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Growth Energy Applauds Senate Push for Consumer Access to E15

3 April 2025 at 21:24

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a bipartisan letter from 17 U.S. senators urging President Trump to move quickly on 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. Led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the authors noted that preserving access to E15—as outlined in President Trump’s executive order declaring a national energy emergency—will put more American fuel in the marketplace, lower prices at the pump, and protect U.S. farmers.

“Year-round access to E15 can provide American families with immediate relief at the pump, while helping to restore the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “It has saved drivers 10 to 30 cents per gallon over the past few summers, and swift action on a summer waiver will ensure that those savings don’t vanish from the marketplace on June 1. We applaud our champions in the Senate for their ongoing efforts to unleash the full power of American biofuels and provide more certain and reliable markets for U.S. farmers.”

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, 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 here. 

The post Growth Energy Applauds Senate Push for Consumer Access to E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

Growth Energy Applauds Release of USDA Funds to Support Biofuel Infrastructure

31 March 2025 at 16:29

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA would release $537 million of funds obligated under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP)—a program that makes it easier for fuel retailers to offer fuel options made with higher-ethanol blended fuels including E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.

“The release of this [HBIIP] funding will empower retailers to offer more American-made biofuels, which drives demand for ethanol and the corn used to make it,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “More ethanol also means lower fuel costs for consumers, making the release of these funds a huge win for everyone in the biofuels supply chain, from the farm to the fuel tank. We applaud Sec. Rollins and the Trump Administration for their leadership, and for delivering on their promise to support American farmers and biofuel producers. We look forward to seeing how retailers put these funds to good use and will continue to work with the Administration as it aims to drive American energy dominance and rural growth by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”

Sec. Rollins made the announcement while visiting Growth Energy Member Elite Octane’s plant in Atlantic, Iowa. Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer was on-hand with Sec. Rollins at other events throughout the day, along with other key biofuel leaders from Iowa.

Through grant writing for the HBIIP program, per-gallon incentives, and direct financial support, Growth Energy has driven more than $1 billion in investments in new biofuels infrastructure since 2011, the year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Growth Energy’s waiver request that ultimately allowed the sale of E15 in cars made in 2001 or newer.

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.

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Renewable Fuels Groups Argue before the Supreme Court in SRE Venue Case

25 March 2025 at 16:52

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American renewable fuels industry presented oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court today in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) v. Calumet Shreveport Refining, LLC, et al., a case that addresses where challenges to small refinery exemptions (SREs) decisions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) can be brought.

Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) jointly intervened on EPA’s behalf, urging the Court to reject an 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.

“Congress clearly intended to streamline review of SRE decisions to ensure consistency and uniformity for assessing SRE petitions,” said Growth Energy and RFA in a joint statement. “Today, the American biofuels industry came together to argue in front of the nation’s highest court, and to defend farmers and ethanol producers from the oil industry’s attempts to create an inefficient and fractured body of law governing the SRE program.”

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 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 poised to resolve.

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Growth Energy Urges USTR to Change Course on Proposed Shipping Rules

24 March 2025 at 20:50

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today, urging the agency to change course and either revise or remove new recently-proposed rules aimed at combating China’s efforts to dominate global shipping.

In April 2024, USTR began a Section 301 investigation into China’s practices that target the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. USTR ultimately found that China’s efforts to maintain a competitive advantage in these three sectors were “unreasonable” and that they “burden or restrict U.S. commerce.” In response to this finding, USTR proposed new fees that would increase the cost of shipping U.S. goods using Chinese vessels, and impose new restrictions on shipping that would effectively mandate that all U.S. goods be exported on U.S.-flagged, U.S. built vessels, with only limited exceptions.

“The noted fees and costs of compliance with the proposed requirements to use U.S.-flagged and operated vessels will be significant and result in higher, less-competitive prices and decreased demand for U.S. exports while also increasing the price of imported inputs for ethanol’s production. This will upend domestic supply chains while increasing port consolidation, port congestion, costs, other compliance requirements, and clearance time by customs that will add to the burden and cost of producing and exporting U.S. ethanol,” said Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley in submitted comments. “Some of our members are already experiencing reluctance from shippers to enter future transactions without shouldering the risk associated with this proposal. At the same time, other countries are taking actions to ease the cost of trade and expand their ethanol exports—most notably, Brazil is currently seeking a trade agreement with the European Union (EU) that would give their ethanol industry greater, easier access to that market.”

