WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, congratulated Jamieson Greer today after his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Trade Representative.

“After a record-setting year for ethanol exports, the U.S. biofuels industry is more focused than ever on accelerating growth through international sales,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Accomplishing this goal, however, will require a strong voice to speak on behalf of America’s farmers and biofuel producers when negotiating new trade agreements, expanding export markets, and addressing unfair trade issues facing U.S. ethanol. Mr. Greer is qualified to represent the American ethanol industry and its farm partners on the global stage, and we look forward to working with him and with our champions in Congress to make trade fairer and more beneficial for the rural economy.”

The post Growth Energy Welcomes Jamieson Greer as New USTR appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, was among 11 leading liquid fuels trade groups that sent a letter calling on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to set “robust future renewable fuel volumes for 2026 and beyond.”

“The undersigned organizations represent a diverse group of industries, from petroleum refiners, fuel marketers and retailers, biofuels producers, and agriculture stakeholders,” they wrote. “While our organizations have not always agreed on every detail, we have joined together in recognition of the critical role liquid fuels serve in the American economy, to advance liquid fuels, and ensure consumers have a choice of how they fuel their vehicles.”

Specifically, the letter called for strong, steady volumes for conventional biofuel targets, biomass-based diesel, and advanced fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It also urged EPA to release multi-year standards that will provide greater certainty for market participants.

“This certainty is critical for business planning and compliance, as well as longer term stability to promote capital investment,” they added.

Other signatories on the letter included the Advanced Biofuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, American Soybean Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Association of Truck Stop Owners, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, and the Renewable Fuels Association. Full text of the letter is available here.

The post Growth Energy Joins Diverse Coalition Pushing for Strong RFS appeared first on Growth Energy.

Biofuels Retail Tax Incentive: Support Indiana Agriculture

• Ethanol sales alone accounted for nearly $3 billion annually. The farm gate value of corn
  purchased is nearly $2 billion.
• Indiana ethanol producers create co-products like 3.2 million tons of high-protein animal
  feed, 180 million pounds of industrial corn oil, beverage grade CO2, purified alcohol, hand
  sanitizer and other cleaning agents.
• $1.85B of economic activity in Indiana is supported by biodiesel production.
• Indiana ranks No. 6 in soybean production with nearly 300 million pounds of Indiana’s
  soybean oil going to biodiesel production annually.

The post Indiana: Ethanol Fact Sheet appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, responded today to an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) giving midwestern states the option of delaying the implementation date of their petitions to circumvent outdated regulations and allow for the year-round sale of E15. 

“We applaud EPA for their support of E15 and for working to find a solution that allows each of the eight opt-out states to determine how to handle their own unique fuel market,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We appreciate the leadership of the midwestern governors who initiated the effort to secure permanent access to E15 in their states. At the same time, this announcement only further illustrates the need for a nationwide legislative fix for year-round E15. Now that we have bipartisan bills introduced in both the House and the Senate (H.R. 1346/S. 593), it’s time for Congress to take action to resolve this issue once and for all, and to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land. We look forward to working with Congress and the White House to deliver economic benefits to consumers and rural communities by expanding access to American ethanol.” 

Read the EPA E15 announcement here.

The post Growth Energy Statement on EPA E15 Announcement appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news from President Donald Trump that he would direct his administration to consider potential reciprocation on Brazilian ethanol, in response to trade barriers that effectively ban American ethanol from Brazil’s market.

“While American biofuel producers have been almost entirely blocked off from the Brazilian market, Brazilian producers have enjoyed unfettered access to the U.S. In some cases, certain policies in the U.S. even incentivize the use of imported Brazilian ethanol instead of ethanol produced here in the U.S.,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This runs contrary to putting America first, and is exactly why President Trump is taking steps to address this issue. Thank you, President Trump for taking action and pushing for a level playing field for American ethanol producers.” 

The post Growth Energy Welcomes Presidential Call for Action on Brazilian Trade Barriers appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a bipartisan group of biofuel champions in Congress today for introducing a bill that would allow the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol-blended fuel that costs less than ordinary fuel and supports economic growth in rural America. In response, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following remarks: 

“We applaud Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for leading the charge once again to unlock permanent, nationwide access to E15. Rural families and American consumers at large are lucky to have them in our corner, and we hope this is the bill that finally makes it over the finish line. 

