WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor testified today at a virtual hearing hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its 2026-2027 RVO proposal for biofuel blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During the hearing, Skor emphasized that strong Renewable Volume Obligation (RVOs) will play a key role in delivering on President Trump’s vision for U.S. energy dominance and rural prosperity.

“If finalized, these RVOs would unlock investments, create jobs, and support growth in rural America by expanding our country’s renewable fuel production and use,” said Skor. “By setting conventional biofuel blending volumes at 15 billion gallons for two years, this proposal will create the kind of certainty that spurs innovation and truly unleashes American energy dominance. This is the strongest RFS proposal we’ve ever seen, with the highest volumes ever, showing this administration’s commitment to American biofuel producers and the farmers that depend on them.”

Skor also urged EPA to make it clear that small refinery exemptions (SREs) will not be granted recklessly, and that any gallons lost to SREs will be made up in the market.

“Only with these pieces in place can this proposal truly deliver the game-changing impact the president wants it to have, and that the nation’s biofuel producers and rural communities are counting on,” she added.

Click here to read Skor’s full testimony on the 2026-2027 RVO proposal as prepared for delivery. Growth Energy is the nation’s largest biofuel trade association; its members produce more than half of all the ethanol produced in the U.S. each year. Learn more about Growth Energy and its membership here.

About the RFS

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was first enacted in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act. It was then expanded in 2007 with the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act. It sets the number of gallons of renewable fuels (like biofuels) that must be blended into the nation’s total fuel supply each year. The RFS remains one of America’s most successful clean energy policies, reducing carbon emissions, offering consumers more affordable options at the pump, and delivering greater energy security for more than 15 years. Learn more here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association, hailed final passage of the President’s ‘Big Beautiful’ budget reconciliation bill, which includes a 45Z extension to support ethanol and clean fuel production.

“The president wants to go big on American energy dominance, and this legislation delivers,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “An extension of 45Z will unlock billions of dollars in new investments across rural America supporting strong, stable markets for America’s farmers and positioning American biofuel producers to compete in global fuel markets. We applaud our champions in the House and Senate, who fought hard to ensure that U.S. biofuel producers are positioned to deliver more clean energy, hold down fuel costs, and restore industrial might across the heartland.”

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the California state legislature’s approval and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of a budget that included funding for the state’s approval of E15, a cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel blend made with 15% bioethanol that is approved for use in 96% of all cars on the road today.   

The approved California budget sets the state on the course to join the 49 other states that allow the sale of E15. By including this provision in the budget, the California legislature has ensured that the state’s chief air quality regulator—the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—has the funding it needs to finalize approval of E15 and bring Californians closer to getting access to this more affordable fuel option.  

“E15 is both the best, and only fuel option that can help California achieve its goals of lowering emissions while lowering costs for cash-strapped consumers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We commend Governor Newsom and the legislature for taking action on this and moving E15 closer to full approval. We look forward to working with our members and our friends in the fuel retailer community to ensure a robust supply chain that will ultimately provide California drivers with access to the savings at the pump they’ve been waiting for.” 

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WASHINGTON D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, announced that Americans could potentially save more than $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency summer E15 waiver issued earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. If American drivers chose E15 (also sold as Unleaded 88) instead of standard E10 fuel this summer, they could collectively save more than $10.1 billion, according to Growth Energy’s analysis.

“Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer alone, E15 could save consumers $10.1 billion at the pump – that’s money that could go back in the pockets of working families. We should never put those savings on hold. With a temporary waiver in place, it’s time for Congress to finally pass permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.”

The projection reinforces previous findings that underscore E15’s significant cost benefits for American drivers. Growth Energy also calculated savings on a state-by-state basis, where the savings are equally significant. By choosing E15 at the pump instead of E10 over the course of the summer (June 1 through mid-September):

• In Iowa, drivers could potentially save up to $140 million.
• In Nebraska, they could potentially save up to $93 million.
• In Minnesota, they could potentially save up to $252 million.
• In Wisconsin, they could potentially save up to $295 million.
• In Illinois, they could potentially save up to $436 million.

Similar savings could be found across the country, delivering relief for working families while creating jobs and spurring growth in the rural economy.

