WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded today’s vote to advance legislation that will permanently allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a 15% ethanol blend that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average compared to regular fuel. The E15 fix, which is part of the larger Farm Bill, now moves to the full Senate. 

“Consumers deserve lower-cost fuel options and farmers deserve reliable markets,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Year-round E15 delivers on both fronts, and we’re grateful to our bipartisan Senate champions for making E15 an urgent priority. 

“Now is the time for Congress to prioritize U.S. drivers over those who simply oppose lower-cost options at the pump. We look forward to working with leaders in both the House and Senate to finally put commonsense, bipartisan legislation on the President’s desk.” 

With this provision, drivers would have access to E15’s significant savings all year long. E15 has already been approved for use in all cars made in 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today—and is currently available at more than 5,100 gas stations in 35 states. It has remained on the market each summer since 2019, thanks to a series of regulatory and short-term measures, but only a permanent fix will offer the certainty needed to quickly expand consumer access. Legislation allowing year-round E15 already passed the House this May. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of USDA’s American Biofuels Trade Outlook while delivering remarks as a featured speaker at Growth Energy’s annual Biofuels Summit (GEBS) on Tuesday. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“America is the world’s leading producer and exporter of ethanol, and we’re on track for another record-setting year. Those exports fuel America’s rural economy and represent one of the best tools this administration has for narrowing the trade deficit,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful that Secretary Rollins took the opportunity during her remarks yesterday at the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit to announce USDA’s Biofuels Trade Outlook, and we believe this report is a useful tool for biofuel producers to better understand the market, identify new opportunities, and ultimately drive new business.

“Our success depends on the strong support of the Trump Administration and leaders like Secretary Rollins, who have consistently worked with Growth Energy members to break down trade barriers and create new markets that drive growth and create jobs for the farm economy. We look forward to continuing to work with her team to continue expanding America’s agricultural exports.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed more than 125 biofuel and farm voices from 19 states to Washington, D.C. this week for the 17th annual Growth Energy Biofuels Summit (GEBS), the industry’s premier advocacy event. The Summit kicks off today and will continue through Thursday.

This year’s Summit comes at a pivotal moment for American biofuels. Following historic progress on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, expanded trade opportunities, and bipartisan House passage of legislation allowing the nationwide, year-round sale of E15, attendees will call on lawmakers to finish the year strong on policies that lower fuel costs, strengthen the farm economy, drive American innovation, and expand markets for U.S. biofuels. The Summit will feature remarks from leading biofuel champions:

• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins 

• Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) 

• Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio)  

• Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.)  

“We aren’t just relevant to this moment—we are uniquely positioned to offer solutions to the greatest challenges facing our country,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor in her keynote remarks. “No other industry does what we do: reduce gas prices, unlock billions of dollars of investment to strengthen the rural economy, drive innovation to expand the bioeconomy, and harness America’s homegrown fuel to shape the global marketplace.”

In her address, Skor highlighted the industry’s top policy priorities, with an urgent focus on securing Senate passage of year-round E15. She also called on policymakers to protect and build on recent progress under the RFS, maximize the 45Z clean fuel production credit’s impact across rural America, and continue opening new global markets for American ethanol.

On securing year-round E15:

“Americans don’t need lower fuel prices someday; they need them now. The farm economy doesn’t need support someday; it needs it now. So, our nation doesn’t need year-round E15 sometime in the distant future. We need it now. We have waited long enough.” 

On protecting the RFS:

“The administration did the right thing, and we cannot let anyone talk them into backing away from the promise they made to rural America.”

On unlocking the full potential of 45Z:

“At long last, the credit is fully connected to the farm — to real on-farm practices. Now, our goal is to protect our gains as Treasury finalizes additional rules covering issues beyond the farm. 

On expanding global markets for American ethanol:

“On trade, our message is to keep building markets. This administration is focused on bilateral trade, closing the deficit country by country. Ethanol is one of the best tools they have — because it is one of the few commodities where a new market can mean hundreds of millions of dollars of new exports.

Against the backdrop of the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit, Growth Energy also launched a fresh campaign designed to rally support for Senate action on year-round E15, including television advertising and an installation on the National Mall highlighting local fuel savings offered by the higher ethanol blend. Learn more here.

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Launch includes grassroots outreach, advertising, and an installation on the National Mall that showcases E15 cost savings in the 35 states where the fuel is available

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, relaunched its “E15 Now” campaign pressing for Senate action on a nationwide, permanent legislative fix to allow the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol fuel blend that costs $0.30 less per gallon on average than regular fuel and that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.

