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, 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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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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Chairman Creech,

Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 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 130 businesses and groups, including the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, working with them and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. Together, we remain committed to bringing better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump to consumers, helping our country diversify our energy portfolio in order to grow more energy jobs, sustaining family farms, and driving down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Today, 98 percent of all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent bioethanol. E15, a fuel containing up to 15 percent bioethanol, is now available at more than 3,700 retail locations in 33 states, and higher bioethanol blends such as E85 are available at nearly 6,000 sites around the country. In Ohio, there are currently only 166 retail fuel locations selling E15. Less than two percent of the state’s estimated 8,894 retail fuel locations offer E15. Compare this to Minnesota, with half of Ohio’s population, that has more than 500 retail locations offering E15.

E15 is approved for all 2001 and newer vehicles, more than 96 percent of all light duty vehicles on the road today. Most vehicles require a minimum octane rating of 87. Bioethanol, with an octane rating of 113, helps meet that in modern cars. Bioethanol is a cleaner, renewable, and cost-effective alternative to toxic chemicals like lead and MTBE. Consumers have now driven more than 140 billion miles on E15, and retailers have conducted millions of transactions with this fuel. There have been no adverse reports of fuel quality experienced with E15 since first being approved 13 years ago.

As the Ohio House and Senate work through the state’s biennial budget, Growth Energy encourages the House Agriculture Committee to consider amendments that help provide a temporary boost to Ohio’s corn growers via a five-cent per gallon incentive for retailers to offer and sell fuels with higher blends of ethanol. Implementation of a similar incentive that passed the Ohio House last session will help Ohio corn growers with increased domestic demand for their product as international markets are experiencing continued uncertainty while USDA forecasts a potential 25% decline in farm income.

Previously considered legislation would have resulted in the purchasing of as much as 3.4 million additional bushels of Ohio corn to produce an additional 200 million gallons of E15. Based on 2024 prices, corn sales to bioethanol producers would have increased in the state by more $14 million. This increased production in bioethanol would also result in the availability of an additional 29 million pounds of nutrient-rich animal feed, an important co-product in the bioethanol production process, for Ohio livestock farmers.

A number of Midwestern states have adopted or are considering an incentive for the sale of higher bioethanol blends. A similar five-cent per gallon incentive being considered in Indiana for bioethanol, which when combined with an incentive for biodiesel sales, would add more than $100 million to that state’s GDP annually. When considering the consumer savings and the benefits to both Ohio agriculture and bioethanol producers, a temporary incentive will boost economic activity and benefit the state’s bottom line.

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

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Leaders of the U.S. ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry today expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s decision by the General Court of the European Union to dismiss a challenge against the ReFuelEU Aviation regulations brought by European biofuel producers. The court ruled that ePURE and Pannonia Bio did not have a legal right to bring the challenge, which asserted the EU’s SAF regulation improperly discriminates against crop-based biofuels.

In May 2024, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and LanzaJet petitioned the court to intervene in support of the European biofuel interests. But because the underlying challenge was dismissed, the objections to the EU regulation raised by the U.S. groups were not considered by the court.

“We are disappointed by the Court’s decision and strongly disagree with its finding that biofuel producers in the EU and United States—who manufacture the renewable fuels that become SAF—are somehow not harmed or affected by the EU’s unfair and unscientific SAF requirements,” the U.S. groups said. “We will continue exploring options with our partners in Europe to address the biased nature and punitive effects of the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.”

By essentially banning crop-based SAF from qualifying, the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation harms ethanol and SAF producers around the world by denying them access to an emerging low-carbon fuel market. And, because commercial aviation is a global marketplace, the EU regulations also have extraterritorial effects on operations outside of Europe.

RFA also petitioned the Court to intervene in a separate challenge brought by EU producers against the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which similarly blocks crop-based biofuels from participating in the EU’s regulatory program to decarbonize maritime fuels. The underlying challenge to the FuelEU Maritime regulation—and RFA’s petition to intervene—were also dismissed by the Court on Tuesday.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, congratulated Jamieson Greer today after his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Trade Representative.

