WASHINGTON, D.C. – Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Aaron Szabo as Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation:  

“We congratulate Assistant Administrator Szabo on his confirmation. We look forward to working with him to build on EPA’s momentum in delivering a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and expanding access to lower-cost fuels like E15,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.  

“Szabo brings more than a decade of public service and regulatory experience to this important role. His leadership will be essential to ensuring homegrown, American biofuels continue to play a central role in improving our nation’s environment while growing the bioeconomy. We are committed to continuing to partner with EPA to secure year-round E15 nationwide, drive investment in rural communities, and promote U.S. energy dominance.”  

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the White House and President Trump today following the announcement of two major trade deals that would open new markets for American biofuels and other agricultural co-products. The trade deal with Indonesia is expected to eliminate up to 99 percent of the tariff barriers on U.S. goods – including the 30 percent tariff currently imposed on U.S. ethanol exports. As part of the deal with Japan, the White House secured a commitment to purchase $8 billion in U.S. agricultural goods, including corn, soybeans, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel. 

“Ethanol exports set a record in 2024, and President Trump’s latest deals will help to ensure that American farmers and biofuel producers continue to benefit from new and growing markets in Asia,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We commend President Trump for following through on his commitment to unleash American energy dominance and tear down unfair barriers to exports from rural America. We also thank the teams at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their tireless work to deliver these trade deals and removing trade barriers for U.S. ethanol.” 

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

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Thank you for the opportunity to provide stakeholder comments on the further development of the greenhouse gas reduction quota as part of Germany’s efforts to implement the recent changes to the European Union (EU)’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) through the Ministerial Draft of Second Act for the Further Development of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota (Entwurf eines zweiten Gesetzes zur Weiterentwicklung der Treibhausgasminderungs) dated 19 June 2025.

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. Growth Energy is the largest association of bioethanol producers in the United States, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce 9.5 billion gallons of low-carbon, renewable fuel; 130 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of bioethanol supporters around the country. Growth Energy represents the leading exporters in the bioethanol industry, helping to support nearly two billion gallons of ethanol exports to over 60 countries around the world.

Bioethanol plays a significant role in sustainably meeting the greenhouse gas reduction goals and use of renewable energy in RED. Biofuels decrease the use of fossil fuels and other harmful fuel additives without sacrificing food and protein requirements. Biofuels provide food and feed supply through their coproducts. Simultaneously, the use of biofuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, enabling compliance with current mandates and reduction requirements while being fully compatible with the current vehicle fleet.

Specific Comments on “Entwurf eines zweiten Gesetzes zur Weiterentwicklung der Treibhausgasminderungs”

Article 3 of the proposed draft bill, change item 7 (reference to paragraph 13(1) of the Federal Immission Control Act/BImCchG) proposes a decrease in the maximum share of food and feed crops that can be used to meet bioenergy commitments. This proposal would decrease the already low amount of 4.4 percent to 3 percent in calendar year 2030.

We respectfully urge the German Ministerial authorities to reconsider this decrease and keep, as a minimum, the existing caps in place. Maintaining at least the 4.4 percent cap already adopted would better position Germany to achieve the greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements set forth in RED. Recognizing the proven climate and sustainability benefits of food and feed based biofuels supports not only the transportation sector, but also other strategic areas such as energy security, economic competitiveness, rural development, and the bioeconomy.

While we recognize the interest in and concern for biofuels policies leading to land use changes served as the justification for this decrease, in the United States this has been widely discussed, investigated and debated and we have confirmed that increased biofuels production has not resulted in cropland expansion nor deforestation. Instead, U.S. bioethanol production from food and feed crops has increased in productivity and sustainable agricultural practices and hefty investment in technology developments have enabled higher output from the current existing land.

Considering the above, our recommendation and request is for Germany to maintain the existing provisions of paragraph 13(1) and refrain from introducing stricter limits and caps on food and feed crops for biofuels use as that would undermine and discard one of the most reliable and proven feedstocks that are currently available for adoption towards greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Alternatively, Germany could exempt U.S. bioethanol from any cap reduction in food and feed crops, as well as any other origins where there is no risk of deforestation.