“As a result of the potential harm to the U.S. ethanol industry, we ask for you to remove the proposed fees and restrictions on services,” the comments concluded. “These new requirements would cause a significant upheaval that American producers can ill afford.”

Growth Energy has also signed onto other comments urging USTR to change course, including a coalition letter signed by 317 trade associations submitted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) outlining the damage the proposed fees and restrictions would do to American commerce.

Exports of U.S. ethanol set a record in 2024, shipping 1.9 billion gallons worth $4.3 billion. During the same period the American ethanol industry maintained a $3.9 billion trade surplus.

Read Growth Energy’s full comment here.

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Growth Energy Honors Dan Sanders with the America’s Fuel Award

21 March 2025 at 15:11

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, bestowed its highest honor – the America’s Fuel Award – on Dan Sanders, the immediate past chair and current vice chairman of the Growth Energy Board and the CEO of Front Range Energy. The award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond as a champion for the renewable fuels industry. It was presented at Growth Energy’s 16th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC).

“Dan has been at the forefront of biofuels advocacy and innovation for nearly 20 years,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With his father, he founded Front Range Energy in Windsor, Colorado, expanding the footprint of biofuels into the Rocky Mountains. He also led our industry through a global pandemic, major shifts in federal policy, and key regulatory battles as chairman of Growth Energy. From engaging with lawmakers to recruiting new members, he always shows up, he always makes time—not for recognition, but rather, to do his part for the greater good of the industry.  We are tremendously grateful for his continued leadership.”

Sanders holds a business management degree from Arizona State University and has served on Growth Energy’s board of directors since 2013. Sanders was the second chairman to serve Growth Energy, succeeding founding chairman Jeff Broin in 2019, and serving for four years.

Past winners of America’s Fuel Award include Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (R), former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Raymond E. Defenbaugh, CEO and chairman of Big River Resources LLC in West Burlington, Iowa – along with many others who have made significant contributions to the U.S. bioethanol industry.

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Growth Energy Honors 2025 Top Biofuel Industry Leaders with TOBI Awards

20 March 2025 at 15:56

Each year, the TOBI awards recognize Growth Energy members for their innovation, fortitude, perseverance, and leadership in the biofuels industry. From communication professionals and political advocates to technical experts and corporate leaders, the TOBI awards acknowledge the achievements of members who go the extra mile to drive progress within their organizations and the industry. Growth Energy proudly announced the winners of the 2025 TOBI awards at the 2025 Executive Leadership Conference.  The TOBI Award is named for Johan Tobias Lowitz, a German-Russian chemist who created ethanol in 1796 and is considered the “father of fuel ethanol.”

“Our winners represent the game-changers and playmakers who are moving America’s bioeconomy into the future,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful to have so many all-stars working help our industry revitalize America’s farm economy and secure U.S. energy dominance.”

Learn more about this year’s winners below.

 

Winner, Membership – Brent Hansen, Commercial Accounts Manager at Sukup

This year’s TOBI Award for Membership goes to Brent Hansen. Hansen has been a staunch supporter of the biofuels industry and the rural agriculture economy for over 15 years. As Commercial Accounts Manager at Sukup Manufacturing, he has forged long-time partnerships with biofuel producers addressing their needs for grain storage and handling—including constructing the world’s largest grain bin at Growth Energy’s member plant, Golden Grain Energy.

 

Winner, Advocacy – Trevor Hinz, Director of Industry and Government Relations at ICM, Inc.

This year’s TOBI Award for Advocacy goes to Trevor Hinz. Hinz is among the industry’s strongest champions in Washington, where he helps educate our Congressional champions and other key lawmakers on the industry’s most pressing issues.  He embodies Growth Energy’s thoughtful and strategic approach with policymakers and has been a steady leader at Growth Energy’s fly-ins for almost a decade. Over the years, he has developed solid relationships on Capitol Hill through tactical lobbying, political engagement, and third-party support.

