SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, celebrated new annual data from the California Air Resources Board that showed strong, sustained statewide demand for E85 in 2024. With 114.7 million gallons of E85 sold in 2024, California has now logged two straight years above 110 million gallons — a mark that had never been achieved prior to 2023. 

“Clearly, the state’s record E85 sales in 2023 weren’t a one-time exception, but the new normal,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “When California drivers get the opportunity to save money at the pump and cut carbon emissions at the same time, they seize it.” 

“This success with E85 further proves it is time for California to embrace E15,” Skor continued. “As Governor Newsom himself stated last fall, E15 is another biofuel blend with ‘massive potential’ for simultaneously ‘lowering gas prices’ and ‘keeping our air clean.’ Californians deserve access to clean, affordable E15 — which their fellow Americans in every other state already enjoy.”  

Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer added: “Across the country, demand for E15 has been skyrocketing at a record pace, and we’re hopeful California will soon join the ranks.” Growth Energy has worked closely with California retailers to help them offer E85, and the huge volumes show there is no lack of demand for biofuels. We hope 2025 will be the year California allows retailers and customers to access another proven winning blend — E15.” 

Background 

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer — that is, more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California.  

Last summer, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. Nationwide access to 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. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy and Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) filed a reply brief today in a case challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to reallocate gallons lost due to small refinery exemptions (SREs) granted after renewable volume obligations (RVOs) have been issued under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“Biofuel producers and their farm partners were never meant to bear the burden of billions of gallons of demand potentially lost to past-year SREs that haven’t been properly accounted for,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “All this case is asking EPA to do is honor the spirit of the RFS by ensuring that RVO volumes are met each year, and give rural America an economic boost by allocating lost biofuel blending obligations to oil refiners, where they belong.”

Read the full brief here.

Background

The case in question pertains to the 2020 RVOs, originally published by EPA on February 6, 2020. The RVO was challenged in the D.C. Circuit by several parties soon thereafter. Growth intervened in support of parts of the rule on behalf of EPA and, separately, petitioned the court to challenge EPA’s failure to reallocate gallons lost to past SREs. After the cases were consolidated (Case No. 20-1046), and after initial briefing in late 2020, the court granted motions to stay the consolidated cases pending the Supreme Court’s decision on SRE eligibility in HollyFrontier v. EPA. The case proceeded until December 2021, when EPA issued a new proposed rule for the 2020 RVO as well as 2021-2022 RVOs and sought remand without vacatur of the original 2020 RVO. The court deferred decision on remand and continued to stay the case. EPA’s final 2020-2022 RVOs also failed to reallocate past SREs. The court continued to stay the original 2020 RVO case until after the D.C. Circuit’s opinion on new cases challenging the new 2020-2022 RVOs. The D.C. Circuit upheld the new 2020-2022 RVOs on May 14, 2024 (Case No. 22-1210), after which time the court lifted the stay on the original 2020 RVO challenge and set a briefing schedule.

After today’s reply brief, the court’s next step will be to set a schedule for oral argument in the coming weeks or months.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, called on the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to swiftly finalize guidance for the implementation of the 45Z clean fuels credit. In a letter submitted in response to IRS notices 2025-10 and 2025-11, Growth Energy provided a detailed roadmap for changes that would unleash U.S. energy production and unlock investments needed to restore the rural economy.

“The Trump administration has an important opportunity to give farmers and biofuel producers the freedom and flexibility to dominate clean fuel markets around the world and ensure that America wins the global race for the future of the skies,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The previous administration passed on making 45Z an economic engine for rural America, but this U.S. Treasury could unleash billions of dollars of investment in America’s farm economy. We’re grateful to the Trump administration for taking a fresh look at 45Z, and we urge regulators to move quickly to restore our competitive edge across the heartland.”

Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax 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 corn farmed using regenerative agriculture practices and used at an ethanol plant.

Read Growth Energy’s full comments here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news that Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a 45Z extension bill today that would extend the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit for seven years beyond its current expiration, set for the end of 2027. 

“Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can feel confident investing in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they’ll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Sen. Marshall and Sen. Klobuchar for their leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets.” 

Growth Energy’s own research found that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax 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 economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on corn grown using regenerative agriculture practices and used as feedstock at an ethanol plant. 