“After a record-setting year for ethanol exports, the U.S. biofuels industry is more focused than ever on accelerating growth through international sales,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Accomplishing this goal, however, will require a strong voice to speak on behalf of America’s farmers and biofuel producers when negotiating new trade agreements, expanding export markets, and addressing unfair trade issues facing U.S. ethanol. Mr. Greer is qualified to represent the American ethanol industry and its farm partners on the global stage, and we look forward to working with him and with our champions in Congress to make trade fairer and more beneficial for the rural economy.”

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Homegrown American ethanol holds down gas prices, strengthens our domestic energy production, brings jobs and prosperity to rural America, and delivers cleaner air.

Below are specific policy priorities that can lead America into a stronger, cleaner, and more prosperous future.

Reduce Fuel Prices with E15

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

Drive American Innovation Through Federal Tax Incentives

Win in Global Markets with American Ethanol

Unleash American Energy Dominance by Reducing Barriers to Private Investment

The post 2025 Ethanol Policy Roadmap appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement as the U.S. Senate approved the nomination of former U.S. Rep. Lee M. Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The vote followed a robust dialogue with Senate biofuel champions and an encouraging confirmation hearing, during which Congressman Zeldin committed to implementing President Trump’s pro-biofuel agenda.

“Administrator Zeldin has made it clear that he understands how important American-made biofuels are to President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “He’s also committed to advancing year-round E15 and ensuring that America’s farmers and biofuel producers have the regulatory certainty under the Renewable Fuel Standard to plan and invest in rural growth. We thank Administrator Zeldin for agreeing to work alongside Senator Pete Ricketts and other rural champions on Capitol Hill to deliver a much-needed boost to the farm economy and greater fuel savings for hardworking Americans with homegrown ethanol.”

The post Growth Energy Welcomes New EPA Chief appeared first on Growth Energy.

Chairman Smith,

Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of cleaner-burning, renewable fuel, including five of Kanas’ twelve biorefineries. We also represent 123 businesses—including six associate members in Kansas—associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. Together, we remain committed to bringing better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump to consumers, helping our country diversify our energy portfolio in order to grow more energy jobs, sustaining family farms, and driving down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Today, 98 percent of all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent bioethanol. E15, a fuel containing up to 15 percent bioethanol, is now available at more than 3,700 retail locations in 33 states, and higher bioethanol blends such as E85 are available at nearly 6,000 sites around the country. In Kansas, there are 72 retail locations selling E15 and 90 locations selling E85.

E15 is approved for all 2001 and newer vehicles, more than 96 percent of all light duty vehicles on the road today. Most vehicles require a minimum octane rating of 87. Bioethanol, with an octane rating of 113, helps meet that in modern cars. Bioethanol is a cleaner, renewable, and cost-effective alternative to toxic chemicals like lead and MTBE. Consumers have now driven more than 140 billion miles on E15, and retailers have conducted millions of transactions with this fuel. There have been no adverse reports of fuel quality experienced with E15 since first being approved 13 years ago.

Growth Energy appreciates this opportunity to support House Bill 2012, which would provide an important tax credit for bioethanol fuel blends from 15 to 85 percent. Specifically, this legislation would provide a non-refundable 5 cent per gallon tax credit to fuel retailers for every gallon of higher bioethanol fuel blends sold. This credit is important as retailers in Kansas continue to build out the market and invest in additional infrastructure to offer these higher bioethanol blends.

Bioethanol blends such as E15 and E85 also give consumers more affordable choices at the pump. During the summer of 2023, Kansans saved an average of 11 cents per gallon on E15 compared to E10. Providing a 5 cent per gallon tax credit to incentivize a higher bioethanol blend helps hardworking Kansans save on fuel costs without any impact to the state’s fuel tax revenue.