“Permanent year-round E15 can deliver proven relief at the pump at a time when Americans need it most,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Our new campaign will ensure leaders in the Beltway witness the real-world savings that year-round access could unlock for more families across the country. The House has already approved a fix, and the Senate must not miss this opportunity to give consumers greater access to a lower-cost fuel option.”

Highlights of the campaign include a new TV ad featuring a working mother of two who explains how E15 delivers “lower costs and a little more breathing room” for American families. The ad will appear in D.C. on digital and streaming platforms through the end of the month.

Growth Energy has also created an installation on the National Mall that invites consumers, tourists, and policymakers to learn how they can save money with E15. Visitors will find a 20-foot wall of coins—one for each of the 35 states where E15 is sold—that offers a snapshot of fuel savings drivers across the country can access by filling up with E15. Learn more at growthenergy.org/e15savings.

Advertising will be running on Capitol Hill during this week’s Growth Energy Biofuels Summit, the premier advocacy conference for the American ethanol industry. During the event, biofuel and farm voices from across the country will meet with hundreds of lawmakers and reinforce how this simple policy change could expand markets for American farmers and increase consumer access to a more affordable, cleaner-burning fuel option.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the guidance it released today in conjunction with the related 45Z CF GREET Model update that clears a path for farmers and biofuel producers to further enhance the value of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. 

Specifically, the guidance stipulates that qualifying low-carbon agricultural practices consistent with the technical guidelines released earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be used in the calculation of the 45Z credit. The guidance also provides transition rules for applying changes made to 45Z by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including a requirement that emissions rates exclude emissions attributable to flawed, outdated, and inaccurate indirect land use change (ILUC) calculations. 

“Farmers and biofuel producers asked and the Trump administration has delivered,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The 45Z tax credit is already driving significant investments in rural communities across the U.S., but this guidance is the key to ensuring farmers reap the benefits of the credit. 

“We thank USDA, DOE, and the Treasury Department for decisively tying qualifying farm practices to 45Z and providing important clarification on ILUC. We can’t wait to see how this new guidance accelerates the credit’s impact across rural America,” she added.

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the California legislature for passing Senate Bill 795, which directs the state fire marshal’s office to implement regulations that give California drivers access to E15, a more affordable, cleaner burning fuel option that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today.

“This is a great day for drivers in the Golden State. Lawmakers have opened the door for them to access E15, which sells for less and burns cleaner than other fuel options,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Last year, California lawmakers took action against high prices at the pump by unanimously approving AB 30, legalizing E15 in California. Since then, the state has worked through regulatory questions that have been addressed by SB 795. We look forward to working with state regulators and our retail partners to save drivers money by getting E15 into their fuel tanks as quickly as possible.”

Having passed the California legislature, the bill is now on its way to Governor Newsom’s desk for signature. “We thank every legislator who voted for this bill, in particular State Senator Bob Archuleta and Assemblymember David Alvarez, whose support and leadership secured a place for SB 795 in this legislative session,” she added.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following response after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to grant 29 small refinery exemptions (SREs) for the 2025 plan year of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), while also pledging to fully account for any lost demand gallons toward the 2026 and 2027 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) by the end of October.

“Our position hasn’t changed—SREs should only be granted when refiners can prove disproportionate economic hardship. It’s difficult to see how these refiners have met this threshold when they’re simultaneously reporting sky-high and, in some cases, record-setting earnings.

“However, we applaud our champions on the Hill for fighting so tirelessly on behalf of homegrown biofuels; their engagement was vital to preserve the promise of the record-setting RVOs finalized earlier this year. And we appreciate the Trump administration’s continued commitment to delivering markets for farmers and biofuel producers. We will work with EPA to fully account for lost biofuel gallons and make producers and farmers whole.”

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LANSING, MICH.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Michigan State House of Representatives today after it voted to advance HB 5359, a bill that includes an incentive for fuel retailers in the state to sell more E15, a 15% ethanol fuel blend that’s more affordable than standard fuel and that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. 

“This E15 incentive would give Michigan drivers greater access to a more affordable fuel option,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With fuel prices still top of mind for consumers, Michigan is just the latest state to take action in order to save constituents money with E15. We welcome this bipartisan effort and urge the state Senate to quickly move it forward. In particular we want to thank bill sponsor Matthew Bierlein (R-97); its cosponsors Jerry Neyer (R-92), Cameron Cavitt (R-106), Gregory Alexander (R-98), Tom Kunse (R-100), and Will Snyder (D-87); and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-42) and Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-24) for their leadership and persistence in getting this bill through the House.” 

Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota have also enacted E15 incentives. Learn more about E15 here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today for issuing a temporary emergency fuel waiver that clears the way for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that costs less than standard fuel and is approved for use in 96% of cars on the road today. 

E15 requires a waiver from the EPA in order to be sold in the summer. The agency has been issuing these emergency waivers consistently since May, and today’s announcement supports continued E15 availability across the U.S. for the remainder of the summer driving season. 

“Today’s announcement aligns with this EPA’s track record of giving retailers the certainty they need to keep E15 on the market all year long,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Now we need Congress to follow suit by passing legislation to permanently allow year-round E15 every year. Retailers, farmers, and drivers shouldn’t have to rely on EPA to provide separate waivers each year in order to have access to this more affordable fuel option. We applaud EPA for taking this initiative, and hope Congress does the same when it returns from recess by getting year-round E15 to the president’s desk.” 

The post Growth Energy: EPA Waiver Secures E15 Sales for the Rest of Summer, Illustrates Need for Year-Round Fix appeared first on Growth Energy.

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 decision on six small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Specifically, EPA granted one full exemption (100%) and two partial exemptions (50%) for the 2024 compliance year, and then deemed one petition for 2024 and two for 2023 ineligible.

“Small refineries should only be granted exemptions when they can demonstrate that the RFS has caused them true disproportionate economic harm,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We continue to closely evaluate these decisions to ensure they do not undermine investments made in biofuels, agriculture, and our rural economy because of the RFS. Today’s decision highlights the critical importance of SRE reallocation in any future RVOs.”

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today for proposing regulations required to fully implement the state legislature’s approval of E15, a fuel made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today. 

The proposed rule would establish the technical standards necessary to bring E15 to California’s fuel pumps, giving drivers access to a cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel option that has saved consumers 30 cents less per gallon on average in other states. 

“CARB’s proposed rulemaking represents a critical step toward getting E15 into the fuel tanks of California drivers, who are looking for ways to save money,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud the agency for maintaining an approach that is consistent with interim rules adopted following passage of AB30 to make E15 available to California drivers.”

California’s approval of E15 in 2025 opened the door for significant economic benefits to the state’s drivers and agricultural economy. With E15 now legal in all 50 states, California’s implementation of the necessary regulations will unlock new markets for American farmers while delivering immediate savings at the pump. 

Skor added: “We thank Governor Newsom, Assembly Members David Alvarez, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Heath Flora, and the California Problem Solvers Caucus who have made lower-cost fuel options a top priority, as well as regulators at CARB. We will continue to work with them to make retailer and consumer access to E15 as easy as possible. We also continue to work closely with the State Fire Marshal’s office to clear the final regulatory barriers to bigger savings at the pump.”

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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.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) latest response to Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The decision, which imposes tariffs of 25 percent on most goods from Brazil, followed a year-long investigation into policies that effectively ban American ethanol from Brazil’s market.

“For nearly a decade, Brazil has unfairly blocked U.S. ethanol imports, while their own producers enjoy complete and unfettered access to American markets,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “That imbalance has caused extraordinary harm to U.S. farmers and ethanol producers, and today’s decision marks an important step toward repairing the damage. We aren’t looking for preferential treatment — simply a return to the mutually beneficial trade that once defined the relationship between the world’s largest biofuel producers.”

As Growth Energy has repeatedly emphasized in testimony to USTR, Brazil’s unfair trade practices go beyond tariffs as Brazil has engaged in systematic discrimination against U.S. biofuels under its clean fuel program, RenovaBio, while disguising deforestation by Brazilian producers. Those practices have stoked unfounded claims about land use change attributed to U.S. ethanol — harming U.S. exports to the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union.

“We applaud the Trump administration for standing up against Brazil’s efforts to limit U.S. ethanol’s global eligibility for new uses, such as in the maritime and aviation sectors,” added Skor. “Moving forward, we look forward to working with USTR on additional remedies to create a level playing field for America’s farm exports.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, will testify today in favor of proposed penalties for Brazil’s unfair restrictions on imports of U.S. ethanol. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is hosting a hearing on the issue following a year-long investigation into Brazil’s trade practices. Growth Energy also filed written comments earlier this month, welcoming USTR’s proposal to impose tariffs of 25 percent on all goods from Brazil and calling for additional actions to repair the harm Brazil has caused U.S. farmers and ethanol producers.