The EPA has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer. E15/Unleaded 88 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Background

E15—also sold as Unleaded 88—is a fuel blend made with 15% American-made ethanol. It has a lower emissions profile and costs less than E10, the standard fuel in the U.S., made with 10% ethanol.

Research shows that if the country were to make E15 its standard fuel, it would:

• Reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually and save the average American household $168 on motor fuel costs.
• Generate $66.3 billion of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy.
• Support nearly 555,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy, including 188,417 new jobs attributable to E15 replacing E10.
• Put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American households.
• Generate an additional $7 billion in tax revenue for the Federal Treasury and $6 billion for State and local governments.

Learn more about E15 and the summer E15 waiver  here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement in response to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that defended the RFS Set and rejected an attempt by oil industry interests to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a program that requires refiners to include a certain amount of biofuels in the nation’s fuel blend.

“The oil industry’s arguments in this case were fatally flawed—they relied on tenuous legal arguments that ran contrary to the facts and the plain language of the RFS statute. We’re glad the court recognized their claims for what they were and ruled in EPA’s favor. In addition, we are confident that EPA and the Fish and Wildlife Service on remand will provide further explanation of their environmental findings in support of the RFS Set rule.

“The RFS has proven itself time and time again to be one of America’s most-successful clean energy programs. The stronger we can make the RFS, the more it can support American energy dominance, rural economic growth, and greater consumer savings.”

Background

Oil and environmental groups challenged EPA’s RFS Set rule, which established Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2023-2025, on various grounds. In its ruling today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected most of their claims, finding that the oil industry challenges were without merit and remanding the rule back to EPA and the Fish and Wildlife Service to better explain its conclusions while allowing the Set rule to remain in place.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released the following statement after the Supreme Court issued its opinion that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is the proper venue for legal challenges to small refinery exemption (SRE) decisions:

“Today’s decision is a victory for the American biofuels industry and for the rural communities that depend on a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Court agreed with our argument that the D.C. Circuit is the only appropriate venue for litigation on EPA’s SRE decisions. Because the RFS is a national program and SREs have nationwide impacts, any challenges to SRE decisions belong squarely in the D.C. Circuit. Allowing 12 different Circuit Courts to adjudicate SREs would result in a fractured and inconsistent body of law, causing chaos and confusion in the marketplace. The court’s opinion today gives farmers and ethanol producers much greater certainty about SRE litigation under the RFS, which continues to be one of the nation’s most successful clean energy programs.” 

Background 

In March, RFA and Growth Energy presented oral arguments to the Supreme Court on this case, jointly petitioning on EPA’s behalf and urging the court to reject the argument by refineries that would allow them to “forum shop” for more favorable venues to challenge recent SRE denials despite clear direction from Congress that those decisions should be adjudicated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. 

The Supreme Court granted certiorari from an outlier ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which held that challenges to the SRE denials at issue were properly brought before it. Numerous other circuit courts had disagreed, finding instead that the D.C. Circuit is the proper venue for these SRE challenges and creating the “circuit split” on venue that the Supreme Court is resolving here. 

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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 latest renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA’s RVO proposal applies to 2026 and 2027, stipulating that the nation’s refiners must blend 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels into the nation’s fuel blend for each plan year.  

“Today’s proposed RVOs secure an economic lifeline for the nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. EPA’s proposal will unlock investments, create jobs, and support growth in rural America, expanding renewable fuel production and creating the kind of certainty that spurs innovation and truly unleashes American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, discussing the EPA’s RVO proposal. “Although EPA has yet to project future SREs, we expect that it will ensure that any lost gallons from exemptions will be reallocated to ensure that blending obligations are met. President Trump first proposed a way to account for lost gallons in 2019, and maintaining that approach will protect biofuel producers and their farm partners from demand destruction. 

“Only biofuels can unlock the investments and jobs needed to strengthen the rural economy. We applaud President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for keeping their promise to fight for farmers and create opportunities in rural communities that have too often been left behind.” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association praised Governor Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa) for her veto of legislation imposing onerous new regulations on carbon capture investments. The bill, House File 639, would make it nearly impossible to build new carbon storage and transport infrastructure in Iowa, ultimately denying ethanol producers and their farm partners access to new energy markets.  

