Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted the following letter to the editor in response to a recent WSJ editorial about ethanol and E15.

In a flagrantly misleading May 11 opinion piece, “An Ethanol Extortion Play,” the Wall Street Journal editorial board again makes it clear that it cares more about protecting margins for a few oil refineries than allowing competition at the pump that can protect drivers from volatile global oil prices.

Specifically, the editorial attacks bipartisan efforts in Congress to allow year-round sales of E15. Never mind the fact that E15 reduces emissions that cause smog, or that the U.S. blew past the so-called “blend wall” years ago. Never mind that the vast majority of existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15 the same way it is for E10, or that E15 is approved for 96% of vehicles on the road today. And never mind that the vast majority of the fuel supply chain—including most refiners and fuel retailers—support the bill to lower gas prices.

Ultimately, the most important point here is one the editorial board completely ignores—E15 sells for less and saves consumers money. If Congress finally approves year-round E15, it doesn’t mandate anything. It allows retailers the choice to offer consumers a lower-cost fuel option.

The Wall Street Journal can play games to confuse people, but it can’t argue with the signs in front of any fuel station offering E15 at a steep discount to E10. Congress should remember that when it votes on year-round E15 this week.

The post E15 Sells for Less and Saves Consumers Money: Growth Energy’s Response to Latest WSJ Editorial on Ethanol appeared first on Growth Energy.

Growth Energy honors member excellence across the biofuels sector each year through its prestigious TOBI Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership in political advocacy, technical innovation, corporate and association leadership, communications, and global market development. These awards spotlight the individuals and organizations driving progress and advancing the industry’s impact nationwide and around the globe. Growth Energy is proud to celebrate the 2026 TOBI Award winners at its Executive Leadership Conference, set against the striking desert landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona.

“This year’s winners embody the vision, ingenuity, and determination propelling the biofuels sector forward,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Their leadership is not only strengthening rural economies but also advancing America’s energy security and reinforcing the critical role of bioethanol in our nation’s energy future.”

This year’s award for Membership was presented to Tom Solon. Solon has been a champion of biofuels and a leader across the industry, whether he’s in Washington, D.C. or his home state of Nebraska. Chief Executive Officer of Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland (MAAPW), he plays a critical role in advancing the goals of the industry and strengthening the collective voice and impact of Growth Energy.

The TOBI award for Advocacy was presented to Trevor Reuschel. A leader on Capitol Hill, in agriculture, and the biofuels industry, Reuschel has played a critical role in industry-wide negotiations and federal advocacy. As Vice President of Federal Government Relations for ADM his expertise has helped expand the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, bolster the Renewable Fuel Standard, and advance progress on year-round E15.

The TOBI award for Public Affairs was presented to Bill Couser. Couser has been an effective messenger for the industry, conveying the impact of bioethanol on rural America. As President of Couser Cattle Company, President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation, and Vice President and Secretary of Lincolnway Energy, Couser brings the industry’s gains to life, earning support and winning over new allies along the way.

The 2026 TOBI award for Global Market Development was presented to Doug Berven. Berven has led the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council’s Ethanol Action Team on trade missions across the globe, using his mastery of the bioethanol and agriculture story to communicate the industry’s contributions to the global economy. As Vice President of Corporate Affairs at POET, Berven continues to be one of the industry’s strongest global advocates.

The TOBI award for Technical & Regulatory was presented to Dr. Bob McCormick. Dr. McCormick’s research has amassed over 16,000 citations and has been instrumental in advancing new ethanol markets, from mid-level blends to aviation and marine fuel. As a senior research fellow and platform leader for fuels and combustion research at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Dr. McCormick’s expertise is critical to accelerating bioethanol adoption across all applications.

And finally, the Get Biofuel TOBI award was presented to Jen Franzoni. As the Public Relations Manager – Technology & Innovation at John Deere, Franzoni has been a formidable partner in executing a multi-faceted media effort to showcase renewable fuel’s impact on the ag economy, including during the NASCAR Iowa Corn 350 race weekend. Franzoni’s continued leadership drives a new level of innovation and creativity within the industry.

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