On March 27, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” Final Rule, establishing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 at the largest levels in the nation’s history.

The EPA also finalized a 70 percent partial reallocation of the 2023-2025 RVOs waived via the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) program for 2026 and 2027. The SRE reallocation volume for 2026 has been set at approximately 990 million RINs, and for 2027, the SRE reallocation volume has been finalized at 1.04 billion RINs.

EPA’s June 2025 proposal included provisions aimed at boosting domestic biofuel production by limiting the ability of imported fuels and feedstocks to participate in the RFS. Under the proposal, foreign biofuels and feedstocks would only generate 50 percent of the RIN value relative to domestic biofuels and feedstocks. EPA did not finalize this provision and cited that it needs more time to establish this piece of the rulemaking. EPA intends to establish these provisions beginning in the 2028 compliance period.

RVO Numbers

Thank you!

We extend gratitude to the Trump administration and Congress for supporting the delivery of the strongest RVOs in the history of the RFS program.

The post RFS Set 2: A Key Component of American Energy Dominance appeared first on Growth Energy.

Fair trade policies and increased incorporation in U.S. international energy engagements will grow American agriculture and give American ethanol producers greater access to global markets. Current trade negotiations could eliminate unfair trade practices and build upon U.S. ethanol’s robust trade surplus.

Resolving tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, including inaccurate carbon intensity scores, will help U.S. exporters satisfy growing ethanol demand across the globe.

Overview

The U.S. ethanol industry exported a record 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol in 2025 — valued at $4.8 billion. Those exported gallons were made with more than 754 million bushels of U.S. corn — valued at more than $3 billion. U.S. ethanol also produces valuable co-products, including nutrient-rich animal feed known as dried distillers’ grains (DDGs). In 2025, the U.S. ethanol industry exported 11.6 million metric tons of DDGs, valued at $2.8 billion.

Our policy asks

• Support and encourage U.S. trade diplomats to continue to implement newly formed trade agreements, frameworks, purchase agreements, including in the United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia, and Guatemala.
• Encourage U.S. trade diplomats to combat unfair trade barriers and tariffs imposed on American ethanol — including by countries that restrict imported fuel ethanol (India), have prohibitive tariffs (Brazil, China), or inaccurately restrict corn feedstocks (EU, U.K.).
• Expand current ethanol blending opportunities (Canada, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan) and open new export opportunities for biofuels across the globe (Mexico).
• Ensure strong U.S. government engagement in international organizations to ensure international lifecycle emissions models accurately, scientifically, and fairly reflect U.S. ethanol’s improved efficiencies and circumstances.  This will ensure export market potential for U.S. ethanol as countries develop aviation and maritime emission reduction programs.

Focus on Brazil and Mexico

In July, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trade practices, including its market access restrictions on U.S. ethanol. Brazil has enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market and can participate in the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard and state-based low carbon fuel programs. Conversely, U.S. ethanol faces an 18 percent tariff in Brazil and no U.S. ethanol producer has been qualified under Brazil’s low carbon fuel program, RenovaBio. Brazil also seeks preferential treatment for their second-crop corn within international organizations while misleading global policymakers about U.S. ethanol.

New leadership in Mexico is reversing earlier disinterest in ethanol blending, which could result in a nearly one-billion-gallon market and make a dent in the U.S. agricultural trade deficit. Shifting Mexico’s fuel policy to support American agriculture will require all-in U.S. government support.

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

The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit 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 biofuel 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 trucks, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and marine vessels.

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

Our Regulatory Asks

Treasury should keep the current proposed 45Z rulemaking intact, with the following modest changes:

• Allow the use of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed farm practices in conjunction with the GREET model’s feedstock carbon intensity calculator to calculate credit value.
• Finish Provisional Emissions Rate (PER) regulation.
• Fix “qualifying sale” regulation to clarify documentation sufficient to establish a “qualified sale” in a manner consistent with the practicalities of the existing fuel distribution market.
• Finalize the addition of ASTM D8651 for undenatured ethanol within the definition of “low-GHG ethanol.”
• Provide additional prevailing wage flexibility.
  • Geographic flexibility for job classifications.
  • Allow yearly (instead of quarterly) compliance.
• Adjust SAF certification process to ease potential administrative bottlenecks and complications.
• Further clarify anti-stacking provision.
• Change 45ZCF-GREET User Manual to allow carbon utilization to count as a CI reducing practice.