“We’re deeply grateful to Governor Reynolds for having the conviction to stand up for rural jobs and preserve opportunities for future generations of Iowa farmers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Carbon capture allows farmers and producers to accelerate investment in U.S. energy innovation and tap into growing markets around the world. These projects add value to every bushel of corn and provide a vital lifeline to our farmers in uncertain times. We look forward to working with our elected leaders to find a balanced policy solution that allows our industry to remain competitive and protects the billions of additional dollars these projects could deliver for farmers in Iowa and across the heartland.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed new guidance that the Trump administration released today regarding updates to the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. The updates to the 45ZCF-GREET User Manual make it easier for more biofuel producers to claim the credit and will ultimately drive investment in new energy projects that create jobs and support growth in rural communities.

“By lifting needless restrictions on wet mills and different end uses for captured carbon, the updated user manual ensures that more farmers and biofuel producers will have the freedom and flexibility to invest in U.S. energy dominance while supporting stronger markets for American agriculture,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “In conjunction with an extension of the credit under consideration by lawmakers, this guidance will help restore market certainty and increase American competitiveness in the race for the next generation of liquid fuel solutions. We applaud Energy Secretary Wright for working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to deliver a fairer, more accurate model for calculating incentives that will help drive American energy dominance and spur economic growth.” 

Among other changes, the updates to 45Z: 

• Eliminate prohibitions on wet mills being able to access the 45Z credit; and
• Allow carbon used in enhanced oil recovery to count towards lowering carbon intensity (CI) scores.

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Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after the House passed its budget reconciliation bill:  

“We’re grateful to our champions on Capitol Hill who have worked hard to preserve and extend rural priorities, like the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. This budget reconciliation package would give farmers and ethanol producers the freedom and flexibility to deliver for the American people. It ultimately delivers on the President’s agenda—it’s good for rural communities, good for innovation, good for investment, and good for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We urge the Senate to protect the 45Z tax credit and get this bill onto the President’s desk, so we can unlock billions of dollars of investments in new markets for farmers and U.S. clean energy innovation.” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.— American drivers could collectively save more than $110 million this Memorial Day weekend if they filled up with E15—a more affordable fuel option made with 15% ethanol—instead of ordinary fuel.

That’s according to a new estimate from Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association. Based on AAA’s projected travel data for 2025, Growth Energy’s analysis showed how much money consumers could potentially save over the Memorial Day holiday by selecting E15—also sold as Unleaded 88.

“Once again, E15 is set to provide major savings at the pump for Memorial Day travelers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With nearly 40 million Americans planning to hit the road this weekend, access to lower-cost E15 will make a real difference for hardworking families. Every additional gallon of ethanol that reaches consumers means more American-made energy in the marketplace, lower fuel costs, and a much-needed boost to the farm economy.”

The sale of E15 is restricted over the summer due to outdated federal regulations that were enacted long before this fuel option entered the marketplace. However, this cleaner, more-affordable fuel choice remains available this summer thanks to a temporary waiver issued by the Trump administration as part of an effort to support American energy dominance, increase homegrown fuel supplies, and hold down prices at the pump.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing 98% of all vehicle miles traveled this Memorial Day. Unleaded 88/E15 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Travelers can plan their road trip and locate gas stations selling Unleaded 88 and other higher ethanol blends using the Get Biofuel Fuel Finder.

Background

E15—also sold as Unleaded 88—is a fuel blend made with 15% American-made ethanol. It has a lower emissions profile and costs less than E10, the standard fuel in the U.S., made with 10% ethanol. Research shows that if the country were to make E15 its standard fuel, it would:

• Reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually and save the average American household $168 on motor fuel costs.
• Generate $66.3 billion of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy.
• Support nearly 555,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy, including 188,417 new jobs attributable to E15 replacing E10.
• Put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American households.
• Generate an additional $7 billion in tax revenue for the Federal Treasury and $6 billion for State and local governments.

Learn more here.

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UNL88 is Gaining Quick Traction in the Marketplace.