According to Sen. Marshall’s press release on the 45Z extension bill, the legislation would also “give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest.”

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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 of 10-30¢ per gallon last summer — 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 six 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.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a bipartisan group of lawmakers for a Senate letter they sent this week urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set strong, multi-year renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and to reallocate any gallons lost through the granting of small refinery exemptions (SREs). 

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led the Senate RVO letter, which eventually garnered another 14 signatures from biofuels supporters from across the Midwest. 

“When the Senate’s biofuel champions talk, EPA should take care to listen,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This letter hits all the right notes when it comes to offering guidelines that EPA should follow in order to set the strongest possible RVOs that deliver the greatest amount of economic benefits to the rural economy. We commend Senators Grassley and Klobuchar for their leadership in drafting this letter, and we urge EPA to take its advice by setting higher biofuel blending volumes, issuing RVOs for more than just one year, and making sure that any gallons lost to SREs are added back into the total number of required biofuel gallons.” 

Read the full Senate RVO letter here. Read Sen. Grassley’s release here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a bipartisan letter from 17 U.S. senators urging President Trump to move quickly on a summer waiver allowing uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. Led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the authors noted that preserving access to E15—as outlined in President Trump’s executive order declaring a national energy emergency—will put more American fuel in the marketplace, lower prices at the pump, and protect U.S. farmers.

“Year-round access to E15 can provide American families with immediate relief at the pump, while helping to restore the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “It has saved drivers 10 to 30 cents per gallon over the past few summers, and swift action on a summer waiver will ensure that those savings don’t vanish from the marketplace on June 1. We applaud our champions in the Senate for their ongoing efforts to unleash the full power of American biofuels and provide more certain and reliable markets for U.S. farmers.”

About E15 

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. 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. 

Nationwide access to 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. Learn more about E15 here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA would release $537 million of funds obligated under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP)—a program that makes it easier for fuel retailers to offer fuel options made with higher-ethanol blended fuels including E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.

“The release of this [HBIIP] funding will empower retailers to offer more American-made biofuels, which drives demand for ethanol and the corn used to make it,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “More ethanol also means lower fuel costs for consumers, making the release of these funds a huge win for everyone in the biofuels supply chain, from the farm to the fuel tank. We applaud Sec. Rollins and the Trump Administration for their leadership, and for delivering on their promise to support American farmers and biofuel producers. We look forward to seeing how retailers put these funds to good use and will continue to work with the Administration as it aims to drive American energy dominance and rural growth by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”

Sec. Rollins made the announcement while visiting Growth Energy Member Elite Octane’s plant in Atlantic, Iowa. Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer was on-hand with Sec. Rollins at other events throughout the day, along with other key biofuel leaders from Iowa.

Through grant writing for the HBIIP program, per-gallon incentives, and direct financial support, Growth Energy has driven more than $1 billion in investments in new biofuels infrastructure since 2011, the year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Growth Energy’s waiver request that ultimately allowed the sale of E15 in cars made in 2001 or newer.

About E15

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. Last summer drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

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. Learn more about E15 here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American renewable fuels industry presented oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court today in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) v. Calumet Shreveport Refining, LLC, et al., a case that addresses where challenges to small refinery exemptions (SREs) decisions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) can be brought.

Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) jointly intervened on EPA’s behalf, urging the Court to reject an 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.

“Congress clearly intended to streamline review of SRE decisions to ensure consistency and uniformity for assessing SRE petitions,” said Growth Energy and RFA in a joint statement. “Today, the American biofuels industry came together to argue in front of the nation’s highest court, and to defend farmers and ethanol producers from the oil industry’s attempts to create an inefficient and fractured body of law governing the SRE program.”

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 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 poised to resolve.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today, urging the agency to change course and either revise or remove new recently-proposed rules aimed at combating China’s efforts to dominate global shipping.

In April 2024, USTR began a Section 301 investigation into China’s practices that target the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. USTR ultimately found that China’s efforts to maintain a competitive advantage in these three sectors were “unreasonable” and that they “burden or restrict U.S. commerce.” In response to this finding, USTR proposed new fees that would increase the cost of shipping U.S. goods using Chinese vessels, and impose new restrictions on shipping that would effectively mandate that all U.S. goods be exported on U.S.-flagged, U.S. built vessels, with only limited exceptions.