Soaring Potential

• With the right policy certainty, the 45Z credit could:
• Add $21 billion to the U.S. economy.
• Support 192,000 new jobs.
• Generate $13.4 billion in household income.
• Provide farmers with a 10% premium price on low-carbon corn used at an ethanol plant.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, today called on lawmakers to act swiftly on E15 following another disappointing farm income forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Rural America is hurting,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “Corn growers were already expecting a net loss of $180 per acre, and this latest USDA report confirms that the broader farm income isn’t faring much better. Our growers don’t want to depend on federal aid for their livelihood — they want strong, stable markets for their crops. That’s exactly what E15 delivers — an immediate source of demand for up to 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn — at no cost to taxpayers. Best of all, it means lower fuel prices for American drivers. Congress simply can’t afford to wait any longer to deliver a permanent fix for E15.”

The post Growth Energy Presses E15 Fix Following USDA Farm Income Forecast appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, today welcomed proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the Section 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. The credit was enhanced and extended by the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) last summer, and Treasury’s proposed rule outlines eligibility requirements for farmers and biofuel producers seeking to expand production of American biofuels.

“American energy dominance runs through America’s heartland,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “A strong, well-implemented 45Z credit can unleash lower-cost fuels, rebuild farm income, and open long-term market opportunities for American manufacturing. We applaud the Department of Treasury and the Trump administration for working to advance this rulemaking to chart a clear path for billions of dollars in new investments in U.S. energy leadership.

“The proposed rule provides much-needed clarity around key issues, including how credits will be calculated and who is eligible. We are encouraged that Treasury’s latest draft reflects Growth Energy’s comments regarding the need to offer greater freedom and flexibility to producers around ‘qualified sale’, production of undenatured ethanol for export, and implementation of provisions from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).

“However, some key questions still remain unresolved. Before the rule is finalized, we urge regulators to swiftly release an updated 45Z-CF GREET model that appropriately reflects the removal of indirect land use change and includes the use of farm practices to count toward carbon reduction goals.

“President Trump knows that American farmers and biofuel producers are ready to put more American-made fuel into the marketplace, hold down energy costs, and secure American energy leadership. Treasury’s proposal is an important step to help to make that vision a reality.”

The post Growth Energy Welcomes 45Z Progress appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a new United States–Guatemala Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. According to United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the agreement will solidify new markets for U.S. exports and strengthen strategic economic ties in the Western Hemisphere. As part of the deal, Guatemala has agreed to transition to E10 ethanol blends for on-road use, and it shall endeavor to purchase at least 50 million gallons of ethanol from the United States annually.

“Every new market is another opportunity to close the gap between supply and demand for our farmers and fuel America’s energy leadership,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Ambassador Greer and the Trump administration for working to ensure that U.S. biofuel exports remain a bright spot for trade — one that supports working-class jobs and strengthens American manufacturing. Exports of 50 million gallons to Guatemala would translate to a market for 17.2 million bushels of U.S. corn, and that number will only grow as more of our trading partners add more lower-cost ethanol to their fuel supplies.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — A broad coalition of trade groups representing ethanol producers, petroleum refiners, farmers, and retailers sent a letter to the co-chairs of the new E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council calling for swift action to deliver lower prices for consumers and a stable, efficient fuels marketplace. The letter outlines recommendations for consensus legislation to permit year-round, nationwide sales of E15 and improve long-term policy certainty across the transportation fuel sector.

“[T]he time window for arriving at a recommended legislative solution is short, with the council expected to submit legislative solutions to the full House by February 15th, only 16 days from today. We applaud this expedited time frame as fuel producers and retailers are making decisions now about product offerings over the next year, farmers are making planting decisions, and a legislative fix is needed as soon as possible to provide fuel producers and retailers with a predictable policy framework as we approach the summer driving season,” the organizations wrote.

To “achieve a solution in short order,” the groups urged lawmakers to build upon H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, that was amended and offered for consideration by Representative Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) last week before the Rules Committee. These include fixing outdated regulations on summer sales of E15 and limiting the marketplace distortions caused by Small Refiner Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“H.R. 1346 has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests, and is the most comprehensive pathway to a legislative solution,” the organizations wrote.

Signatories on the letter included the Agriculture Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Growth Energy, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, NATSO, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, Renewable Fuels Association, and SIGMA.