Today, there are more than 4,300 retail locations in 34 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.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association, welcomed reports that the proposal released today by the House Ways and Means Committee included an extension of the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, an incentive that would spur innovation in American biofuels and unlock billions in new investments across rural America. 

“Pro-growth tax policy can unlock billions of dollars in new investments towards U.S. energy dominance while supporting stronger markets for America’s farmers. The 45Z tax credit is a critical piece of this puzzle, and we’re glad to see that lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee recognize its importance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “By including it in the reconciliation bill, this proposal would give biofuels producers a longer runway to innovate and to make investments in creating new markets for farmers. We’re grateful to the Committee, and to our champions on Capitol Hill who have worked hard to ensure that rural priorities like 45Z are included in any final tax bill. As Congress completes its work on the President’s agenda, we urge our champions to remain focused on ensuring that U.S. farmers and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to invest in long-term growth.”

The 45Z clean fuel production tax credit is intended to incentivize the production of low-carbon fuels in transportation on the ground and in the air. If implemented properly, Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that the credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the national economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on low carbon corn used at a bioethanol plant.  

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the White House and President Trump this morning after his announcement of a UK trade deal that will potentially increase ethanol exports to the United Kingdom. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement in response: 

“In terms of trade with the UK, the American ethanol industry had its best year ever last year of exports valued at over $535 million. This trade agreement puts us on track to set another record, all to the benefit of American farmers, biofuel producers, and UK consumers. We look forward to learning more, and finding new ways to help the UK achieve its economic and environmental goals through the increased use of American biofuels. We commend the President and his team for making this deal and creating new opportunities for American ethanol and rural America.” 

Learn more about the UK trade deal here. Learn more about last year’s record-setting American ethanol export figures here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Trump administration’s decision to grant a summer waiver allowing uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. Action on a nationwide waiver fulfills a key element of President Trump’s executive order directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to “consider issuing emergency fuel waivers to allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline to meet any projected temporary shortfalls in the supply of gasoline across the Nation.”  

“We’re grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to lift a needless barrier standing between the American people and lower-cost E15,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This outcome is also thanks to USDA Secretary Rollins’ support for year-round E15 and homegrown fuels, and the governors, senators, and representatives in both parties whose advocacy for American drivers and farmers helped make this happen.” 

“EPA’s decision is a step toward greater American energy dominance. This will put more American fuel in the marketplace, allow Americans to spend less of their hard earned money at the pump this summer, give fuel retailers the clarity and certainty they need and protect a critical market for American farmers,” Skor continued. “With a temporary waiver in place, our bipartisan champions in Congress and the White House can focus on passing permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.” 

About E15  

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 4,100 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.  

Nationwide access to E15 would save consumers $20.6 billion in annual fuel costs, put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American families, and generate $66.3 billion for the U.S. GDP. Learn more about E15 and the emergency waiver here.  

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, called on California to embrace renewable fuels in comments submitted this week to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). 

The comment came in response to CARB’s Third 15-Day Changes to the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Amendments. CARB approved these amendments in November, but the state’s Office of Administrative Law (OAL) rejected them for lacking clarity and following incorrect procedures, thereby requiring CARB to revise and resubmit the amendments. Growth Energy’s comment responds to those revised amendments. 

“Biofuels like ethanol have long been the backbone of the California LCFS and have contributed to the success of the program. Despite OAL’s rejection of the proposed amendments for their lack of clarity, CARB’s revisions fall short by failing to add any meaningful details to the amendments’ sustainability provisions,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “CARB’s proposal still undermines the important role that crop-based renewable fuels must play in decarbonizing the transportation sector in California. Not only do these amendments run counter to the state’s own environmental agenda, they undercut California’s leadership in spurring renewable energy production across the U.S. and giving consumers access to more affordable fueling options. We urge CARB to embrace renewable fuels, rather than keeping them on the sidelines to the detriment of both American farmers and California consumers.” 

Read Growth Energy’s full comment as submitted here. 

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, celebrated new annual data from the California Air Resources Board that showed strong, sustained statewide demand for E85 in 2024. With 114.7 million gallons of E85 sold in 2024, California has now logged two straight years above 110 million gallons — a mark that had never been achieved prior to 2023. 