This credit will also help Kansas bioethanol producers, corn growers and sorghum producers, and livestock farmers. At a time when American farmers are facing a 25% decrease in farm incomes, Kansas corn growers and sorghum producers can benefit from the increased demand for their crop. The tax credit could result in the purchasing of as much as 1.7 million additional bushels of Kansas corn annually to produce an additional 5 million gallons of bioethanol. This increased production in bioethanol also results in the availability of an additional 29 million pounds of nutrient-rich animal feed, an important co-product in the bioethanol production process, for Kansas livestock farmers.

When considering the consumer savings, the benefits to the agriculture and bioethanol industries, and noting no impact on Kansas’ fuel tax revenue, the proposed retail tax credit doesn’t affect the state’s bottom line. Several Midwestern states have successfully implemented similar tax incentives for higher bioethanol blends. As more states consider incentives, Kansas should ensure its product made from Kansas-grown corn and sorghum benefits Kansas drivers.

Given our experience with retailers around the country offering bioethanol blends, we are happy to assist the committee with technical questions as they consider this important legislation. We look forward to working with you to finalize this important benefit for Kansas drivers, fuel retailers and farmers. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

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Chairperson von Gillern,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony for LB 8. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel annually; 123 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters nationwide. Together, we are working to bring consumers better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump, improve air quality, and protect the environment for future generations. We remain committed to helping diversify our country’s energy portfolio, grow more energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Growth Energy strongly advocates for policies supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, which presents an historic opportunity to Nebraska’s farmers and bioethanol producers, including the eight Nebraska biorefineries that are members of Growth Energy, which collectively have a production capacity of 995 million gallons of bioethanol.

In 2021, the United States produced approximately 5 million gallons of SAF but incentives like Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Act can help the ethanol industry occupy up to half of the domestic aviation marketplace. Growth Energy members have committed over 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol capacity to SAF, more than 650 million gallons of SAF. To achieve these goals, getting the policies that will spur this investment right is essential.

Growth Energy supports LB 8, which modifies the $1.50 tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sold or used in Nebraska. The changes made by LB 8 allow Nebraska to become a leader in SAF production and sales. In particular, modifying the credit to remove the $500,000 annual limit the state can approve for the tax credit each fiscal year is important to the growth of Nebraska’s SAF production. Additionally, amending the implementation date for the tax credit ensures the state’s bioethanol producers can fully utilize the credit.

LB 8 represents an opportunity for Nebraska farmers and biofuel producers to benefit from this still nascent market poised to skyrocket in the coming decades. A study conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions concluded that to achieve 100% SAF usage by 2050, 63 new bioethanol plants of 200 million gallons production capacity each will need to be constructed nationwide. That same study suggested Nebraska may need as many as 6 alcohol-to-jet (the process in which bioethanol is converted to sustainable aviation fuel) SAF production facilities based on the state’s corn supply. Nebraska’s status as a leading state for corn and bioethanol production has the potential to be enhanced with the passage of LB 8.

Today, biofuels support more than half a million jobs across the rural bioeconomy. If bioethanol producers take full advantage of SAF opportunities, that number has the potential to double. LB 8 incentivizes the Cornhusker State to embrace SAF production and capitalize on the economic and employment benefits of the growing SAF industry.

We appreciate the opportunity to express our support for LB 8, thank Senator Dungan 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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Ms. Borchert,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide written comments in response to the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) draft of the Clean Transportation Fuel Program (CTFP) rule. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel; 123 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 in order to grow more green energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

We applaud New Mexico’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the CTFP. Growth Energy has previously provided extensive comments on similar programs in California, Washington, and Oregon, ensuring those states recognize the carbon reduction value of
increased bioethanol use. In California, biofuels have been among the largest contributors to the success of the LCFS program to date and are poised to continue to do so with appropriate updates to the program. Additionally, as mentioned in the June 28, 2024 Advisory Committee meeting, bioethanol has been a significant credit generator in the Oregon and Washington programs. Like those states, we believe the CTFP has the opportunity to utilize biofuels as a means of immediate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in the current light-duty vehicle fleet as future technologies are further developed.