“The noted fees and costs of compliance with the proposed requirements to use U.S.-flagged and operated vessels will be significant and result in higher, less-competitive prices and decreased demand for U.S. exports while also increasing the price of imported inputs for ethanol’s production. This will upend domestic supply chains while increasing port consolidation, port congestion, costs, other compliance requirements, and clearance time by customs that will add to the burden and cost of producing and exporting U.S. ethanol,” said Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley in submitted comments. “Some of our members are already experiencing reluctance from shippers to enter future transactions without shouldering the risk associated with this proposal. At the same time, other countries are taking actions to ease the cost of trade and expand their ethanol exports—most notably, Brazil is currently seeking a trade agreement with the European Union (EU) that would give their ethanol industry greater, easier access to that market.”

“As a result of the potential harm to the U.S. ethanol industry, we ask for you to remove the proposed fees and restrictions on services,” the comments concluded. “These new requirements would cause a significant upheaval that American producers can ill afford.”

Growth Energy has also signed onto other comments urging USTR to change course, including a coalition letter signed by 317 trade associations submitted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) outlining the damage the proposed fees and restrictions would do to American commerce.

Exports of U.S. ethanol set a record in 2024, shipping 1.9 billion gallons worth $4.3 billion. During the same period the American ethanol industry maintained a $3.9 billion trade surplus.

Read Growth Energy’s full comment here.

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AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, bestowed its highest honor – the America’s Fuel Award – on Dan Sanders, the immediate past chair and current vice chairman of the Growth Energy Board and the CEO of Front Range Energy. The award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond as a champion for the renewable fuels industry. It was presented at Growth Energy’s 16th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC).

“Dan has been at the forefront of biofuels advocacy and innovation for nearly 20 years,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With his father, he founded Front Range Energy in Windsor, Colorado, expanding the footprint of biofuels into the Rocky Mountains. He also led our industry through a global pandemic, major shifts in federal policy, and key regulatory battles as chairman of Growth Energy. From engaging with lawmakers to recruiting new members, he always shows up, he always makes time—not for recognition, but rather, to do his part for the greater good of the industry.  We are tremendously grateful for his continued leadership.”

Sanders holds a business management degree from Arizona State University and has served on Growth Energy’s board of directors since 2013. Sanders was the second chairman to serve Growth Energy, succeeding founding chairman Jeff Broin in 2019, and serving for four years.

Past winners of America’s Fuel Award include Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (R), former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Raymond E. Defenbaugh, CEO and chairman of Big River Resources LLC in West Burlington, Iowa – along with many others who have made significant contributions to the U.S. bioethanol industry.

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Each year, the TOBI awards recognize Growth Energy members for their innovation, fortitude, perseverance, and leadership in the biofuels industry. From communication professionals and political advocates to technical experts and corporate leaders, the TOBI awards acknowledge the achievements of members who go the extra mile to drive progress within their organizations and the industry. Growth Energy proudly announced the winners of the 2025 TOBI awards at the 2025 Executive Leadership Conference.  The TOBI Award is named for Johan Tobias Lowitz, a German-Russian chemist who created ethanol in 1796 and is considered the “father of fuel ethanol.”

“Our winners represent the game-changers and playmakers who are moving America’s bioeconomy into the future,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful to have so many all-stars working help our industry revitalize America’s farm economy and secure U.S. energy dominance.”

Learn more about this year’s winners below.

Winner, Membership – Brent Hansen, Commercial Accounts Manager at Sukup

This year’s TOBI Award for Membership goes to Brent Hansen. Hansen has been a staunch supporter of the biofuels industry and the rural agriculture economy for over 15 years. As Commercial Accounts Manager at Sukup Manufacturing, he has forged long-time partnerships with biofuel producers addressing their needs for grain storage and handling—including constructing the world’s largest grain bin at Growth Energy’s member plant, Golden Grain Energy.

Winner, Advocacy – Trevor Hinz, Director of Industry and Government Relations at ICM, Inc.