“Clearly, the state’s record E85 sales in 2023 weren’t a one-time exception, but the new normal,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “When California drivers get the opportunity to save money at the pump and cut carbon emissions at the same time, they seize it.” 

“This success with E85 further proves it is time for California to embrace E15,” Skor continued. “As Governor Newsom himself stated last fall, E15 is another biofuel blend with ‘massive potential’ for simultaneously ‘lowering gas prices’ and ‘keeping our air clean.’ Californians deserve access to clean, affordable E15 — which their fellow Americans in every other state already enjoy.”  

Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer added: “Across the country, demand for E15 has been skyrocketing at a record pace, and we’re hopeful California will soon join the ranks.” Growth Energy has worked closely with California retailers to help them offer E85, and the huge volumes show there is no lack of demand for biofuels. We hope 2025 will be the year California allows retailers and customers to access another proven winning blend — E15.” 

Background 

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer — that is, more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California.  

Last summer, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. Nationwide access to E15 would save consumers $20.6 billion in annual fuel costs, put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American families, and generate $66.3 billion for the U.S. GDP. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy and Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) filed a reply brief today in a case challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to reallocate gallons lost due to small refinery exemptions (SREs) granted after renewable volume obligations (RVOs) have been issued under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“Biofuel producers and their farm partners were never meant to bear the burden of billions of gallons of demand potentially lost to past-year SREs that haven’t been properly accounted for,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “All this case is asking EPA to do is honor the spirit of the RFS by ensuring that RVO volumes are met each year, and give rural America an economic boost by allocating lost biofuel blending obligations to oil refiners, where they belong.”

Read the full brief here.

Background

The case in question pertains to the 2020 RVOs, originally published by EPA on February 6, 2020. The RVO was challenged in the D.C. Circuit by several parties soon thereafter. Growth intervened in support of parts of the rule on behalf of EPA and, separately, petitioned the court to challenge EPA’s failure to reallocate gallons lost to past SREs. After the cases were consolidated (Case No. 20-1046), and after initial briefing in late 2020, the court granted motions to stay the consolidated cases pending the Supreme Court’s decision on SRE eligibility in HollyFrontier v. EPA. The case proceeded until December 2021, when EPA issued a new proposed rule for the 2020 RVO as well as 2021-2022 RVOs and sought remand without vacatur of the original 2020 RVO. The court deferred decision on remand and continued to stay the case. EPA’s final 2020-2022 RVOs also failed to reallocate past SREs. The court continued to stay the original 2020 RVO case until after the D.C. Circuit’s opinion on new cases challenging the new 2020-2022 RVOs. The D.C. Circuit upheld the new 2020-2022 RVOs on May 14, 2024 (Case No. 22-1210), after which time the court lifted the stay on the original 2020 RVO challenge and set a briefing schedule.

After today’s reply brief, the court’s next step will be to set a schedule for oral argument in the coming weeks or months.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, called on the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to swiftly finalize guidance for the implementation of the 45Z clean fuels credit. In a letter submitted in response to IRS notices 2025-10 and 2025-11, Growth Energy provided a detailed roadmap for changes that would unleash U.S. energy production and unlock investments needed to restore the rural economy.

“The Trump administration has an important opportunity to give farmers and biofuel producers the freedom and flexibility to dominate clean fuel markets around the world and ensure that America wins the global race for the future of the skies,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The previous administration passed on making 45Z an economic engine for rural America, but this U.S. Treasury could unleash billions of dollars of investment in America’s farm economy. We’re grateful to the Trump administration for taking a fresh look at 45Z, and we urge regulators to move quickly to restore our competitive edge across the heartland.”

Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the national economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on corn farmed using regenerative agriculture practices and used at an ethanol plant.

Read Growth Energy’s full comments here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news that Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a 45Z extension bill today that would extend the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit for seven years beyond its current expiration, set for the end of 2027. 

“Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can feel confident investing in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they’ll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Sen. Marshall and Sen. Klobuchar for their leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets.” 

Growth Energy’s own research found that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on corn grown using regenerative agriculture practices and used as feedstock at an ethanol plant. 

According to Sen. Marshall’s press release on the 45Z extension bill, the legislation would also “give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest.”

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