Environmental Benefits of Bioethanol
According to recent data from Environmental Health and Engineering, today’s bioethanol reduces GHG by nearly 50 percent compared to gasoline and can provide even further GHG reductions with additional readily available technologies. The potential for fuels with higher blends of ethanol to reduce GHGs are further illustrated in a national analysis showing more than 146,000 tons in GHG reduction in New Mexico alone if E10 gasoline was replaced with E15. This is the GHG reduction equivalent of removing 32,000 vehicles from New Mexico’s fleet just by using a higher ethanol-blend fuel.

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.

Use of GREET for Life Cycle Analysis Modeling
We applaud NMED for the use of the Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, with parameters specific to New Mexico, to calculate life-cycle emissions of fuels subject to the CTFS. ANL GREET is the most accurate tool to examine the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of all fuels and considers a wide range of carbon reduction processes and technologies that bioethanol production can utilize. It is the gold standard for measuring the emissions-reducing power of farm-based feedstocks and biofuels and incorporates up-to-date science that more accurately scores lifecycle carbon intensity (CI) for corn bioethanol and other renewable fuels.

Appropriate Land Use Change Penalties
As has been reiterated throughout the Advisory Committee’s public meeting process and in our previous comments, biofuels have been a major driver of GHG reductions in existing fuel standard programs. They have been able to be so despite onerous, and we believe unnecessary, land use change (LUC) penalties for cornstarch bioethanol of varying values, including 19.8 gCO2e/MJ in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This penalty was designed to mitigate purported land use change with respect to cornstarch bioethanol’s production. We believe these scores to be outdated and not based on the most up to date research. A review of more recent science indicates a decreasing trend in land use values with the newer data indicating values closer to 4 gCO2e/MJ.

Concerns over land use change for cornstarch bioethanol are unfounded. The United States is planting grain corn on roughly the same number of acres as it was in 1900. At the same time, the per acre yield has increased more than 600%. We urge NMED to reconsider the application of a 19.8 gCO2e/MJ LUC penalty for cornstarch bioethanol, consider data based on more recent research and apply a LUC penalty that is reflective of that data.

Expanding E15 and Higher Blends
Emissions reductions through the use of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, also come with meaningful consumer cost-savings. During the summer of 2024, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with Unleaded 88 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, Unleaded 88 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Consumers have embraced E15’s reputation as a more environmentally beneficial, more affordable fuel. Since the US EPA approved E15 in 2011, at which time there were zero retailers offering it, its availability rapidly expanded to what is now more than 3,714 retail sites in 33 states. Since then, drivers in America have relied on E15 to drive 140 billion miles.

Clarifying Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Bioethanol producers constantly make improvements to their production process, increasing economic efficiency and more importantly, reducing CI. Among the newest tools bioethanol producers are utilizing to reduce CI is carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS). The latest research conducted by the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) Foundation shows that just the use of CCUS in bioethanol production can reduce its CI by as much as 57%, demonstrating the critical role CCUS plays in bioethanol’s path toward becoming a net-zero fuel. We applaud NMED for recognizing CCUS as a means for carbon reduction, and appreciate the inclusion of CCUS in certain Tier 2 pathways (Tier 1 fuels using innovative methods or a process that cannot be accurately represented using the simplified calculators used to calculate Tier 1 carbon intensities) novel to New Mexico.

However, given the wording of the draft rules, it could be interpreted in such a way that precludes fuels listed as Tier 2 fuels, such as alternative jet fuel, from utilizing CCUS. As alcohol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) becomes more prevalent, SAF producers will rely on bioethanol, a Tier 1 fuel, with CCUS to reduce CI. This leaves the question of whether SAF produced with a bioethanol pathway utilizing CCUS will be approved as a Tier 2 pathway.

We encourage NMED to clarify this provision, an whether innovative methods such as CCUS can be used in other Tier 2 fuels such as alternative jet fuel. CCUS is an important tool for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers to achieve the carbon intensity reduction necessary to meet our nation’s GHG reduction goals in the aviation sector.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices
With the use of the GREET model, we encourage NMED to consider allowing on-farm carbon reduction practices, commonly called climate-smart agriculture (CSA), should also be credited in the CTFS. With GREET’s Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator and the USDA’s database of CSA practices, the carbon reduction values can easily be quantified and verified.