 

Winner, Public Affairs – Rob Walther, Vice President of Federal Affairs at POET

This year’s TOBI Award for Public Affairs goes to Rob Walther. As a valued and trusted partner for the Growth Energy team, Walther has helped expand the industry’s influence and impact through his generous network, helping to engage prominent third parties to lend credibility and expertise on the benefits of biofuels. Last year, he served as a strategic ally in elevating former Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz’s research to promote our industry’s central role in decarbonizing the transportation sector.

 

Winner, Market Development – Sarah Clark, Fuel Category Manager at Casey’s

This year’s TOBI Award for Market Development goes to Sarah Clark. Clark brings a winning combination of professional expertise in the fuel industry and a deep understanding of life on the farm, making her a standout player in the biofuels game. She is a relentless advocate for expanding consumer access to biofuels in the retail space. For years, she’s driven innovation in biofuel sales, spearheading initiatives at Casey’s through grant applications, creative marketing strategies, and the management of complex construction schedules—all while fostering internal support for these efforts.

 

Winner, Global Market Development – Jeremy Mall, Vice President of Business Development at Murex

This year’s TOBI Award for Global Market Development goes to Jeremy Mall. Mall is an all-star in global bioethanol exports, seeking opportunities to help grow markets for the industry around the globe. Whether it is the Canadian Clean Fuel Regulation, the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, or other global opportunities and programs, he has always answered the call to provide timely and insightful market perspective benefitting both Growth Energy and the industry.

 

Winner, Technical Excellence – Jacki Fee, Renewable Fuels Regulatory Advisor at Cargill

This year’s TOBI Award for Technical & Regulatory Affairs goes to Jacki Fee. Fee is a true standout, delivering next-level technical expertise. With more than 30 years at Cargill, she has been an industry cornerstone through her participation at ASTM, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference, and as Chair of the Fuel Ethanol Technical Advisory Group. She has helped to educate lab managers, quality supervisors, and numerous others across the industry.

 

Congratulations to all of our TOBI award winners! Thank you for making such dynamic contributions to Growth Energy and to the biofuels industry as a whole.

The post Growth Energy Honors 2025 Top Biofuel Industry Leaders with TOBI Awards appeared first on Growth Energy.

Skor Calls for Year-Round E15, Strong RFS at 16th Annual Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference

20 March 2025 at 13:38

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed over 400 industry leaders and innovators to Amelia Island, Florida, for the organization’s 16th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC). ELC gathers Growth Energy members from across the country to engage in executive-level educational programming, strategic planning, and networking within the biofuels industry.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the conference with a keynote speech exploring the current political landscape, highlighting policy priorities, and outlining an industry game plan for 2025. “We have the roadmap to a stronger America,” said Skor. “Biofuels deliver for the American people no matter who’s in power.”

One of the industry’s top policy priorities, according to Skor, is securing year-round access to E15, a more affordable fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. In her keynote, Skor was optimistic in her assessment of the industry’s chances for securing a permanent, legislative fix that allows E15 to be sold all year long, without interruption. “We have a President whose base includes rural America, and permanent, national E15 will raise paychecks and farm incomes,” she said. “We have a Congress that campaigned on the cost of living, and higher blends lead to lower fuel costs. We have a coalition that is bigger and broader than it’s ever been, and we are closer to victory than we’ve ever been.”

Skor also highlighted the importance of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reliable access to foreign markets, and updates to the tax code—three policy areas that empower renewable fuel producers to directly support growth in the farm economy.

Aside from the keynote address, the program for this year’s ELC also features more than 20 executive-level educational panels and sessions featuring top-tier speakers from throughout the renewable fuels, retail, public, and agricultural sectors. The event is ongoing in Amelia Island, Fla. Follow along on social using the hashtag #ELC2025.

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John Deere Joins Growth Energy in Commitment to Advancing Renewable Fuels

19 March 2025 at 18:04

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed John Deere as its newest member. A global leader in the production of agricultural, construction, forestry, and turf equipment and solutions, John Deere has helped its customers produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure worldwide for nearly 200 years.

“John Deere is among the world’s most recognizable brands, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our membership network,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “John Deere’s decades of experience providing renewable fuel-compatible solutions to their customers demonstrates their commitment to a vibrant rural economy, and their membership at Growth Energy underscores the strong connection between biofuels and the farm economy. We look forward to leveraging their agricultural expertise as we work to champion policies that advance the biofuel industry and expand the bioeconomy.”