The U.S. Scenario

The sustainable production and use of value-added agricultural commodities in the United States have supported farmers, revitalized rural communities, created jobs, increased local tax revenue, and generated economic savings for consumers. The establishment of ethanol biorefineries has created a steady and dependable market for grains. This has brought a new generation to farming and rejuvenated communities. Jobs and prospects offered by bioethanol facilities have strengthened agricultural economies, providing many positive influences on rural life.

In the United States, the significant growth of bioethanol production has not resulted in increased cropland area. Simultaneously, inputs into agricultural production have decreased, yields have increased, and efficiencies have been gained during the bioethanol production process that have enabled producers to get more bioethanol from each bushel of corn. Fuel is just one of the many things U.S. biorefineries produce that drives economic activity in rural communities.

The U.S. bioethanol industry continues to innovate and improve its processes to be even more sustainable and productive. Corn bioethanol only requires starch from the kernel, not the protein, fat, fiber, or other micronutrients. Because of this, bioprocessing facilities are able to transform crops and crop byproducts used to produce bioethanol into other in-demand coproducts such as corn oil, high-protein animal feed, food-grade CO2, biopolymers, and other innovative, items that form a part of the bioeconomy.

Without corn bioethanol, the high-protein animal feed in the form of distillers grains would not be produced in the United States. This would result in continued demand for that corn but as a less nutrient-dense feed source compared to distillers grain where the starch has been removed.

Additionally, this would remove the added benefits of bioethanol and other coproducts that have formed an important part of fueling and feeding the U.S. economy in a sustainable way. These coproducts play a vital role in the livestock and food processing sectors, indirectly contributing to the human food supply chain. Rather than diverting food resources, bioethanol production enhances agricultural efficiency by producing fuel and feed from the same crop input. During the U.S. ethanol production process, biogenic carbon is captured for use in food processing, including for use in carbonated beverages. When bioethanol production dropped during the height of COVID in the United States, the food industry experienced significant difficulties in sourcing the food-grade CO2 necessary for their food production.

Blanket restrictions or sought-after prohibitions on biofuels made from food and feed crops lack a precise understanding of our industry. This is a barrier to the circular, regenerative, and competitive bioeconomy that the EU and Germany seek to build through the implementation of RED and other similar policies. That is why we believe it’s necessary to have these discussions about removing the effective prohibition on food and feed crops in aviation and maritime, as well as addressing arbitrary caps for on-road use.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these production innovations and the circular/regenerative realities of the U.S. ethanol industry during future engagements. Such collaboration, we hope, will provide scientific reasoning for why the use of U.S. bioethanol from food and feed crops does not risk the environmentally harmful effects noted in the justification for the proposed reductions.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments as you seek to finalize your implementing acts for RED.

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Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments as part of this independent review of CleanBC’s policies and programs.

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. Growth Energy is the largest association of ethanol producers in the United States, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce 9.5 billion gallons of low-carbon, renewable fuel; 130 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of ethanol supporters around the country. Growth Energy represents the leading exporters in the ethanol industry, helping to support nearly two billion gallons of ethanol exports to over 60 countries around the world. Further, we have a strong history of positive collaboration with the Canadian biofuels industry and promoting our shared North American agricultural goals.

British Columbia (BC) has been a global leader in its efforts to implement the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and achieve a 30 percent reduction in fuel carbon intensity by 2030, relative to 2010 levels. This program has been successful in driving innovation in the production of low emissions biofuels. However, we have concerns that a forthcoming change related to domestic content requirements may undermine this policy—specifically, that the LCFS’ ability to meet its 5 percent renewable fuels requirement and emissions reductions in gasoline will be jeopardized.

In February 2025, BC’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions issued Ministerial Order No. M41. This order notes that effective January 1, 2026, the minimum five percent renewable fuel requirement for gasoline must be met with eligible renewable fuels (i.e. ethanol) produced in Canada.