Among these practices are the use of cover crops, low or no-till farming, precision fertilizer application, and the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizer. The previously mentioned EFI Foundation study found that those four CSA practices could result in as much as 59% CI reduction for bioethanol. NMED should ensure the inclusion of CSA practices as allowable CI reduction tools for crop-based biofuels.

Allowing Biofuels Producers to Access Crediting for Low-CI Power
Additionally, we continue to advocate for expanded crediting for low-CI power sourcing for biofuels producers through renewable energy certificates (RECs). In the draft CTFP rules, the ability to utilize RECs in a pathway is limited to certain feedstocks. We believe the ability to credit low-CI power sourcing through power purchase agreements should be available to all feedstocks and pathways.

The aforementioned EFI study indicated the use of carbon-free electricity in the bioethanol production process can reduce its CI by 6% while the use of biomass for combined heat and power (CHP) can reduce its CI by as much as 37%. The EFI study suggests biomass CHP can be implemented with minimal costs and it is ready for widespread adoption in the near term.

With bioethanol production occurring entirely outside of New Mexico, the state has an opportunity to become a national leader by encouraging, via the CTFS, the adoption of low-CI power for bioethanol producers in other jurisdictions. We encourage NMED to consider the ability of all fuel pathways to credit low-CI power sourcing in their CI score.

Other Carbon Reduction Processes and Technologies
Below are additional examples of the wide variety of feedstocks and technologies bioethanol producers have available for CI reduction. We continue to encourage NMED to provide crop-based biofuels the widest set of feasible and ready to adopt opportunities for carbon reduction.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
As producers of one of the most scalable feedstocks for SAF production, we appreciate NMED’s attention to development of this key market and the CTFP’s allowance of SAF to generate credits. We encourage NMED to work with SAF producers, biofuel feedstock producers, and airlines to seek ways to accelerate use of these important fuels to help decarbonize the aviation sector.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the draft CTFP proposal. The CTFS will be a critical tool in New Mexico’s decarbonization efforts, and we look forward to working with NMED to ensure the role of biofuels in making New Mexico’s fuel mix more sustainable and help the state achieve its progressive climate goals through the expanded use of bioethanol. Additionally, we are happy to make ourselves available for any questions NMED may have.

The post Growth Energy Comments on New Mexico Clean Transportation Fuel Program appeared first on Growth Energy.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom for including E15—a higher biofuel blend made with 15% American-made bioethanol—in his recently-released budget proposal.

“E15 would help California accomplish its twin goals of lowering fuel costs while decarbonizing its light-duty vehicle fleet,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We thank Gov. Newsom for his leadership and for including E15 in his budget proposal. We look forward to working with the state to complete the approval process and finally give Californians access to this more affordable engine-smart, earth-kind fuel option, which Americans in other states have already relied on to travel more than 140 billion miles.”

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.

If the United States were to transition from an E10 standard to an E15 standard nationwide, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 17.62 million tons per year (the equivalent of removing approximately 3.85 million vehicles from the road every year). Nationwide adoption of an E15 standard would also save consumers $20.6 billion in annual fuel costs, increase household income by $36.3 billion, and generate $66.3 billion for U.S. GDP.

Learn more about E15 here.

The post Growth Energy Commends California Governor for Including E15 in Budget Proposal appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a hearing today, Growth Energy—the nation’s largest biofuel trade association—urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to retroactively reduce renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for cellulosic biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 

Earlier this month EPA proposed a partial waiver that would reduce the requisite amount of cellulosic biofuels that needed to be blended into the nation’s fuel supply, as stipulated by the RFS, for the 2024 compliance year. In testimony, however, Growth Energy General Counsel Joe Kakesh warned that following through on the waiver could set a dangerous precedent for future retroactive reductions, and would undermine the growing market for cellulosic biofuels, which are biofuels produced from leftover plant parts like stems, leaves and other fibrous material. 