“Renewable fuels like corn ethanol deliver clear benefits by enhancing energy independence, reducing prices at the pump, and lowering emissions, all of which are made possible by our farmer customers,” said Cory Reed, President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division for Production & Precision Agriculture at John Deere. “John Deere has long worked with farmers to advance and promote the use of crop-based renewable fuels, and we’re proud to partner with Growth Energy to continue this critical work through policy advocacy, industry engagement, and public education.”

John Deere joins Growth Energy as a premium associate member, and will also have a non-voting seat on the association’s board of directors. To learn more about Growth Energy’s membership, click here.

ABOUT GROWTH ENERGY

Growth Energy is the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry. Our members operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America’s bioeconomy, delivering a new generation of clean fuel options. For more information, visit us at GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.

ABOUT JOHN DEERE

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere’s role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.

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Growth Energy to USDA: Maximize Flexibility on CSA

17 March 2025 at 12:39

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, presented recommendations on how to improve and implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) interim guidelines on climate-smart, or regenerative, agriculture practices today. The agency is currently reviewing the Interim Rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. 

“This is an important opportunity for USDA to maximize the ability of farmers and U.S. biofuel producers to tap into new markets for clean fuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Strong guidelines will ensure that farmers can get credit for all their work to grow more crops using fewer resources, but we need to give them the flexibility to deploy innovations that make sense for their land and geography. By recognizing the full spectrum of innovations taking place on U.S. farms, and applying those standards to production incentives like 45Z, we can fast-track the production of new fuels made from American-grown feedstocks.” 

Most importantly, Growth Energy called on USDA and the U.S. Treasury to work to include CSA practices as part of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. “Although Section 45Z provides an incentive for reduced CI [carbon intensity] transportation fuel, it completely neglects the important role of CSA practices – and farmers – in reducing CI,” said Growth Energy in its comment. “In doing so it suppresses farmer interest in engaging in those practices and makes it more difficult for biofuel producers to take advantage of the Section 45Z incentive.” 

Additionally, Growth Energy called on USDA “to expand the technical guidelines to recognize a broader collection of CSA practices,” such as manure application and use of green ammonia. The association also urged USDA to streamline traceability requirements and make it easier for growers to quantify the full value of key practices.

Read Growth Energy’s full letter to USDA here.

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U.S. Ethanol Leaders Sign MOU With Largest Petroleum Distributor in Viet Nam

14 March 2025 at 14:53

Yesterday in Washington, D.C., the U.S. ethanol industry – including leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributor in Viet Nam, recognizing the economic, environmental, human health, and energy security benefits of increasing the use of fuel ethanol in transportation fuel mixes.

The MOU will help Petrolimex align its business with the Government of Viet Nam’s recent directive to promote the implementation of greater ethanol usage in the country.

The U.S. ethanol industry leaders said collectively that “This event is a big first step toward building Viet Nam’s capacity to leverage fuel ethanol so the country may take advantage of all the benefits ethanol provides. It promises to deepen our bilateral economic cooperation and trade between our countries. The U.S. ethanol industry is excited to work with the leaders in Viet Nam to bolster Petrolimex’s and Viet Nam’s fuel ethanol supply chain and infrastructure.”

U.S. ethanol industry leaders signing the MOU included USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, and RFA General Counsel and Vice President, Government Affairs Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.

The ceremony also included Vietnamese representatives including the Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien, Petrolimex Vice General Director Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other leaders. Also present were representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Energy.

The MOU follows the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry & Trade in December 2024 signing into law a directive aiming to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The directive outlines steps and measures for industry and government stakeholders to promote fuel ethanol, develop new pricing mechanisms for ethanol blended gasoline, and weigh potential policy actions related to the expanded use of fuel ethanol.

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Growth Energy Welcomes EPA’s Decision to Reconsider Tailpipe Emissions Rule

13 March 2025 at 14:55

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today after the agency announced that it would reconsider its Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, otherwise known as thetailpipe emissions rule. 