BC’s low carbon fuel policy provides substantial economic incentives for ethanol producers who supply the required low carbon ethanol into the program. As a result, ethanol facilities, including those in the United States, have made significant financial investments in technologies to lower their carbon intensity level, such as deploying carbon capture utilization and storage technologies, to participate in the LCFS. Ministerial Order No. M41 puts those investments at risk and greatly diminishes the probability of future investments due to lack of financial certainty in the LCFS.

This order was seemingly implemented to address potential concerns in the Canadian biomass-based diesel (BBD) industry resulting from changes in U.S. tax policy for clean fuel production. It is important to note that the ethanol market in both the U.S. and Canada operates very differently in terms of production, feedstock, supply chain, end use, and competition. The BC LCFS and U.S. Clean Fuel Production Credit are both intended to drive reductions in carbon intensity. Rather than restrict U.S. ethanol with domestic content requirements, we urge you to consider additional ways to further incentivize Canadian biofuels. Restrictions such as these could result in higher regulatory compliance costs to BC’s obligated parties and ultimately higher fuel prices for BC consumers.

For these reasons, and others, we respectfully ask that you recommend the reversal of Ministerial Order No. M41, thereby removing the domestic production requirement for eligible renewable fuels in gasoline.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments as part of your review on CleanBC’s policies and programs. Canada, including BC, has been a significant partner and friend to the U.S. ethanol industry. We look forward to discussing how U.S. ethanol, an economically viable and available low-carbon product, can help support BC’s low carbon fuel goals.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.–Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the Trump Administration for nominating Julie Callahan to be the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR’s) next chief agricultural negotiator. 

“The Trump Administration is aiming to rebalance our trade relationships to support American energy dominance and rural economic growth. This effort requires a strong ag negotiator, and Julie Callahan is the perfect fit, given her experience at USTR and her understanding of our industry’s trade goals,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We congratulate her and urge the Senate to approve her nomination right away. We look forward to working with her to build new markets for American farmers and create new opportunities for American ethanol producers.” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trading practices.

“Today’s action by USTR is a sign that the old days of Brazil enjoying unfettered access to the U.S. ethanol market while unfairly putting a tariff on American ethanol imports could soon come to an end. On behalf of U.S. ethanol producers across the heartland, we say it’s about time,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud USTR for taking this concrete step to dig further into Brazil’s unfair treatment of American ethanol and hope that it ultimately leads to a more level playing field for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers.”

Earlier this year Growth Energy urged USTR to take action against Brazil in response to the country’s unfair treatment of American ethanol. Read Growth Energy’s letter here. According to the USTR, a Section 301 investigation “examines whether the acts, policies, or practices [of a foreign government] are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.

The post Growth Energy Statement on USTR’s Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s Unfair Trading Practices appeared first on Growth Energy.

Learn more about bioethanol’s role in reducing emissions, creating jobs, lowering costs, fostering energy independence, and enhancing engine performance.

The post Biofuels: Fast Facts appeared first on Growth Energy.

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

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

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

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

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

About the RFS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

Learn more about E15 and the summer E15 waiver  here.

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

Background 

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

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

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its latest renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA’s RVO proposal applies to 2026 and 2027, stipulating that the nation’s refiners must blend 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels into the nation’s fuel blend for each plan year.  

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

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

The post Growth Energy: EPA’s RVO Proposal Upholds Commitment to Biofuels, Strengthens Rural America appeared first on Growth Energy.

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

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

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

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

Among other changes, the updates to 45Z: 

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

The post Growth Energy: DOE Updates to 45Z Will Create Jobs, Unleash New Investments appeared first on Growth Energy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

Learn more here.

The post Growth Energy: Memorial Day Drivers Could Save Millions with E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

UNL88 is Gaining Quick Traction in the Marketplace.

Today, there are more than 4,300 retail locations in 34 states selling E15 at a price point up to a dollar cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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