UNL88 is Gaining Quick Traction in the Marketplace.

Today, there are more than 5,200 retail locations in 35 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.

The post UNL88 (E15): Progress Update appeared first on Growth Energy.

E15 Saves Consumers Money
Setting the record straight on ethanol’s energy density

Recently, there have been claims that ethanol is more expensive than gasoline because it has a lower energy density. The truth is that ethanol blends like E10 and E15 have almost the same heat energy (measured in BTUs) as non-ethanol gasoline, but they are offered at a much lower retail cost. On a cost per BTU basis, ethanol-blended fuels are less expensive than non-ethanol fuels.

Price of Fuel per million BTUs

This is what “energy density” claims leave out: PRICE. Gasoline may pack slightly more energy per gallon, but ethanol blends cost so much less that drivers get more energy for every dollar spent — savings that show up directly at the pump.

The post Setting the record straight on ethanol’s energy density appeared first on Growth Energy.

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.

EPA’s June 2025 Set 2 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 generate only 50 percent of the RIN value of domestic biofuels and feedstocks. EPA did not finalize this provision and stated that it needs more time to finalize this part of the rulemaking. EPA also stated that it intends to establish these provisions beginning with the 2028 RVO.

Small Refinery Exemptions

In the Set 2 rule, EPA decided to reallocate 70% of the 2023-2025 RVOs exempted under the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) program to the 2026 and 2027 RVOs. At that time, EPA had not yet issued determinations on 2025 SREs but projected that those exemptions would total approximately 990 million RINs. As a result, the SRE reallocation volumes for 2026 and 2027 were set at approximately 990 million RINs and 1.04 billion RINs, respectively. EPA later announced its decision on the 34 pending SREs from 2025. Eighteen were granted full (100%) exemptions, 11 were granted partial (50%) exemptions, three were denied and two were found ineligible.  In total, EPA is granting 1.76B RINs of relief, exempting 13.38BG of gasoline and diesel.

EPA committed to propose to reallocate 100% of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) before the end of October 2026.

RVO Numbers

Growth Energy’s Ask

We urge the EPA to issue a timely supplemental rulemaking to reallocate the 2025 SREs to preserve the record-setting RVOs finalized by the administration.

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

Reduce Fuel Prices with E15

• Congress should enact legislation to permanently allow year-round sales of E15 (S. 593/H.R. 1346: Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act; Section 12501 of the Agricultural Act of 2026).
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should finalize regulatory action from the first Trump administration that would revise burdensome E15 labeling requirements and conclude that current refueling infrastructure compatible with E10 is compatible with E15.

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

EPA should take the following actions to ensure the integrity of the RFS:

• Prohibit unwarranted or illegal small refinery exemptions (SREs).
• Maintain EPA’s policy that any SREs granted do not come at the expense of overall RVO requirements.
• Approve and complete RFS pathways including those for corn oil from ethanol wet mills, ethanol produced with carbon capture, kernel fiber from grain sorghum, and corn starch alcohol-to-jet fuel.

Win Global Markets with American Ethanol

• Lawmakers should encourage U.S. trade diplomats to finalize the details of key trade frameworks and work to combat unfair trade barriers and tariffs imposed on American ethanol by competitors in Brazil, China, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
• Trade officials should work to open new export opportunities for American ethanol by supporting the adoption of higher blends in Canada, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and across the globe.

Drive American Innovation Through Federal Tax Incentives

Treasury, working with the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA), should keep the current proposed 45Z rulemaking intact, with the following modest changes:

• Include the use of USDA’s feedstock carbon intensity calculator from its Technical Guidelines for the Production of Regenerative Agricultural Biofuel Feedstocks rule as a module to the updated 45ZCF-GREET model to calculate credit value.
• Finish the Provisional Emissions Rate (PER) regulation.
• 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.
• DOE should update the 45ZCF-GREET Model and user manual to include additional feedstocks, including wheat slurry, sorghum oil, sorghum fiber, and proso millet, as well as technologies such as low-carbon natural gas and renewable natural gas.
• Revise DOE’s 45ZCF-GREET User Manual to allow carbon utilization to count as a CI reducing practice.

Unleash American Energy Dominance by Reducing Barriers to Private Investment

• EPA should process Class VI underground injection control well permits within two years of receiving an application.

The post Ethanol Policy Roadmap appeared first on Growth Energy.

Ethanol demand is growing across the globe as countries aim to lower energy costs and achieve emissions targets. In order to ensure American producers can make the most of these opportunities, policymakers must work to end unfair trade practices, increase engagement with global regulatory bodies, and demand accurate assessments of American corn ethanol’s environmental benefits.

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

• Encourage U.S. trade diplomats to continue combating unfair trade and tariff barriers imposed on American ethanol — including by countries that restrict imported fuel ethanol (India), have prohibitive tariffs (Brazil, China, Vietnam), inaccurately restrict corn feedstocks (EU, U.K.), or have origin participation barriers (Canada, Brazil).
• Expand current ethanol blending opportunities (Canada, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia) and open new export opportunities for biofuels across the globe (Mexico).
• Reinforce the importance of strong U.S. government engagement in international organizations to ensure international lifecycle emissions models and sustainability criteria accurately, scientifically, and fairly reflect U.S. ethanol’s improved efficiencies and environmental benefits. Accurate lifecycle emissions modeling is critical for the industry to realize the full potential of the export market as countries and global institutions develop. This will ensure export market potential for U.S. ethanol as countries and global institutions develop aviation and maritime emission reduction programs.