“We’re glad to see EPA reconsider this rule, which arbitrarily puts its thumb on the scale for a single vehicle technology instead of embracing homegrown renewable fuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We look forward to working with EPA as they restructure these standards in a way that achieves the agency’s environmental and economic goals by maximizing the use of American biofuels.” 

Growth Energy has previously submitted comments and an amicus brief objecting to the tailpipe emissions rule. As Growth said in the amicus brief, the benefits of biofuels “are readily available right now, all while enhancing energy security and supporting U.S. jobs.”  Growth observed that the rule, in its original form, was “a missed opportunity.”

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Growth Energy Urges USTR to Tear Down U.S. Ethanol Export Barriers

11 March 2025 at 21:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, offered the Trump administration a list of foreign trade barriers that should be targeted for elimination by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Growth Energy shared the information as part of comments filed in response to the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs.

“Ethanol exports set a record in 2024, and we support USTR’s efforts make trade more fair and more beneficial for the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “President Trump’s commitment to an America First trade policy agenda will help bring the economic and environmental benefits of U.S. ethanol to more markets around the world, just as it does here at home.” 

“We are grateful for USTR’s work to date, and have already seen what positive, mutually beneficial exchanges can yield in terms of market access. We look forward to a continuation of these efforts and know that USTR will follow through on its commitment to address unfair trade barriers as this administration works to negotiate new trade agreements that support domestic strength in the rural economy,” added Skor. 

Growth Energy’s comments called for reciprocal tariffs on Brazil, where producers enjoy unfettered access to U.S. markets while Brazil refuses to lift unfair barriers to U.S. biofuels. They also urged USTR to demand China fulfill an unmet commitment to dramatically increase imports of U.S. ethanol and other agricultural commodities. And they called attention to unscientific caps and restrictions on crop-based biofuels for meeting emissions reductions targets in the European Union, United Kingdom, and under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

Read Growth Energy’s full letter to USTR here. 

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Growth Energy Applauds State AG Letter on E15

7 March 2025 at 16:49

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed a new letter from 16 state attorneys generalcalling on Congress to pass legislation allowing the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol-blended fuel that costs less than ordinary fuel and supports economic growth in rural America. 

“We’re grateful to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and her colleagues for leading the charge to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “There’s no reason for delay. President Trump wants E15, and we have bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress to get this over the finish line before the summer driving season. This long-overdue fix will bring certainty to the marketplace, save consumers money, drive rural growth, and reinforce American energy dominance.” 

 

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Growth Energy Submits Testimony in Support of Minnesota’s Biofuel Infrastructure Grants Legislation

3 March 2025 at 16:39

Chairman Anderson,

Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants, including nine in Minnesota, that each year produce 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel; 130 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, grow more green energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Promoting the use of biofuels is an important way Minnesotans can contribute to the state’s carbon reduction goals. Bioethanol emits 46% fewer GHGs compared to gasoline. 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.

We appreciate the unique challenges Minnesota’s retail fuel industry faces when having to replace aging infrastructure. Updating fuel dispensing and storage equipment is not always an easy endeavor. Thankfully, Minnesota has proven itself as a national leader in the promotion and use of biofuels. Since 2021, the state’s Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program has awarded 60 grants to fuel retailers, totaling $9.5 million, to replace infrastructure with equipment capable of storing and dispensing higher bioethanol blends of fuel. The results of these grants have paid off, as recent state data indicates the sale of E15, a fuel containing 15% ethanol also branded as Unleaded 88, hit a record high in 2024.

While these gains are laudable, there is still more to be done. While the Energy Information Administration’s latest data (2022) shows the state’s retail fuel location count for gasoline at 2,064 sites, less than one quarter of them offer Unleaded 88 E15 gasoline according to GetBiofuel.com. Increasing the number of retail fuel locations offering E15 is essential to the state’s climate goals.

Growth Energy offers its support of House File 43, which increases funding for the Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program by $4.5 million for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027. Minnesota is one of only a handful of states that recognizes the biofuels industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Research has shown that Minnesota could reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 330,000 tons by replacing E10 with E15. This is the emissions-reduction equivalent of removing more than 72,000 vehicles from the road, without impacting a single driver.