“There’s good reason to be optimistic. Today, we have bipartisan, bicameral support from long-time biofuel champions who are continuing their push to bring consumer savings to drivers, and a President who has already prioritized consumer access to lower-cost fuel with E15. This bill would bring long-overdue certainty to the marketplace, save consumers money, drive growth across the heartland, and reinforce American energy dominance.   

“The American people have waited for too long to get reliable access to a fuel that can lower costs while creating jobs in rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work with our champions in Congress and the White House to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land.” 

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 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 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. 

Nationwide adoption of 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 here. 

About E15 Restrictions and Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP)  

E15 sales are restricted in the summertime in most of the country because of outdated fuel regulations on evaporative emissions that were crafted more than 20 years before EPA approved the use of E15. In an amendment to the Clean Air Act in 1990, Congress specified that fuel with 10% ethanol (E10 or regular) could be sold year-round to encourage the use of bioethanol-blended fuels, which save consumers money and provide significant reductions in tailpipe emissions. 

This Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, however, predated the introduction of higher ethanol blends like E15, which have an even lower RVP. Despite having lower emissions and lower prices than E10, E15 cannot be sold in the majority of states during the summer months without the issuance of emergency waivers by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A year-round E15 bill would correct this regulatory error and give fuel retailers the ability to sell E15 all year long. 

Learn more here. 

The post Growth Energy Statement on Introduction of Year-Round E15 Bill in 119th Congress appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor congratulated President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Brooke Rollins, on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

“USDA Secretary Rollins made it clear during her confirmation hearings that she understands the key role America’s farmers and biofuel producers will play in President Trump’s efforts to restore rural prosperity and unleash U.S. energy dominance,” said Skor. “We look forward to working with her to create jobs, rebuild farm revenues, and ensure that all Americans can save money at the pump by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”

Learn more about how biofuels impact the rural economy here.

The post Growth Energy Welcomes New USDA Chief appeared first on Growth Energy.

Homegrown American ethanol holds down gas prices, strengthens our domestic energy production, brings jobs and prosperity to rural America, and delivers cleaner air.

Below are specific policy priorities that can lead America into a stronger, cleaner, and more prosperous future.

Reduce Fuel Prices with E15

Rebuild the Farm Economy with a Robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),

Drive American Innovation Through Federal Tax Incentives

Win in Global Markets with American Ethanol

Unleash American Energy Dominance by Reducing Barriers to Private Investment

The post 2025 Ethanol Policy Roadmap appeared first on Growth Energy.

With fair access to foreign markets and increased emphasis in U.S. international energy engagements, American producers will dominate the global bioeconomy and expand the trade surplus of U.S. ethanol.

However, tariffs, technical trade barriers, and inaccurate carbon intensity scores pose challenges to U.S. exporters looking to satisfy growing biofuel demand across the globe. They also disadvantage U.S. farmers by closing off potential markets. This must be addressed.

The post Win Global Markets with American Ethanol appeared first on Growth Energy.

In 1990, Congress specified that fuel with 10 percent ethanol (E10 or regular) could be sold year-round to encourage use of ethanol blended fuels, which provide significant reductions in tailpipe emissions. This Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, however, predated the introduction of higher ethanol blends like E15, which have an even lower RVP. Despite having lower emissions than E10, low cost, low carbon E15 cannot be sold in the majority of states during the summer months, except temporarily through emergency waivers.

The post Ensuring Year-Round Sales of E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

The Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, or 45Z, provides a tax credit for low emissions fuels that have a carbon intensity (CI) score below a baseline level (50 kgCO2e/MMBTU). This incentive is critical to ensure we maintain our dominant position as the world’s top biofuels producer, provide new income opportunities for growers in an ailing farm economy, and ensure U.S. leadership in liquid fuels for light-duty vehicles, heavy duty shipping, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and marine vessels.

This pro-growth tax policy can unlock billions of dollars in new investments in U.S. clean energy innovation.

The post Drive American Innovation Through Federal Tax Incentives appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the release of data today showing that U.S. exports of ethanol set a new record in 2024. In total, the U.S. exported 1.9 billion gallons of ethanol worth $4.3 billion in 2024, exceeding the previous record for volume set in 2018, and the previous record for value set in 2023. 

“The numbers don’t lie. The world is looking to the U.S. to meet its fuel needs and American producers are delivering in a way that supports economic growth abroad and at home in rural communities across the country,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “As the new Administration puts its new trade priorities into action, we look forward to working with President Trump and his team to ensure that we build on this momentum in a way that continues to grow the American farm economy through sales of American ethanol abroad.” 