“Brazil has been systematically working to undermine the U.S. bioeconomy since 2017, all while enjoying complete and unfettered access to American markets,” explained Growth Energy’s Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs in written testimony. “We support the administration’s efforts to restore balance to our trade relationship with Brazil. To that end, we’re encouraging USTR to go beyond the proposed tariff, and take additional actions to end deceptive practices designed to disguise illegal deforestation by Brazilian producers and block U.S. products from participating in clean fuel markets.”

Among other remedies, Growth Energy is calling on USTR to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove Brazilian ethanol’s ability to generate credits under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Currently, RenovaBio, Brazil’s renewable fuel program, effectively blocks U.S. biofuels, even as Brazilian ethanol receives favorable treatment under the U.S. program.

“Brazil continues to stoke unfounded claims about land use change attributed to U.S. ethanol—yet the land use change and deforestation continue in Brazil. And remarkably, we are charged a land use change penalty by regulators both here and abroad for things that are occurring in Brazil,” Bliley will say in his verbal testimony. “These unfounded penalties directly harm our ethanol exports to the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union and are inherent barriers to the use of U.S. ethanol as a marine or sustainable aviation fuel. All while Brazil continues to seek a free pass for its own producers. It makes no sense.”

Read more about proposed remedies in Bliley’s testimony, as prepared for delivery today here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.— American drivers could collectively save more than $21 million this Independence Day weekend if they fill up with E15— a more affordable fuel option made with 15% ethanol. The analysis is based on AAA projections that 61.4 million people will drive at least 50 miles from home over the July 4th holiday. E15, also sold as Unleaded 88, can save consumers 30 cents per gallon on average.

“Ethanol producers, farmers, and retailers are proud to celebrate the holiday by holding down fuel prices for Fourth of July travelers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Despite arbitrary federal restrictions, E15 is used by millions of American drivers, approved for more than 96% of cars on the road, and offered at thousands of fuel stations across the country. Now it’s up to Congress to ensure that more American families have the freedom to choose lower-cost fuel all year long.”

Skor’s message echoes those of Senate champions working with Majority Leader John Thune to secure a path forward for a permanent, nationwide legislative fix offering consumers year-round access to lower-cost E15. Retailers are also calling for Congressional action to finally secure a regulatory fix that allows them to sell this more affordable fuel all year round.

“As retailers, our priority is to deliver affordable, reliable access to the fuel options our consumers need and desire,” said Steve Walk, COO of Protec Fuel. “Providing fuel choices to consumers on price, performance or both. Congressional action on year-round E15 is vital to that mission.”

E15 can be found at over 5,100 gas stations in 35 states and is legal for sale in every state, although sales are restricted over the summer due to outdated federal regulations drafted for a previous generation of fuels. However, this cleaner, more-affordable fuel choice remains available this summer thanks to a waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The temporary waiver ensures that retailers, refiners, and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to keep E15 on the market for the time being, but it falls short of the permanent fix retailers need to bring lower-cost E15 to more fueling locations.

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

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WASHINGTON, D.C.— Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today after it released its final rule on regenerative agriculture practices (the regenerative ag rule), bringing farmers one step closer to being recognized for their innovation through the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. The full text of the final regenerative ag rule—Technical Guidelines for the Production of Regenerative Agricultural Biofuel Feedstocks—and other useful information from USDA can be found here. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement in response: 

“Thanks to the leadership of Secretary Rollins and her team at USDA, we are one step closer to ensuring farmers are recognized for their innovation and regenerative farm practices in the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. Linking this rule to 45Z is critical for delivering more value to farmers, many of whom are already using regenerative practices. We applaud the Trump administration for finalizing this rule, and we look forward to working with the Departments of Energy and Treasury to finally connect the dots and unleash new investments in rural America and homegrown biofuels.” 

Learn more about 45Z here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the Trump Administration today for issuing a call for year-round E15 in its supplemental funding request to Congress. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement: 

“We appreciate the Trump Administration demonstrating its commitment to lowering costs and strengthening rural economies by securing a year-round fix for E15. Today’s supplemental request shows how critical it is to provide certainty around this bipartisan, common-sense solution. Drivers are looking to their elected leaders for relief from higher prices, and farmers are looking for new markets to ensure they can stay in business. Congress should not miss this opportunity to deliver a permanent fix for E15, giving consumers greater access to a lower-cost fuel option and more savings at the pump.” 

Learn more about E15 here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, filed a motion to intervene in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) v. EPA et al. (Case No. 26-1132).