HF 43 makes substantial investments in those carbon emissions reduction efforts through the state’s retail fuel industry. It also increases stable access to the domestic fuel market for Minnesota’s corn growers, particularly as international markets experience uncertainty and the USDA’s 2024 farm income forecast predicted a 24% drop in farm income.

We appreciate the opportunity to express our support for HF 43, thank Chairman Anderson 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.

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Growth Energy Supports Ohio Ethanol Incentive

26 February 2025 at 16:53

Chairman Creech,

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 Ohio’s seven biorefineries. We also represent 130 businesses and groups, including the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, working with them 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 Ohio, there are currently only 166 retail fuel locations selling E15. Less than two percent of the state’s estimated 8,894 retail fuel locations offer E15. Compare this to Minnesota, with half of Ohio’s population, that has more than 500 retail locations offering E15.

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.

As the Ohio House and Senate work through the state’s biennial budget, Growth Energy encourages the House Agriculture Committee to consider amendments that help provide a temporary boost to Ohio’s corn growers via a five-cent per gallon incentive for retailers to offer and sell fuels with higher blends of ethanol. Implementation of a similar incentive that passed the Ohio House last session will help Ohio corn growers with increased domestic demand for their product as international markets are experiencing continued uncertainty while USDA forecasts a potential 25% decline in farm income.

Previously considered legislation would have resulted in the purchasing of as much as 3.4 million additional bushels of Ohio corn to produce an additional 200 million gallons of E15. Based on 2024 prices, corn sales to bioethanol producers would have increased in the state by more $14 million. This increased production in bioethanol would also result in the availability of an additional 29 million pounds of nutrient-rich animal feed, an important co-product in the bioethanol production process, for Ohio livestock farmers.

A number of Midwestern states have adopted or are considering an incentive for the sale of higher bioethanol blends. A similar five-cent per gallon incentive being considered in Indiana for bioethanol, which when combined with an incentive for biodiesel sales, would add more than $100 million to that state’s GDP annually. When considering the consumer savings and the benefits to both Ohio agriculture and bioethanol producers, a temporary incentive will boost economic activity and benefit the state’s bottom line.

Given our experience with retailers around the country offering bioethanol blends, we are happy to assist the committee with technical questions as it considers initiatives that help strengthen domestic demand for Ohio-raised corn and Ohio-made bioethanol.

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U.S. Ethanol and SAF Leaders React to Court Decision on EU SAF Regulations

27 February 2025 at 16:47

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Leaders of the U.S. ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry today expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s decision by the General Court of the European Union to dismiss a challenge against the ReFuelEU Aviation regulations brought by European biofuel producers. The court ruled that ePURE and Pannonia Bio did not have a legal right to bring the challenge, which asserted the EU’s SAF regulation improperly discriminates against crop-based biofuels.

In May 2024, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and LanzaJet petitioned the court to intervene in support of the European biofuel interests. But because the underlying challenge was dismissed, the objections to the EU regulation raised by the U.S. groups were not considered by the court.

“We are disappointed by the Court’s decision and strongly disagree with its finding that biofuel producers in the EU and United States—who manufacture the renewable fuels that become SAF—are somehow not harmed or affected by the EU’s unfair and unscientific SAF requirements,” the U.S. groups said. “We will continue exploring options with our partners in Europe to address the biased nature and punitive effects of the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.”

By essentially banning crop-based SAF from qualifying, the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation harms ethanol and SAF producers around the world by denying them access to an emerging low-carbon fuel market. And, because commercial aviation is a global marketplace, the EU regulations also have extraterritorial effects on operations outside of Europe.

RFA also petitioned the Court to intervene in a separate challenge brought by EU producers against the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which similarly blocks crop-based biofuels from participating in the EU’s regulatory program to decarbonize maritime fuels. The underlying challenge to the FuelEU Maritime regulation—and RFA’s petition to intervene—were also dismissed by the Court on Tuesday.

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Growth Energy Welcomes Jamieson Greer as New USTR

26 February 2025 at 18:01

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.”

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Growth Energy Joins Diverse Coalition Pushing for Strong RFS

25 February 2025 at 19:27

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.

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Indiana: Ethanol Fact Sheet

24 February 2025 at 23:17

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.

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Growth Energy Statement on EPA E15 Announcement

22 February 2025 at 02:22

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.

