Davids’ team, worked on various political campaigns and with two other Democratic offices.

Congratulations to all of our Outstanding Congressional Staff award winners! Thank you for all your hard work, leadership, and partnership over the years.

The post Meet the 2026 Outstanding Congressional Staff Award Winners appeared first on Growth Energy.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature today on Senate Bill 795 (the “California E15 bill”). The legislation orders the state fire marshal’s office to implement regulations that ultimately will give Californians access to E15, a more affordable fuel option made with 15% ethanol that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average and can be used in 96% of all light-duty vehicles on the road today. 

“E15 saves consumers money and California is home to some of the nation’s highest gas prices. This step is a big win for drivers in the Golden State,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With SB 795 now signed into law, Californians are a huge step closer to more affordable fuel options. We thank Governor Newsom for his leadership and support, which were vital to this effort to clear the final regulatory hurdles that were restricting Californians’ access to this lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel choice. 

“Our industry is eager to help drivers access E15 and its benefits. We look forward to working with state regulators and retailers around the state to make this happen as quickly as possible,” she added. 

SB 795 passed the California legislature earlier this year. Specifically, the California E15 bill instructs the state fire marshal’s office to finalize the rules necessary to fully implement Assembly Bill 30 (AB 30). AB 30 unanimously passed the state legislature last year and legalized the sale of E15 in California until the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes a permanent regulation for E15 approval. CARB was directed to complete this permanent regulation in the 2025-2026 state budget. CARB is expected to vote on this regulation during their September 24 board meeting.  

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded today’s vote to advance legislation that will permanently allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a 15% ethanol blend that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average compared to regular fuel. The E15 fix, which is part of the larger Farm Bill, now moves to the full Senate. 

“Consumers deserve lower-cost fuel options and farmers deserve reliable markets,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Year-round E15 delivers on both fronts, and we’re grateful to our bipartisan Senate champions for making E15 an urgent priority. 

“Now is the time for Congress to prioritize U.S. drivers over those who simply oppose lower-cost options at the pump. We look forward to working with leaders in both the House and Senate to finally put commonsense, bipartisan legislation on the President’s desk.” 

With this provision, drivers would have access to E15’s significant savings all year long. E15 has already been approved for use in all cars made in 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today—and is currently available at more than 5,100 gas stations in 35 states. It has remained on the market each summer since 2019, thanks to a series of regulatory and short-term measures, but only a permanent fix will offer the certainty needed to quickly expand consumer access. Legislation allowing year-round E15 already passed the House this May. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of USDA’s American Biofuels Trade Outlook while delivering remarks as a featured speaker at Growth Energy’s annual Biofuels Summit (GEBS) on Tuesday. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“America is the world’s leading producer and exporter of ethanol, and we’re on track for another record-setting year. Those exports fuel America’s rural economy and represent one of the best tools this administration has for narrowing the trade deficit,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful that Secretary Rollins took the opportunity during her remarks yesterday at the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit to announce USDA’s Biofuels Trade Outlook, and we believe this report is a useful tool for biofuel producers to better understand the market, identify new opportunities, and ultimately drive new business.

“Our success depends on the strong support of the Trump Administration and leaders like Secretary Rollins, who have consistently worked with Growth Energy members to break down trade barriers and create new markets that drive growth and create jobs for the farm economy. We look forward to continuing to work with her team to continue expanding America’s agricultural exports.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed more than 125 biofuel and farm voices from 19 states to Washington, D.C. this week for the 17th annual Growth Energy Biofuels Summit (GEBS), the industry’s premier advocacy event. The Summit kicks off today and will continue through Thursday.

This year’s Summit comes at a pivotal moment for American biofuels. Following historic progress on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, expanded trade opportunities, and bipartisan House passage of legislation allowing the nationwide, year-round sale of E15, attendees will call on lawmakers to finish the year strong on policies that lower fuel costs, strengthen the farm economy, drive American innovation, and expand markets for U.S. biofuels. The Summit will feature remarks from leading biofuel champions:

• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins 

• Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) 

• Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio)  

• Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.)  

“We aren’t just relevant to this moment—we are uniquely positioned to offer solutions to the greatest challenges facing our country,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor in her keynote remarks. “No other industry does what we do: reduce gas prices, unlock billions of dollars of investment to strengthen the rural economy, drive innovation to expand the bioeconomy, and harness America’s homegrown fuel to shape the global marketplace.”

In her address, Skor highlighted the industry’s top policy priorities, with an urgent focus on securing Senate passage of year-round E15. She also called on policymakers to protect and build on recent progress under the RFS, maximize the 45Z clean fuel production credit’s impact across rural America, and continue opening new global markets for American ethanol.

On securing year-round E15:

“Americans don’t need lower fuel prices someday; they need them now. The farm economy doesn’t need support someday; it needs it now. So, our nation doesn’t need year-round E15 sometime in the distant future. We need it now. We have waited long enough.” 

On protecting the RFS:

“The administration did the right thing, and we cannot let anyone talk them into backing away from the promise they made to rural America.”

On unlocking the full potential of 45Z:

“At long last, the credit is fully connected to the farm — to real on-farm practices. Now, our goal is to protect our gains as Treasury finalizes additional rules covering issues beyond the farm. 