Some highlights from the data include the following: 

• Compared to 2023, total ethanol export volume increased by 36% from 1.4 billion gallons to 1.9 billion gallons in 2024.  

• Compared to 2023, total ethanol export value increased by 13% from $3.813 billion (the previous record) to $4.311 billion in 2024. 

• The U.S. ethanol industry had a $3.966 billion trade surplus in 2024. 

• Canada remained our strongest export market for American ethanol by far, representing 35% of all U.S. global sales.  

• Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, India, Colombia, Mexico, and other top markets all had record export years as well, meaning more American ethanol was sold into those countries in 2024 than ever before. 

• The increase in exports to Colombia was driven in-part by the country returning to an E10 (10% ethanol) blending requirement. In March 2021, Colombia decreased its blending requirement from E10 to E4 (4% ethanol), and the level fluctuated over the following three years, before settling on E10 in February 2024. Unfortunately, Colombia continues to impose a countervailing duty on its imports of U.S. ethanol—without that trade barrier, it’s very likely the final export numbers to Colombia would’ve been even higher. 

• Despite 2024’s strong export performance, the industry’s figures could be even higher were it not for still-outstanding global trade impediments that restrict opportunities in places like Brazil, China, and other countries around the world. Growth Energy will continue to work with the new administration to remove these barriers and help continue to drive the farm economy.  

The export numbers can be found here. For more data on the American ethanol industry, click here. 

The post U.S. Ethanol Exports Set New Record in 2024 appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement as the U.S. Senate approved the nomination of former U.S. Rep. Lee M. Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The vote followed a robust dialogue with Senate biofuel champions and an encouraging confirmation hearing, during which Congressman Zeldin committed to implementing President Trump’s pro-biofuel agenda.

“Administrator Zeldin has made it clear that he understands how important American-made biofuels are to President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “He’s also committed to advancing year-round E15 and ensuring that America’s farmers and biofuel producers have the regulatory certainty under the Renewable Fuel Standard to plan and invest in rural growth. We thank Administrator Zeldin for agreeing to work alongside Senator Pete Ricketts and other rural champions on Capitol Hill to deliver a much-needed boost to the farm economy and greater fuel savings for hardworking Americans with homegrown ethanol.”

The post Growth Energy Welcomes New EPA Chief appeared first on Growth Energy.

Chairman Smith,

Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of cleaner-burning, renewable fuel, including five of Kanas’ twelve biorefineries. We also represent 123 businesses—including six associate members in Kansas—associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. Together, we remain committed to bringing better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump to consumers, helping our country diversify our energy portfolio in order to grow more energy jobs, sustaining family farms, and driving down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Today, 98 percent of all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent bioethanol. E15, a fuel containing up to 15 percent bioethanol, is now available at more than 3,700 retail locations in 33 states, and higher bioethanol blends such as E85 are available at nearly 6,000 sites around the country. In Kansas, there are 72 retail locations selling E15 and 90 locations selling E85.

E15 is approved for all 2001 and newer vehicles, more than 96 percent of all light duty vehicles on the road today. Most vehicles require a minimum octane rating of 87. Bioethanol, with an octane rating of 113, helps meet that in modern cars. Bioethanol is a cleaner, renewable, and cost-effective alternative to toxic chemicals like lead and MTBE. Consumers have now driven more than 140 billion miles on E15, and retailers have conducted millions of transactions with this fuel. There have been no adverse reports of fuel quality experienced with E15 since first being approved 13 years ago.

Growth Energy appreciates this opportunity to support House Bill 2012, which would provide an important tax credit for bioethanol fuel blends from 15 to 85 percent. Specifically, this legislation would provide a non-refundable 5 cent per gallon tax credit to fuel retailers for every gallon of higher bioethanol fuel blends sold. This credit is important as retailers in Kansas continue to build out the market and invest in additional infrastructure to offer these higher bioethanol blends.

Bioethanol blends such as E15 and E85 also give consumers more affordable choices at the pump. During the summer of 2023, Kansans saved an average of 11 cents per gallon on E15 compared to E10. Providing a 5 cent per gallon tax credit to incentivize a higher bioethanol blend helps hardworking Kansans save on fuel costs without any impact to the state’s fuel tax revenue.