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Growth Energy Welcomes Presidential Call for Action on Brazilian Trade Barriers

13 February 2025 at 21:02

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.” 

 

 

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Growth Energy Statement on Introduction of Year-Round E15 Bill in 119th Congress

13 February 2025 at 20:43

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. 

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Growth Energy Welcomes New USDA Chief

13 February 2025 at 17:17

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.

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2025 Ethanol Policy Roadmap

11 February 2025 at 20:15

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

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Win Global Markets with American Ethanol

11 February 2025 at 17:00

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.

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Ensuring Year-Round Sales of E15

11 February 2025 at 17:00

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.

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Drive American Innovation Through Federal Tax Incentives

11 February 2025 at 17:00

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.

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U.S. Ethanol Exports Set New Record in 2024

5 February 2025 at 15:27

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. 

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Growth Energy Welcomes New EPA Chief

29 January 2025 at 21:34

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.”

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Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Kansas E15 Legislation

23 January 2025 at 15:06

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.

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Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Nebraska SAF Tax Credit

22 January 2025 at 22:12

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.

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Growth Energy Comments on New Mexico Clean Transportation Fuel Program

17 January 2025 at 19:09

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.

Growth Energy to EPA: Cellulosic Waiver Runs Counter to RFS Goals

21 January 2025 at 21:51

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. 

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Growth Energy Comment on EPA Proposal to Waive 2024 Cellulosic Biofuel Requirements

21 January 2025 at 21:21

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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Growth Energy Welcomes Executive Order Urging EPA Action on E15

21 January 2025 at 04:07

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.

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Growth Energy Statement on Trump Inauguration

20 January 2025 at 20:17

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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Growth Energy Commends USDA for CSA Rule

15 January 2025 at 18:19

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today for publishing its Interim Rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks (the CSA rule). In response, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“This new CSA rule hits all the right notes and will help set American ethanol up to deliver a more affordable, low carbon, homegrown energy solution to American drivers. Today’s announcement also sets the stage for new economic opportunities in rural America, as it means farmers could get credit for their work to grow more crops using fewer resources. We commend USDA and specifically Secretary Vilsack for building this rule and the agency’s new feedstock carbon intensity calculator in a way that will maximize economic benefits to farmers, putting them in a position to help America’s ethanol industry unleash American energy dominance.  

“We urge the incoming administration to use this new proposal to provide farmers with a new pathway to drive farm income. A strong rural economy depends on a strong American ethanol industry, and vice versa. This rule offers a path forward for all of these stakeholders, and we look forward to working with the Trump administration to make regenerative agriculture a part of their successful efforts to revitalize rural America.”

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Growth Energy Releases Federal Policy Roadmap to Revitalize Rural America and Unleash American Energy Dominance

15 January 2025 at 15:52

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, released a roadmap to revitalize rural America today, identifying specific policy goals and actions the 119th Congress and the incoming Trump administration should take to unleash American energy dominance through the expanded use of homegrown American ethanol, which holds down gas prices, strengthens our domestic energy production, brings jobs and prosperity to rural America, and delivers cleaner air.

“President-elect Trump has made it clear that revitalizing rural America will be a priority for his administration, and biofuels are key to accomplishing that goal,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “From securing year-round E15 for all Americans and spurring new investments in aviation fuel to driving innovation and unleashing American energy dominance in the global market, these policy recommendations align with President-elect Trump’s agenda, and we look forward to working with his administration and with our champions in Congress to bring jobs and prosperity to rural America.”

The four-part roadmap is below.

Rebuild the Farm Economy

Only biofuels can unlock the investments and jobs needed to revitalize rural America. We cannot allow regulatory uncertainty to hold back billions of dollars of investment into rural communities.

  • Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Set timely, ambitious biofuel requirements under the RFS to spur continued growth and investment in rural communities.
  • Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs): Continue to limit SREs and ensure SREs are reallocated to prevent biofuel demand destruction.
  • Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)/Permitting: Meet permitting timelines for carbon sequestration projects and support innovative transportation and storage technology.
  • New Markets: Promote investment in a fast-growing ecosystem of bioproducts, from Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to green chemicals to bio-based solutions for marine and freight transport.