A Focus on sustainability

From decreasing inputs and agricultural land to increasing yields and efficiencies, American ethanol continues to expand its sustainability bona fides. Yet, misinformation and outdated assumptions about corn-derived ethanol persist. Addressing these assumptions in specific markets, such as Mexico and the European Union, is a priority, but there remains a significant opportunity to reframe the sustainability narrative on U.S. agriculture and U.S. ethanol within international organizations and global regulatory bodies.

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 will ensure the U.S. maintains its dominant position as the world’s top biofuel producer, provide new income opportunities for growers in an ailing farm economy, and promote American leadership in liquid fuels for light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, aviation, and marine vessels.

Implemented properly, this pro-growth tax policy will unlock billions of dollars in new investments in U.S. clean energy innovation.

Our Regulatory Asks

Treasury, working with the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA), should keep the current proposed 45Z rulemaking intact, with the following modest changes:

• Include the use of USDA’s feedstock carbon intensity calculator from its Technical Guidelines for the Production of Regenerative Agricultural Biofuel Feedstocks rule as a module to the updated 45ZCF-GREET model to calculate credit value.
• Finish the Provisional Emissions Rate (PER) regulation.
• 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.
• Revise DOE 45ZCF-GREET User Manual to allow carbon utilization to count as a CI reducing practice.
• DOE should update the 45ZCF-GREET Model and user manual to include additional feedstocks, including wheat slurry, sorghum oil, sorghum fiber, and proso millet, as well as technologies such as low-carbon natural gas and renewable natural gas.

Soaring Potential

• With the right rulemaking, the 45Z credit could:
• Add $21 billion to the U.S. economy.
• Support 192,000 new jobs.
• Generate $13.4 billion in household income.

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

With high inflation and volatile gas prices, American drivers are increasingly relying on the fuel savings offered by E15 (UNL88), a fuel containing 15 percent American ethanol. Compared to standard 10 percent blends (E10), E15 saved American drivers an average savings of up to 30¢ per gallon — all while increasing U.S. energy security and supporting economic growth across rural America.

Unfortunately, these cost savings could vanish from many markets as early as May 1 of this year due to outdated federal restrictions on summer sales of higher ethanol blends.

For the last seven years, American drivers have uninterrupted access to E15 year-round based on actions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) declaring a national emergency over energy, which, in Section 2(b) of the EO, orders 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.”

The post Year-Round E15 FAQ appeared first on Growth Energy.

Myth: Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) protect American refineries and keep fuel prices low.

Fact: 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Instead of using the last twenty years to figure out how to comply with federal law, mid-sized refiners have gamed the system and spent millions of dollars in lobbying and legal fees challenging biofuels blending obligations in court and in Congress. Meanwhile, their refining peers invested in renewable fuels blending capacity and those investments have increased American energy security and the overall American fuel supply, lowering costs to consumers. It’s past time that lagging refiners join the rest of the fuel supply chain in diversifying our fuel supply to keep costs low.

Myth: Any attempt to overhaul the SRE framework would raise fuel costs.

Fact: Years of historical data show that gasoline prices most closely track the price of crude oil, not RINs (compliance mechanism under the RFS). Further, gasoline blended with ethanol delivers savings to consumers at the pump. Providing access to E15 (UNL 88) delivers significant cost savings, averaging up to 30¢ in savings per gallon. The easiest way to comply with the RFS is to blend more biofuels like American ethanol.  Reluctant mid-sized refiners have had more than two decades to invest and move towards higher biofuel blends and instead have chosen to game the system and litigate to avoid their legal obligations.

Myth: SRE reform threatens hundreds or thousands of jobs across the U.S. and weakens fuel security.

Fact: EPA analysis has shown time and again that all obligated parties under the RFS, including small refiners, fully recover the costs of RFS compliance through wholesale prices on gasoline and diesel. Even when accounting for RFS compliance, gasoline prices most closely track the price of global crude oil, not RFS compliance (RIN price).

Additionally, when it comes to risk and refiner jobs, the mid-sized refiners that would become ineligible for SREs are part of global conglomerates that each have large market caps in the billions of dollars, with some foreign-owned firms being among the largest companies on the planet. There is nothing “small” about these refiners.

The post SRE Myths: The Case for SRE Reform appeared first on Growth Energy.

Ensure Year-Round Sales of E15

Ethanol-blended fuels save consumers money and burn cleaner than fuels without ethanol. To encourage the use of ethanol-blended fuels, Congress in 1990 created a seasonal waiver from evaporative fuel vapor standards, measured in terms of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), to allow fuel with 10% ethanol (E10) to be sold year-round. However, the waiver Congress granted for E10 predated the introduction of higher ethanol blends like E15. E15 has an even lower RVP than E10, meaning it has lower evaporative emissions than standard E10 fuel. Despite this, E15 is not currently sold in most states during the summer months, except through temporary emergency waivers, because of outdated regulations governing E15.

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).

• The House of Representatives passed legislation on May 13, 2026, to allow for the permanent year-round sale of E15.
• The Senate has included legislation to allow for the year-round sale of E15 in the Agricultural Act of 2026 (Section 12501).

Impact of E15 on Fuel prices

As a result of emergency waivers and other EPA regulatory action, consumers have had year-round access to E15 since 2019. E15 delivers savings of 30 cents per gallon on average, with some locations offering E15 for over $1 per gallon less than E10.

Passing legislation to allow E15 to be sold year-round would save consumers money and increase availability. 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 increase corn demand by 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 model year 2001 and newer cars.
• 2019 EPA extends the seasonal RVP waiver by rule to include E15.
• 2019 AFPM challenges EPA rule.
• 2021 D.C. Circuit ruling vacates EPA’s RVP waiver extension for E15.
• 2022–26 EPA allows for year-round E15 through emergency RVP waivers.
• 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.

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.