This credit will also help Kansas bioethanol producers, corn growers and sorghum producers, and livestock farmers. At a time when American farmers are facing a 25% decrease in farm incomes, Kansas corn growers and sorghum producers can benefit from the increased demand for their crop. The tax credit could result in the purchasing of as much as 1.7 million additional bushels of Kansas corn annually to produce an additional 5 million gallons of bioethanol. This increased production in bioethanol also results in the availability of an additional 29 million pounds of nutrient-rich animal feed, an important co-product in the bioethanol production process, for Kansas livestock farmers.

When considering the consumer savings, the benefits to the agriculture and bioethanol industries, and noting no impact on Kansas’ fuel tax revenue, the proposed retail tax credit doesn’t affect the state’s bottom line. Several Midwestern states have successfully implemented similar tax incentives for higher bioethanol blends. As more states consider incentives, Kansas should ensure its product made from Kansas-grown corn and sorghum benefits Kansas drivers.

Given our experience with retailers around the country offering bioethanol blends, we are happy to assist the committee with technical questions as they consider this important legislation. We look forward to working with you to finalize this important benefit for Kansas drivers, fuel retailers and farmers. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

The post Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Kansas E15 Legislation appeared first on Growth Energy.

Chairperson von Gillern,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony for LB 8. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel annually; 123 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters nationwide. Together, we are working to bring consumers better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump, improve air quality, and protect the environment for future generations. We remain committed to helping diversify our country’s energy portfolio, grow more energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Growth Energy strongly advocates for policies supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, which presents an historic opportunity to Nebraska’s farmers and bioethanol producers, including the eight Nebraska biorefineries that are members of Growth Energy, which collectively have a production capacity of 995 million gallons of bioethanol.

In 2021, the United States produced approximately 5 million gallons of SAF but incentives like Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Act can help the ethanol industry occupy up to half of the domestic aviation marketplace. Growth Energy members have committed over 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol capacity to SAF, more than 650 million gallons of SAF. To achieve these goals, getting the policies that will spur this investment right is essential.

Growth Energy supports LB 8, which modifies the $1.50 tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sold or used in Nebraska. The changes made by LB 8 allow Nebraska to become a leader in SAF production and sales. In particular, modifying the credit to remove the $500,000 annual limit the state can approve for the tax credit each fiscal year is important to the growth of Nebraska’s SAF production. Additionally, amending the implementation date for the tax credit ensures the state’s bioethanol producers can fully utilize the credit.

LB 8 represents an opportunity for Nebraska farmers and biofuel producers to benefit from this still nascent market poised to skyrocket in the coming decades. A study conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions concluded that to achieve 100% SAF usage by 2050, 63 new bioethanol plants of 200 million gallons production capacity each will need to be constructed nationwide. That same study suggested Nebraska may need as many as 6 alcohol-to-jet (the process in which bioethanol is converted to sustainable aviation fuel) SAF production facilities based on the state’s corn supply. Nebraska’s status as a leading state for corn and bioethanol production has the potential to be enhanced with the passage of LB 8.

Today, biofuels support more than half a million jobs across the rural bioeconomy. If bioethanol producers take full advantage of SAF opportunities, that number has the potential to double. LB 8 incentivizes the Cornhusker State to embrace SAF production and capitalize on the economic and employment benefits of the growing SAF industry.

We appreciate the opportunity to express our support for LB 8, thank Senator Dungan for introducing the legislation, and respectfully request the committee’s support for the bill. Additionally, we are available to assist the committee with any technical questions.

The post Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Nebraska SAF Tax Credit appeared first on Growth Energy.

Ms. Borchert,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide written comments in response to the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) draft of the Clean Transportation Fuel Program (CTFP) rule. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel; 123 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. Together, we are working to bring better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump to consumers, improve air quality, and protect the environment for future generations. We remain committed to helping our country diversify our energy portfolio in order to grow more green energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

We applaud New Mexico’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the CTFP. Growth Energy has previously provided extensive comments on similar programs in California, Washington, and Oregon, ensuring those states recognize the carbon reduction value of
increased bioethanol use. In California, biofuels have been among the largest contributors to the success of the LCFS program to date and are poised to continue to do so with appropriate updates to the program. Additionally, as mentioned in the June 28, 2024 Advisory Committee meeting, bioethanol has been a significant credit generator in the Oregon and Washington programs. Like those states, we believe the CTFP has the opportunity to utilize biofuels as a means of immediate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in the current light-duty vehicle fleet as future technologies are further developed.