In a set of eight consolidated cases, CBD and several other organizations, including oil refiners and the Sierra Club, are challenging EPA’s most recent “Set 2” rule for the 2026-2027 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“Each new RVO rule draws the same misguided set of challenges every year, and this year likely will not be any different. Let’s lay out the facts.

“Under the Set 2, the RFS continues to work as Congress intended. EPA has again finalized RVOs that advance important energy security, environmental, and economic development goals. EPA has also again finalized RVOs that pose no real threat to the continued operation of small refineries.

“Despite all this evidence, we have special interests aiming to undermine the record-setting 2026-2027 RVOs to the detriment of farmers, consumers, and the environment. However, we know we stand on firmly established legal, political, and scientific grounds—the RFS saves consumers money, helps farmers, and reduces emissions. The newest RVOs are the strongest ever, and we’re confident the court will not allow challenges to stand in the way of the benefits they can deliver to drivers, rural communities, and biofuel producers.”

Read the motion to intervene here.

Background

On March 27, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” Final Rule. After assessing six statutory factors relating to, among others, energy security, rural economic development, and environmental impacts, EPA established 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 grant of exemptions from the 2023-2025 RVOs via the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) program and reallocated exempt gallons toward the 2026 and 2027 RVOs. EPA also projected future SRE exemptions from the 2026 and 2027 RVOs themselves and included those exempt gallons in its final RVO calculations. . EPA also issued a “may affect, not likely to affect” determination under the Endangered Species Act with respect to the potential impact of the Set 2 rule on endangered species and critical habitat, finding that such effects were extremely unlikely to occur.

EPA also finalized a proposal to remove renewable electricity as an eligible fuel under the RFS that could generate RIN credits (so-called “e-RINs”) based on its conclusion that renewable electricity did not meet the statutory definition of a renewable fuel. EPA proposed, but did not finalize, provisions aimed at boosting domestic biofuel production by limiting the ability of imported fuels and feedstocks to participate in the RFS.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the announcement today of an update to the 45Z-CF GREET Model by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement.

“American farmers and ethanol producers are driving innovation in liquid fuels, and a strong, well-implemented 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit promises to rebuild farm income and open long-term markets for American manufacturing. This update to the 45Z CF-GREET model builds on the progress made by Congress and President Trump in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) by reaffirming the removal of flawed indirect land-use change penalties on American biofuels and supporting the eligibility of undenatured fuel ethanol for American exports. The new model marks an important step toward building a regulatory regime that unleashes the full potential of 45Z. We applaud DOE for its work and look forward to continued work by Treasury and USDA to implement final 45Z regulations that set American farmers and ethanol producers on a path toward future success.”

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Chairman Willis, Vice Chairman Daniels, Ranking Member Grim,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony in support of House Bill 931, which would require the state to use E15 in compatible state vehicles when available. Growth Energy is the nation’s largest association of ethanol producers, representing 98 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 groups such as the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, working with them and thousands of ethanol supporters across the country to bring better and more affordable choices at the pump, diversify our energy portfolio, create more energy jobs, and sustain family farms.

E15 is a lower cost fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol and approved for use in gas-powered vehicles model year 2001 and newer, which is more than 96 percent of cars on the road today. The State of Ohio owns and manages thousands of vehicles that are capable of utilizing E15. These vehicles represent a real opportunity for the state to save taxpayer money by filling up the state fleet with E15. While the number of stations offering E15 in Ohio is limited relative to other states in the Midwest, and other legislation being considered by the committee aims to change that, Ohio drivers are currently seeing savings as much as 50 cents per gallon when using E15. HB 931 would benefit Ohioans by ensuring the use of lower-cost E15 with state vehicles, saving the state and, ultimately, taxpayers.

Beyond the direct financial benefits to the state and taxpayers, establishing a policy that requires the use of E15 when and where available sends a clear signal to Ohio’s corn growers in need of expanded domestic markets: that state government will prioritize fuel options that have a positive impact on Ohio farmers, At a time when low corn prices and high input costs are squeezing corn growers across the state and nation, adopting an E15-first policy for the state’s vehicle fleet is a significant action the state can take to do its part in bolstering domestic corn and ethanol production.

We applaud Representative Williams for introducing HB 931 alongside other pro-ethanol legislation to establish Ohio as a leader in policies that puts the state’s farmers, taxpayers, and drivers first with a commonsense solution like the use of E15 in the state vehicle fleet.

Given our experience with retailers around the country offering ethanol blends, we are happy to assist the committee with technical questions as it considers HB 931 and other initiatives that help strengthen domestic demand for Ohio-raised corn and Ohio-made ethanol.

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