On expanding global markets for American ethanol:

“On trade, our message is to keep building markets. This administration is focused on bilateral trade, closing the deficit country by country. Ethanol is one of the best tools they have — because it is one of the few commodities where a new market can mean hundreds of millions of dollars of new exports.

Against the backdrop of the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit, Growth Energy also launched a fresh campaign designed to rally support for Senate action on year-round E15, including television advertising and an installation on the National Mall highlighting local fuel savings offered by the higher ethanol blend. Learn more here.

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Launch includes grassroots outreach, advertising, and an installation on the National Mall that showcases E15 cost savings in the 35 states where the fuel is available

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, relaunched its “E15 Now” campaign pressing for Senate action on a nationwide, permanent legislative fix to allow the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol fuel blend that costs $0.30 less per gallon on average than regular fuel and that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.

“Permanent year-round E15 can deliver proven relief at the pump at a time when Americans need it most,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Our new campaign will ensure leaders in the Beltway witness the real-world savings that year-round access could unlock for more families across the country. The House has already approved a fix, and the Senate must not miss this opportunity to give consumers greater access to a lower-cost fuel option.”

Highlights of the campaign include a new TV ad featuring a working mother of two who explains how E15 delivers “lower costs and a little more breathing room” for American families. The ad will appear in D.C. on digital and streaming platforms through the end of the month.

Growth Energy has also created an installation on the National Mall that invites consumers, tourists, and policymakers to learn how they can save money with E15. Visitors will find a 20-foot wall of coins—one for each of the 35 states where E15 is sold—that offers a snapshot of fuel savings drivers across the country can access by filling up with E15. Learn more at growthenergy.org/e15savings.

Advertising will be running on Capitol Hill during this week’s Growth Energy Biofuels Summit, the premier advocacy conference for the American ethanol industry. During the event, biofuel and farm voices from across the country will meet with hundreds of lawmakers and reinforce how this simple policy change could expand markets for American farmers and increase consumer access to a more affordable, cleaner-burning fuel option.

The post Growth Energy Pushes Fuel Savings with Latest “E15 Now” Campaign  appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the guidance it released today in conjunction with the related 45Z CF GREET Model update that clears a path for farmers and biofuel producers to further enhance the value of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. 

Specifically, the guidance stipulates that qualifying low-carbon agricultural practices consistent with the technical guidelines released earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be used in the calculation of the 45Z credit. The guidance also provides transition rules for applying changes made to 45Z by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including a requirement that emissions rates exclude emissions attributable to flawed, outdated, and inaccurate indirect land use change (ILUC) calculations. 

“Farmers and biofuel producers asked and the Trump administration has delivered,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The 45Z tax credit is already driving significant investments in rural communities across the U.S., but this guidance is the key to ensuring farmers reap the benefits of the credit. 

“We thank USDA, DOE, and the Treasury Department for decisively tying qualifying farm practices to 45Z and providing important clarification on ILUC. We can’t wait to see how this new guidance accelerates the credit’s impact across rural America,” she added.

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the California legislature for passing Senate Bill 795, which directs the state fire marshal’s office to implement regulations that give California drivers access to E15, a more affordable, cleaner burning fuel option that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today.

“This is a great day for drivers in the Golden State. Lawmakers have opened the door for them to access E15, which sells for less and burns cleaner than other fuel options,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Last year, California lawmakers took action against high prices at the pump by unanimously approving AB 30, legalizing E15 in California. Since then, the state has worked through regulatory questions that have been addressed by SB 795. We look forward to working with state regulators and our retail partners to save drivers money by getting E15 into their fuel tanks as quickly as possible.”

Having passed the California legislature, the bill is now on its way to Governor Newsom’s desk for signature. “We thank every legislator who voted for this bill, in particular State Senator Bob Archuleta and Assemblymember David Alvarez, whose support and leadership secured a place for SB 795 in this legislative session,” she added.

The post Growth Energy: California Legislature Clears the Way for E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following response after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to grant 29 small refinery exemptions (SREs) for the 2025 plan year of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), while also pledging to fully account for any lost demand gallons toward the 2026 and 2027 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) by the end of October.

“Our position hasn’t changed—SREs should only be granted when refiners can prove disproportionate economic hardship. It’s difficult to see how these refiners have met this threshold when they’re simultaneously reporting sky-high and, in some cases, record-setting earnings.

“However, we applaud our champions on the Hill for fighting so tirelessly on behalf of homegrown biofuels; their engagement was vital to preserve the promise of the record-setting RVOs finalized earlier this year. And we appreciate the Trump administration’s continued commitment to delivering markets for farmers and biofuel producers. We will work with EPA to fully account for lost biofuel gallons and make producers and farmers whole.”

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LANSING, MICH.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Michigan State House of Representatives today after it voted to advance HB 5359, a bill that includes an incentive for fuel retailers in the state to sell more E15, a 15% ethanol fuel blend that’s more affordable than standard fuel and that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. 