Environmental Benefits of Bioethanol
According to recent data from Environmental Health and Engineering, today’s bioethanol reduces GHG by nearly 50 percent compared to gasoline and can provide even further GHG reductions with additional readily available technologies. The potential for fuels with higher blends of ethanol to reduce GHGs are further illustrated in a national analysis showing more than 146,000 tons in GHG reduction in New Mexico alone if E10 gasoline was replaced with E15. This is the GHG reduction equivalent of removing 32,000 vehicles from New Mexico’s fleet just by using a higher ethanol-blend fuel.

Bioethanol’s other environmental benefits are also noteworthy. As has been researched by the University of California, Riverside and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the use of more bioethanol and bioethanol-blended fuel reduces harmful particulates and air toxics such as carbon monoxide, and benzene.

Use of GREET for Life Cycle Analysis Modeling
We applaud NMED for the use of the Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, with parameters specific to New Mexico, to calculate life-cycle emissions of fuels subject to the CTFS. ANL GREET is the most accurate tool to examine the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of all fuels and considers a wide range of carbon reduction processes and technologies that bioethanol production can utilize. It is the gold standard for measuring the emissions-reducing power of farm-based feedstocks and biofuels and incorporates up-to-date science that more accurately scores lifecycle carbon intensity (CI) for corn bioethanol and other renewable fuels.

Appropriate Land Use Change Penalties
As has been reiterated throughout the Advisory Committee’s public meeting process and in our previous comments, biofuels have been a major driver of GHG reductions in existing fuel standard programs. They have been able to be so despite onerous, and we believe unnecessary, land use change (LUC) penalties for cornstarch bioethanol of varying values, including 19.8 gCO2e/MJ in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This penalty was designed to mitigate purported land use change with respect to cornstarch bioethanol’s production. We believe these scores to be outdated and not based on the most up to date research. A review of more recent science indicates a decreasing trend in land use values with the newer data indicating values closer to 4 gCO2e/MJ.

Concerns over land use change for cornstarch bioethanol are unfounded. The United States is planting grain corn on roughly the same number of acres as it was in 1900. At the same time, the per acre yield has increased more than 600%. We urge NMED to reconsider the application of a 19.8 gCO2e/MJ LUC penalty for cornstarch bioethanol, consider data based on more recent research and apply a LUC penalty that is reflective of that data.

Expanding E15 and Higher Blends
Emissions reductions through the use of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, also come with meaningful consumer cost-savings. During the summer of 2024, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with Unleaded 88 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, Unleaded 88 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Consumers have embraced E15’s reputation as a more environmentally beneficial, more affordable fuel. Since the US EPA approved E15 in 2011, at which time there were zero retailers offering it, its availability rapidly expanded to what is now more than 3,714 retail sites in 33 states. Since then, drivers in America have relied on E15 to drive 140 billion miles.

Clarifying Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Bioethanol producers constantly make improvements to their production process, increasing economic efficiency and more importantly, reducing CI. Among the newest tools bioethanol producers are utilizing to reduce CI is carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS). The latest research conducted by the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) Foundation shows that just the use of CCUS in bioethanol production can reduce its CI by as much as 57%, demonstrating the critical role CCUS plays in bioethanol’s path toward becoming a net-zero fuel. We applaud NMED for recognizing CCUS as a means for carbon reduction, and appreciate the inclusion of CCUS in certain Tier 2 pathways (Tier 1 fuels using innovative methods or a process that cannot be accurately represented using the simplified calculators used to calculate Tier 1 carbon intensities) novel to New Mexico.

However, given the wording of the draft rules, it could be interpreted in such a way that precludes fuels listed as Tier 2 fuels, such as alternative jet fuel, from utilizing CCUS. As alcohol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) becomes more prevalent, SAF producers will rely on bioethanol, a Tier 1 fuel, with CCUS to reduce CI. This leaves the question of whether SAF produced with a bioethanol pathway utilizing CCUS will be approved as a Tier 2 pathway.