This year’s TOBI Award for Advocacy goes to Trevor Hinz. Hinz is among the industry’s strongest champions in Washington, where he helps educate our Congressional champions and other key lawmakers on the industry’s most pressing issues.  He embodies Growth Energy’s thoughtful and strategic approach with policymakers and has been a steady leader at Growth Energy’s fly-ins for almost a decade. Over the years, he has developed solid relationships on Capitol Hill through tactical lobbying, political engagement, and third-party support.

Winner, Public Affairs – Rob Walther, Vice President of Federal Affairs at POET

This year’s TOBI Award for Public Affairs goes to Rob Walther. As a valued and trusted partner for the Growth Energy team, Walther has helped expand the industry’s influence and impact through his generous network, helping to engage prominent third parties to lend credibility and expertise on the benefits of biofuels. Last year, he served as a strategic ally in elevating former Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz’s research to promote our industry’s central role in decarbonizing the transportation sector.

Winner, Market Development – Sarah Clark, Fuel Category Manager at Casey’s

This year’s TOBI Award for Market Development goes to Sarah Clark. Clark brings a winning combination of professional expertise in the fuel industry and a deep understanding of life on the farm, making her a standout player in the biofuels game. She is a relentless advocate for expanding consumer access to biofuels in the retail space. For years, she’s driven innovation in biofuel sales, spearheading initiatives at Casey’s through grant applications, creative marketing strategies, and the management of complex construction schedules—all while fostering internal support for these efforts.

Winner, Global Market Development – Jeremy Mall, Vice President of Business Development at Murex

This year’s TOBI Award for Global Market Development goes to Jeremy Mall. Mall is an all-star in global bioethanol exports, seeking opportunities to help grow markets for the industry around the globe. Whether it is the Canadian Clean Fuel Regulation, the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, or other global opportunities and programs, he has always answered the call to provide timely and insightful market perspective benefitting both Growth Energy and the industry.

Winner, Technical Excellence – Jacki Fee, Renewable Fuels Regulatory Advisor at Cargill

This year’s TOBI Award for Technical & Regulatory Affairs goes to Jacki Fee. Fee is a true standout, delivering next-level technical expertise. With more than 30 years at Cargill, she has been an industry cornerstone through her participation at ASTM, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference, and as Chair of the Fuel Ethanol Technical Advisory Group. She has helped to educate lab managers, quality supervisors, and numerous others across the industry.

Congratulations to all of our TOBI award winners! Thank you for making such dynamic contributions to Growth Energy and to the biofuels industry as a whole.

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AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed over 400 industry leaders and innovators to Amelia Island, Florida, for the organization’s 16^th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC). ELC gathers Growth Energy members from across the country to engage in executive-level educational programming, strategic planning, and networking within the biofuels industry.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the conference with a keynote speech exploring the current political landscape, highlighting policy priorities, and outlining an industry game plan for 2025. “We have the roadmap to a stronger America,” said Skor. “Biofuels deliver for the American people no matter who’s in power.”

One of the industry’s top policy priorities, according to Skor, is securing year-round access to E15, a more affordable fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. In her keynote, Skor was optimistic in her assessment of the industry’s chances for securing a permanent, legislative fix that allows E15 to be sold all year long, without interruption. “We have a President whose base includes rural America, and permanent, national E15 will raise paychecks and farm incomes,” she said. “We have a Congress that campaigned on the cost of living, and higher blends lead to lower fuel costs. We have a coalition that is bigger and broader than it’s ever been, and we are closer to victory than we’ve ever been.”

Skor also highlighted the importance of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reliable access to foreign markets, and updates to the tax code—three policy areas that empower renewable fuel producers to directly support growth in the farm economy.

Aside from the keynote address, the program for this year’s ELC also features more than 20 executive-level educational panels and sessions featuring top-tier speakers from throughout the renewable fuels, retail, public, and agricultural sectors. The event is ongoing in Amelia Island, Fla. Follow along on social using the hashtag #ELC2025.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed John Deere as its newest member. A global leader in the production of agricultural, construction, forestry, and turf equipment and solutions, John Deere has helped its customers produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure worldwide for nearly 200 years.