Lower Fuel Costs

E15 reduces fuel prices — but only when federal regulations don’t block consumer access. It’s time to lift the needless regulations standing between U.S. consumers and lower-cost E15, so all Americans can make their own fuel and vehicle choices.

  • E15: Restore permanent, unrestricted access to E15 for all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.
  • Retail Expansion: Promote programs designed to fast track the investments needed to offer better options at the pump.
  • Marketing Barriers: Streamline regulations that impose onerous labeling and underground tank requirements on existing infrastructure.
  • Vehicle/Fuel Standards: Ensure engine performance and fuel standards harness the full power of American bioethanol to reduce tailpipe and carbon emissions.

Drive American Innovation

Pro-growth tax policy can unlock billions of dollars in new investments in U.S. energy innovation. With proper implementation, new tax credits could be the starting pistol to revitalize rural American, support rural communities waiting to access new economic opportunities, and deliver on the promise of climate-smart agriculture.

  • Low-Carbon Solutions: The U.S. Treasury Department must provide clear and timely tax guidance that accurately rewards all available decarbonizing strategies at on the farm and at the biorefinery.
  • Modeling: Ensure fuel standards and tax policy are guided by Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, which is the gold standard for measuring the emissions-reducing power of farm-based feedstocks and biofuels.
  • SAF/Flexibility: Ensure regulations give farmers the flexibility they need to adopt low-carbon strategies that work best for their farm.
  • Clean Fuels Tax Extension: Extend a pro-growth 45Z so biofuel producers and our farm partners have the long-term certainty needed to accelerate innovation in America’s bioeconomy.

Win Global Markets

America is the world’s largest producer and exporter of biofuels. With fair access to foreign markets, American producers will dominate the global bioeconomy.

  • Fair Trade: U.S. trade diplomats must combat unfair trade barriers and tariffs imposed by competitors in Brazil, China, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
  • Expanding Markets: Open new export opportunities for low-carbon biofuels by supporting higher blends in Canada, Japan, India, Mexico, and across the globe.
  • Domestic Feedstocks: Advance fuel policies that do not advantage foreign feedstocks over low-carbon commodities harvested on American farms.

The roadmap to revitalize rural America is available online at growthenergy.org/roadmap. Learn more about Growth Energy’s policy priorities here.

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Growth Energy Commends California Governor for Including E15 in Budget Proposal

10 January 2025 at 15:09

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom for including E15—a higher biofuel blend made with 15% American-made bioethanol—in his recently-released budget proposal.

“E15 would help California accomplish its twin goals of lowering fuel costs while decarbonizing its light-duty vehicle fleet,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We thank Gov. Newsom for his leadership and for including E15 in his budget proposal. We look forward to working with the state to complete the approval process and finally give Californians access to this more affordable engine-smart, earth-kind fuel option, which Americans in other states have already relied on to travel more than 140 billion miles.”

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.

If the United States were to transition from an E10 standard to an E15 standard nationwide, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 17.62 million tons per year (the equivalent of removing approximately 3.85 million vehicles from the road every year). Nationwide adoption of an E15 standard would also save consumers $20.6 billion in annual fuel costs, increase household income by $36.3 billion, and generate $66.3 billion for U.S. GDP.

Learn more about E15 here.

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Growth Energy Statement on 45Z Guidance

10 January 2025 at 19:37

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy—the nation’s largest biofuel trade association—issued the following statement after the U.S. Treasury released its long-awaited 45Z guidance (the Clean Fuel Production Credit).

“This long-overdue guidance is far from complete—it still lacks the critical details that are needed to help ensure that American biofuel producers and their farm partners can lead the world in clean fuel production,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “While we appreciate the work of Secretary Vilsack to champion our issues on behalf of rural America, today’s announcement falls short of providing the information that our industry and its farm partners need, including a model for an expanded number of eligible decarbonization technologies and guidance on climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices.

“We look forward to working with the next Administration to fill in the gaps left by today’s announcement and to ensure this economic opportunity for the struggling farm economy is not left on the table. Demand for low carbon energy will continue to grow with or without us, and we need strong policy support in order to unleash the kind of investments that will position the U.S. for leadership in this market. Today’s guidance does not satisfy that need.”

Learn more about the importance of 45Z guidance and other tax incentives here.

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