We encourage NMED to clarify this provision, an whether innovative methods such as CCUS can be used in other Tier 2 fuels such as alternative jet fuel. CCUS is an important tool for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers to achieve the carbon intensity reduction necessary to meet our nation’s GHG reduction goals in the aviation sector.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices
With the use of the GREET model, we encourage NMED to consider allowing on-farm carbon reduction practices, commonly called climate-smart agriculture (CSA), should also be credited in the CTFS. With GREET’s Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator and the USDA’s database of CSA practices, the carbon reduction values can easily be quantified and verified.

Among these practices are the use of cover crops, low or no-till farming, precision fertilizer application, and the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizer. The previously mentioned EFI Foundation study found that those four CSA practices could result in as much as 59% CI reduction for bioethanol. NMED should ensure the inclusion of CSA practices as allowable CI reduction tools for crop-based biofuels.

Allowing Biofuels Producers to Access Crediting for Low-CI Power
Additionally, we continue to advocate for expanded crediting for low-CI power sourcing for biofuels producers through renewable energy certificates (RECs). In the draft CTFP rules, the ability to utilize RECs in a pathway is limited to certain feedstocks. We believe the ability to credit low-CI power sourcing through power purchase agreements should be available to all feedstocks and pathways.

The aforementioned EFI study indicated the use of carbon-free electricity in the bioethanol production process can reduce its CI by 6% while the use of biomass for combined heat and power (CHP) can reduce its CI by as much as 37%. The EFI study suggests biomass CHP can be implemented with minimal costs and it is ready for widespread adoption in the near term.

With bioethanol production occurring entirely outside of New Mexico, the state has an opportunity to become a national leader by encouraging, via the CTFS, the adoption of low-CI power for bioethanol producers in other jurisdictions. We encourage NMED to consider the ability of all fuel pathways to credit low-CI power sourcing in their CI score.

Other Carbon Reduction Processes and Technologies
Below are additional examples of the wide variety of feedstocks and technologies bioethanol producers have available for CI reduction. We continue to encourage NMED to provide crop-based biofuels the widest set of feasible and ready to adopt opportunities for carbon reduction.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
As producers of one of the most scalable feedstocks for SAF production, we appreciate NMED’s attention to development of this key market and the CTFP’s allowance of SAF to generate credits. We encourage NMED to work with SAF producers, biofuel feedstock producers, and airlines to seek ways to accelerate use of these important fuels to help decarbonize the aviation sector.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the draft CTFP proposal. The CTFS will be a critical tool in New Mexico’s decarbonization efforts, and we look forward to working with NMED to ensure the role of biofuels in making New Mexico’s fuel mix more sustainable and help the state achieve its progressive climate goals through the expanded use of bioethanol. Additionally, we are happy to make ourselves available for any questions NMED may have.

The post Growth Energy Comments on New Mexico Clean Transportation Fuel Program appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, submitted a comment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today in response to EPA’s proposal to partially waive the 2024 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  

The current proposal would delay the compliance deadline and grant a partial waiver to refiners for the 2024 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for cellulosic biofuels, which are biofuels produced from leftover plant parts like stems, leaves and other fibrous material. EPA previously rejected attempts by oil companies to retroactively waive 2023 cellulosic volumes, and in its comment Growth Energy urged EPA to follow that precedent, noting that granting such a waiver would run counter to the market-driving goals of the RFS. 

“Any waiver of 2024 cellulosic volume requirements should not provide precedent for the future of the RFS program or suppress RFS program goals, which are to drive production and innovation of biofuels, including cellulosic biofuels, and not to passively track a biofuels marketplace without them,” said Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley in the comment. “Furthermore, delaying the compliance deadline injects unnecessary uncertainty into the process for bioethanol producers and the entire fuel supply chain.” 

Read the full comment here. Growth Energy General Counsel Joe Kakesh also testified to EPA in December 2024, urging the agency not to undermine the RFS by granting a cellulosic waiver. Read his testimony here. 

The post Growth Energy to EPA: Cellulosic Waiver Runs Counter to RFS Goals appeared first on Growth Energy.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on EPA’s proposal to partially waive the 2024 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Growth Energy is the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. bioethanol plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel, and 123 businesses throughout the value chain.

The RFS continues to be one of our nation’s most successful domestic climate and energy policies. As we have seen in recent years, biofuels remain the single best tool available to shield motorists from volatile global oil prices and rapidly decarbonize the transportation sector. EPA has often implemented RFS regulations to advance these goals. In 2023, for example, EPA finalized the RFS Set rule for 2023, 2024, and 2025 with implied conventional biofuel volumes at 15 billion gallons, advanced volumes that, at the time, reflected growth and innovation in the industry, and with ambitious targets for cellulosic biofuel volumes. EPA has also taken actions to end the abuse of small refinery exemptions and restore integrity to the program. Most relevant here, EPA also appropriately denied a request from oil companies to retroactively waive 2023 cellulosic volume requirements.