“John Deere is among the world’s most recognizable brands, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our membership network,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “John Deere’s decades of experience providing renewable fuel-compatible solutions to their customers demonstrates their commitment to a vibrant rural economy, and their membership at Growth Energy underscores the strong connection between biofuels and the farm economy. We look forward to leveraging their agricultural expertise as we work to champion policies that advance the biofuel industry and expand the bioeconomy.”

“Renewable fuels like corn ethanol deliver clear benefits by enhancing energy independence, reducing prices at the pump, and lowering emissions, all of which are made possible by our farmer customers,” said Cory Reed, President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division for Production & Precision Agriculture at John Deere. “John Deere has long worked with farmers to advance and promote the use of crop-based renewable fuels, and we’re proud to partner with Growth Energy to continue this critical work through policy advocacy, industry engagement, and public education.”

John Deere joins Growth Energy as a premium associate member, and will also have a non-voting seat on the association’s board of directors. To learn more about Growth Energy’s membership, click here.

ABOUT GROWTH ENERGY

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. For more information, visit us at GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.

ABOUT JOHN DEERE

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere’s role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, presented recommendations on how to improve and implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) interim guidelines on climate-smart, or regenerative, agriculture practices today. The agency is currently reviewing the Interim Rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. 

“This is an important opportunity for USDA to maximize the ability of farmers and U.S. biofuel producers to tap into new markets for clean fuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Strong guidelines will ensure that farmers can get credit for all their work to grow more crops using fewer resources, but we need to give them the flexibility to deploy innovations that make sense for their land and geography. By recognizing the full spectrum of innovations taking place on U.S. farms, and applying those standards to production incentives like 45Z, we can fast-track the production of new fuels made from American-grown feedstocks.” 

Most importantly, Growth Energy called on USDA and the U.S. Treasury to work to include CSA practices as part of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. “Although Section 45Z provides an incentive for reduced CI [carbon intensity] transportation fuel, it completely neglects the important role of CSA practices – and farmers – in reducing CI,” said Growth Energy in its comment. “In doing so it suppresses farmer interest in engaging in those practices and makes it more difficult for biofuel producers to take advantage of the Section 45Z incentive.” 

Additionally, Growth Energy called on USDA “to expand the technical guidelines to recognize a broader collection of CSA practices,” such as manure application and use of green ammonia. The association also urged USDA to streamline traceability requirements and make it easier for growers to quantify the full value of key practices.

Read Growth Energy’s full letter to USDA here.

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Yesterday in Washington, D.C., the U.S. ethanol industry – including leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributor in Viet Nam, recognizing the economic, environmental, human health, and energy security benefits of increasing the use of fuel ethanol in transportation fuel mixes.

The MOU will help Petrolimex align its business with the Government of Viet Nam’s recent directive to promote the implementation of greater ethanol usage in the country.

The U.S. ethanol industry leaders said collectively that “This event is a big first step toward building Viet Nam’s capacity to leverage fuel ethanol so the country may take advantage of all the benefits ethanol provides. It promises to deepen our bilateral economic cooperation and trade between our countries. The U.S. ethanol industry is excited to work with the leaders in Viet Nam to bolster Petrolimex’s and Viet Nam’s fuel ethanol supply chain and infrastructure.”

U.S. ethanol industry leaders signing the MOU included USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, and RFA General Counsel and Vice President, Government Affairs Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.

The ceremony also included Vietnamese representatives including the Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien, Petrolimex Vice General Director Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other leaders. Also present were representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Energy.

The MOU follows the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry & Trade in December 2024 signing into law a directive aiming to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The directive outlines steps and measures for industry and government stakeholders to promote fuel ethanol, develop new pricing mechanisms for ethanol blended gasoline, and weigh potential policy actions related to the expanded use of fuel ethanol.

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Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today after the agency announced that it would reconsider its Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, otherwise known as the tailpipe emissions rule. 

“We’re glad to see EPA reconsider this rule, which arbitrarily puts its thumb on the scale for a single vehicle technology instead of embracing homegrown renewable fuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We look forward to working with EPA as they restructure these standards in a way that achieves the agency’s environmental and economic goals by maximizing the use of American biofuels.” 