“This E15 incentive would give Michigan drivers greater access to a more affordable fuel option,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With fuel prices still top of mind for consumers, Michigan is just the latest state to take action in order to save constituents money with E15. We welcome this bipartisan effort and urge the state Senate to quickly move it forward. In particular we want to thank bill sponsor Matthew Bierlein (R-97); its cosponsors Jerry Neyer (R-92), Cameron Cavitt (R-106), Gregory Alexander (R-98), Tom Kunse (R-100), and Will Snyder (D-87); and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-42) and Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-24) for their leadership and persistence in getting this bill through the House.” 

Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota have also enacted E15 incentives. Learn more about E15 here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today for issuing a temporary emergency fuel waiver that clears the way for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that costs less than standard fuel and is approved for use in 96% of cars on the road today. 

E15 requires a waiver from the EPA in order to be sold in the summer. The agency has been issuing these emergency waivers consistently since May, and today’s announcement supports continued E15 availability across the U.S. for the remainder of the summer driving season. 

“Today’s announcement aligns with this EPA’s track record of giving retailers the certainty they need to keep E15 on the market all year long,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Now we need Congress to follow suit by passing legislation to permanently allow year-round E15 every year. Retailers, farmers, and drivers shouldn’t have to rely on EPA to provide separate waivers each year in order to have access to this more affordable fuel option. We applaud EPA for taking this initiative, and hope Congress does the same when it returns from recess by getting year-round E15 to the president’s desk.” 

The post Growth Energy: EPA Waiver Secures E15 Sales for the Rest of Summer, Illustrates Need for Year-Round Fix appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision on six small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Specifically, EPA granted one full exemption (100%) and two partial exemptions (50%) for the 2024 compliance year, and then deemed one petition for 2024 and two for 2023 ineligible.

“Small refineries should only be granted exemptions when they can demonstrate that the RFS has caused them true disproportionate economic harm,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We continue to closely evaluate these decisions to ensure they do not undermine investments made in biofuels, agriculture, and our rural economy because of the RFS. Today’s decision highlights the critical importance of SRE reallocation in any future RVOs.”

The post Growth Energy Statement on EPA 2023-2024 SRE Decisions appeared first on Growth Energy.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today for proposing regulations required to fully implement the state legislature’s approval of E15, a fuel made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today. 

The proposed rule would establish the technical standards necessary to bring E15 to California’s fuel pumps, giving drivers access to a cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel option that has saved consumers 30 cents less per gallon on average in other states. 

“CARB’s proposed rulemaking represents a critical step toward getting E15 into the fuel tanks of California drivers, who are looking for ways to save money,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud the agency for maintaining an approach that is consistent with interim rules adopted following passage of AB30 to make E15 available to California drivers.”

California’s approval of E15 in 2025 opened the door for significant economic benefits to the state’s drivers and agricultural economy. With E15 now legal in all 50 states, California’s implementation of the necessary regulations will unlock new markets for American farmers while delivering immediate savings at the pump. 

Skor added: “We thank Governor Newsom, Assembly Members David Alvarez, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Heath Flora, and the California Problem Solvers Caucus who have made lower-cost fuel options a top priority, as well as regulators at CARB. We will continue to work with them to make retailer and consumer access to E15 as easy as possible. We also continue to work closely with the State Fire Marshal’s office to clear the final regulatory barriers to bigger savings at the pump.”

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E15 Saves Consumers Money
Setting the record straight on ethanol’s energy density

Recently, there have been claims that ethanol is more expensive than gasoline because it has a lower energy density. The truth is that ethanol blends like E10 and E15 have almost the same heat energy (measured in BTUs) as non-ethanol gasoline, but they are offered at a much lower retail cost. On a cost per BTU basis, ethanol-blended fuels are less expensive than non-ethanol fuels.

Price of Fuel per million BTUs

This is what “energy density” claims leave out: PRICE. Gasoline may pack slightly more energy per gallon, but ethanol blends cost so much less that drivers get more energy for every dollar spent — savings that show up directly at the pump.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) latest response to Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The decision, which imposes tariffs of 25 percent on most goods from Brazil, followed a year-long investigation into policies that effectively ban American ethanol from Brazil’s market.

“For nearly a decade, Brazil has unfairly blocked U.S. ethanol imports, while their own producers enjoy complete and unfettered access to American markets,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “That imbalance has caused extraordinary harm to U.S. farmers and ethanol producers, and today’s decision marks an important step toward repairing the damage. We aren’t looking for preferential treatment — simply a return to the mutually beneficial trade that once defined the relationship between the world’s largest biofuel producers.”

As Growth Energy has repeatedly emphasized in testimony to USTR, Brazil’s unfair trade practices go beyond tariffs as Brazil has engaged in systematic discrimination against U.S. biofuels under its clean fuel program, RenovaBio, while disguising deforestation by Brazilian producers. Those practices have stoked unfounded claims about land use change attributed to U.S. ethanol — harming U.S. exports to the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union.

“We applaud the Trump administration for standing up against Brazil’s efforts to limit U.S. ethanol’s global eligibility for new uses, such as in the maritime and aviation sectors,” added Skor. “Moving forward, we look forward to working with USTR on additional remedies to create a level playing field for America’s farm exports.”

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