EPA’s proposal to partially waive 2024 cellulosic volume requirements is inconsistent with EPA’s denial of the request to partially waive 2023 cellulosic volumes, its recent RFS policies, and with the RFS itself. While 2024 cellulosic volumes may not have achieved RVO targets, many biorefiners have nevertheless been making headway in cellulosic biofuel production, and more cellulosic registrations are being approved by the agency.

In addition, the cellulosic waiver provision is expressly written to allow reduction only in advance of setting the standards, not afterwards, and thus it is not available to EPA under this proposed rule. The RFS statute states that the cellulosic waiver must be applied by “not later than November 30 of the preceding calendar year,” not, as proposed here, in the following year (emphasis added).

Regardless of any claimed authority EPA exercises to partially reduce the 2024 cellulosic volume requirements, EPA must take the amounts and availability of all cellulosic carry forward and carryover RINs into consideration when calculating any reductions, and it should not reduce the requirements below those amounts. In addition, if determining whether to reduce cellulosic volumes pursuant to its general waiver authority, EPA should continue to require a “high degree of confidence” that RFS compliance causes severe harm to the economy as a whole, and not merely to a specific sector. And in accordance with its established policy, EPA should not “credit RIN costs as economic harm to obligated parties” when determining whether to issue a waiver of the 2024 cellulosic volume requirements.

Any waiver of 2024 cellulosic volume requirements should not provide precedent for the future of the RFS program or suppress RFS program goals, which are to drive production and innovation of biofuels, including cellulosic biofuels, and not to passively track a biofuels marketplace without them. Furthermore, delaying the compliance deadline injects unnecessary uncertainty into the process for bioethanol producers and the entire fuel supply chain.
EPA faces other pressing matters related to the RFS program. EPA is already late on its next iteration of volumes under the RFS “Set” rule, in particular 2026 volumes, which EPA was required to have already set by November 1 of last year. Additionally, several other outstanding RFS issues await resolution, including updating lifecycle emissions modeling, clearing the backlog of approvals for renewable fuel pathways, including those for advanced biofuels produced from corn oil at bioethanol wet mills, bioethanol produced using carbon capture technologies, as well as pending registrations for cellulosic biofuels from kernel fiber.

Finally, while not directly related to the RFS and this proposal, EPA must continue its work to broaden the sale of E15, including finalizing its proposal on the use of existing retail infrastructure and simplification of E15 labeling.6
Rather than retroactively reducing cellulosic volumes, EPA should instead propose rulemakings that will tap the full potential of the RFS. America’s biofuel producers and our farm partners are ready to lead the charge on climate and energy solutions, and a firm commitment to growth will offer regulatory certainty and predictability in the years ahead. Thank you for your consideration.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency, which, in Section 2(b), orders 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.”

“President Trump is already taking steps to make E15 available year-round,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Put simply, E15 saves consumers money, drives investment in America’s rural communities, and decreases our dependence on foreign energy resources. We’re glad to see that homegrown biofuels are a part of President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy dominance, and we urge Congress to follow the President’s lead by swiftly approving legislation to permanently allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to make this more-affordable fuel option available to all Americans.”

The full Executive Order can be found here. To learn more, check out Growth Energy’s policy roadmap to revitalize rural America, which includes a call for Congress to restore permanent, unrestricted access to E15 for all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.

The post Growth Energy Welcomes Executive Order Urging EPA Action on E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement on the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and the inauguration of Vice President J.D. Vance:

“Growth Energy congratulates President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as they formally take their oaths of office. 

“President Trump has been a vocal supporter of American agriculture and U.S. ethanol. He campaigned and won on his promise to fight for farmers, expand ethanol production, and export American biofuels around the globe. He has been a long-time advocate for lifting the needless regulations standing between U.S. consumers and lower-cost E15. And he recognizes that American farmers and rural communities are essential to unleashing American energy dominance. 

“With this administration in our corner, America’s ethanol industry stands ready to drive a new wave of energy and job creation across the heartland. We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to deliver on his rural agenda.” 

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