Growth Energy has previously submitted comments and an amicus brief objecting to the tailpipe emissions rule. As Growth said in the amicus brief, the benefits of biofuels “are readily available right now, all while enhancing energy security and supporting U.S. jobs.”  Growth observed that the rule, in its original form, was “a missed opportunity.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, offered the Trump administration a list of foreign trade barriers that should be targeted for elimination by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Growth Energy shared the information as part of comments filed in response to the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs.

“Ethanol exports set a record in 2024, and we support USTR’s efforts make trade more fair and more beneficial for the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “President Trump’s commitment to an America First trade policy agenda will help bring the economic and environmental benefits of U.S. ethanol to more markets around the world, just as it does here at home.” 

“We are grateful for USTR’s work to date, and have already seen what positive, mutually beneficial exchanges can yield in terms of market access. We look forward to a continuation of these efforts and know that USTR will follow through on its commitment to address unfair trade barriers as this administration works to negotiate new trade agreements that support domestic strength in the rural economy,” added Skor. 

Growth Energy’s comments called for reciprocal tariffs on Brazil, where producers enjoy unfettered access to U.S. markets while Brazil refuses to lift unfair barriers to U.S. biofuels. They also urged USTR to demand China fulfill an unmet commitment to dramatically increase imports of U.S. ethanol and other agricultural commodities. And they called attention to unscientific caps and restrictions on crop-based biofuels for meeting emissions reductions targets in the European Union, United Kingdom, and under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

Read Growth Energy’s full letter to USTR here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed a new letter from 16 state attorneys general calling on Congress to pass legislation allowing the year-round sale of E15, a higher ethanol-blended fuel that costs less than ordinary fuel and supports economic growth in rural America. 

“We’re grateful to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and her colleagues for leading the charge to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “There’s no reason for delay. President Trump wants E15, and we have bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress to get this over the finish line before the summer driving season. This long-overdue fix will bring certainty to the marketplace, save consumers money, drive rural growth, and reinforce American energy dominance.” 

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Chairman Anderson,

Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants, including nine in Minnesota, that each year produce 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel; 130 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. Together, we are working to bring better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump to consumers, improve air quality, and protect the environment for future generations. We remain committed to helping our country diversify our energy portfolio, grow more green energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Promoting the use of biofuels is an important way Minnesotans can contribute to the state’s carbon reduction goals. Bioethanol emits 46% fewer GHGs compared to gasoline. Bioethanol’s other environmental benefits are also noteworthy. As has been researched by the University of California, Riverside and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the use of more bioethanol and bioethanol-blended fuel reduces harmful particulates and air toxics such as carbon monoxide, and benzene.

We appreciate the unique challenges Minnesota’s retail fuel industry faces when having to replace aging infrastructure. Updating fuel dispensing and storage equipment is not always an easy endeavor. Thankfully, Minnesota has proven itself as a national leader in the promotion and use of biofuels. Since 2021, the state’s Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program has awarded 60 grants to fuel retailers, totaling $9.5 million, to replace infrastructure with equipment capable of storing and dispensing higher bioethanol blends of fuel. The results of these grants have paid off, as recent state data indicates the sale of E15, a fuel containing 15% ethanol also branded as Unleaded 88, hit a record high in 2024.

While these gains are laudable, there is still more to be done. While the Energy Information Administration’s latest data (2022) shows the state’s retail fuel location count for gasoline at 2,064 sites, less than one quarter of them offer Unleaded 88 E15 gasoline according to GetBiofuel.com. Increasing the number of retail fuel locations offering E15 is essential to the state’s climate goals.

Growth Energy offers its support of House File 43, which increases funding for the Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program by $4.5 million for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027. Minnesota is one of only a handful of states that recognizes the biofuels industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Research has shown that Minnesota could reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 330,000 tons by replacing E10 with E15. This is the emissions-reduction equivalent of removing more than 72,000 vehicles from the road, without impacting a single driver.

HF 43 makes substantial investments in those carbon emissions reduction efforts through the state’s retail fuel industry. It also increases stable access to the domestic fuel market for Minnesota’s corn growers, particularly as international markets experience uncertainty and the USDA’s 2024 farm income forecast predicted a 24% drop in farm income.

We appreciate the opportunity to express our support for HF 43, thank Chairman Anderson for introducing the legislation, and respectfully request the committee’s support for the bill. Additionally, we are available to assist the committee with any technical questions.

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