Full text of the letter can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.

The post Broad Coalition of Farm and Fuel Leaders Rally Behind Immediate E15 Fix appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy today applauded President Trump on his remarks in Iowa, where he reiterated his support for E15, highlighting its vital role in supporting farmers, expanding U.S. exports, and delivering affordable fuel choices for consumers. Most notably, the President reaffirmed his promise to secure year-round access to E15, telling the crowd that House and Senate leadership are “very close to getting it done,” and pledging to sign the bill “without delay.”

“The President has championed E15 from his first term, on the campaign trail, and upon his return to the White House,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. “His remarks today underscore his steadfast support, and we look forward to swift action in Congress and the President signing this when it comes to his desk.”

The White House quickly shared a video clip promoting the President’s remarks, available here.

The post Growth Energy Cheers President Trump’s Push for Year-Round E15 appeared first on Growth Energy.

In 1990, Congress specified that fuel with 10% ethanol (E10) could be sold year-round to encourage the use of ethanol-blended fuels, which save consumers money and burn cleaner than fuels without ethanol. However, the waiver Congress granted for E10 predated the introduction of higher ethanol blends like E15. E15 has an even lower Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) than E10, meaning it has lower evaporative emissions than standard E10 fuel. This means that despite having lower emissions than E10, E15 cannot be sold in most states during the summer months, except through temporary emergency waivers.

Growth Energy’s Ask:

Enact legislation to permanently allow year-round sales of E15  (S.593/H.R.1346: Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act).

Impact of E15 on Fuel prices

As a result of emergency waivers and other EPA regulatory action from 2019-2026, consumers saved up to 30 cents per gallon on average by choosing E15, with some locations offering E15 for over $1 per gallon less than E10.

Passing legislation to allow E15 to be sold year-round would increase availability and save consumers money. If we made E15 the standard fuel in the U.S., we could save $20 billion+ in fuel costs each year.

BENEFITS OF HIGHER BIOFUEL BLENDS

• 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.
• Nationwide adoption of E15 will result in an increase in corn demand of about 2.4 billion bushels per year.
• E15 and higher biofuel blends have lower evaporative emissions than standard vehicle fuels.
• Higher biofuel blends are better for air quality, reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants harmful to human health, like carbon monoxide.
• Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 46% compared to gasoline.
• If the United States transitioned from E10 to E15 nationwide, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 17.62 million tons per year, the equivalent of removing 3.85 million vehicles from the road.

Regulatory & Legal Milestones

• 1990 Congress imposes RVP limits but grants an RVP waiver for E10.
• 2009 E15 waiver filed with EPA.
• 2011 EPA approves E15 for 2001 and newer cars.
• 2019 EPA extends the RVP waiver to include E15.
• 2019 AFPM challenges EPA rule.
• 2021 D.C. Circuit ruling reverses EPA’s waiver extension for E15.
• 2022-26 EPA allows year-round E15 on an emergency basis.
• 2025 State E10 RVP waiver opt-outs take effect in eight Midwestern states.

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

E15 is a Win for American Drivers

Year-round E15 sales would:

• Provide all Americans access to an average fuel savings of up to $.30 per gallon
• Increase corn demand by 2.4 billion bushels
• Support more than 188,000 new full-time jobs

Congress must pass the E15 fix to lower prices, strengthen the economy, and give drivers the options they deserve.

The post Year Round E15: More Savings at the Pump, Growth for America’s Economy appeared first on Growth Energy.

ACT NOW: We need your voice to get E15 year-round

This toolkit is intended to serve as a member resource — whether you’re looking for tactics or language to use during plant tours, local town halls, stakeholder meetings, or media engagements — this document contains everything you need to effectively advocate for permanent, year-round access to E15 in all states. It includes talking points, sample social media content, and background information, to help ensure a consistent and compelling message across all outreach efforts.

On this page

• Key Messaging – Core talking points explaining why year-round E15 matters and what Congress must do.
• Share Your Story Online – Ready-to-use social media posts, graphics, and tips to amplify the call for action.
• Policymaker Engagement – Sample questions, local impact points, and tips for engaging lawmakers in person.
• Plant-Based Advocacy – How to leverage plant tours, grain drop-offs, and on-site moments to advocate for E15.
• Media Opportunities – Support available for op-eds, interviews, and press to expand your reach.

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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.