“EPA’s proposal to partially waive 2024 cellulosic volume requirements is inconsistent with EPA’s recent RFS policies and with the RFS itself. While 2024 cellulosic volumes may not yet have achieved RVO targets, many biorefiners have nevertheless been making headway in cellulosic biofuel production, and we’ve seen more and more of their cellulosic registrations being approved by the agency,” said Kakesh.  

“In any case, any waiver of 2024 cellulosic volume requirements here should not provide precedent for the future of the RFS program or suppress RFS program goals, which are to drive production and innovation of biofuels, including cellulosic biofuels, and not to passively track a biofuels marketplace without them,” he added. 

To read the full testimony as prepared for delivery click here.  

The post Growth Energy Warns EPA against Lowering Cellulosic Volumes appeared first on Growth Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—AAA projected last week that 107 million Americans will travel by car for the holidays this year. Based on this data, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, estimates that U.S. consumers could collectively save up to $250 million in fuel costs this holiday season if they were to choose Unleaded 88 (also called E15)—a fuel blend made with 15% homegrown bioethanol. 

“The more American biofuel blended into gasoline, the more cost savings, and the better it is for the environment,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Unleaded 88 is approved for use in more than 96% of cars on the road today and, on average, can retail for 10-30 cents less per gallon than standard fuel. Consumers can save their money for other expenses and pay less at the pump by choosing Unleaded 88 whenever they fill up during the holidays this year.” 

Apart from the cost savings, Unleaded 88 is also a critical part of establishing American energy dominance because it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. It also promotes cleaner air, reducing smog-forming pollutants and lowering emissions of particulate matter by up to 50% compared to gasoline. 

Travelers can plan their road trip and locate gas stations selling Unleaded 88 and other higher ethanol blends using the Get Biofuel Fuel Finder. To date, Americans have driven more than 130 billion miles on Unleaded 88. 

About Unleaded 88/E15  

Unleaded 88 (also known as 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. Unleaded 88/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 Unleaded 88 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, Unleaded 88 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. 

Learn more about Unleaded 88/E15 here. 

The post Americans Could Save $250 Million Filling Up with Unleaded 88 This Holiday Season appeared first on Growth Energy.

On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing American manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers, and other supply chain stakeholders, we are writing to urge both the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance to return to the bargaining table with the goal of reaching a new labor contract before the new Jan. 15 contract expiration date. It is imperative for the parties to resume negotiations and remain at the table until a new contract is reached.

We know significant issues remain between the parties. However, we continue to believe the only way to resolve these issues and come to an agreement is to actually stay at the negotiating table. The continuing start and stop of the negotiations leads to further uncertainty in the supply chain, which continues to cause challenges. The three-day strike in October had a significant impact on supply chain stakeholders that rely on the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. The additional costs from mitigation efforts as well as post-strike resumption are still being felt. Companies have continued to implement mitigation strategies because of the ongoing threat of another strike in mid-January if a new contract is not achieved.

We understand that automation and technology continues to be the biggest issue of disagreement between the parties. We continue to believe there is a path forward for the parties to address this issue. It is critical that our ports and terminals have the ability to modernize their systems and processes in order to remain globally competitive and be able to handle the continuing rise of trade volumes, both imports and exports, through our ports. Modernization can only happen through true partnership between labor and management, as well as the other supply chain stakeholders that rely on these ports. Modernization efforts will benefit all parties and are essential to address current and future throughput issues.

We firmly believe the remaining issues can only be resolved by returning to the negotiating table and remaining until a final deal is complete.

Sincerely,

The post Growth Energy Joins Trade Letter Urging Port Labor Negotiations appeared first on Growth Energy.

Chairman Hall, Vice Chair Lear, Ranking Member Rogers, Jr., and members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony regarding House Bill 358. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants that each year produce more than 9.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel, 123 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 its energy portfolio, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

We write today in support of Ohio’s efforts to establish primacy in the approval and regulation of Class VI carbon dioxide sequestration wells for potential projects in the state. Carbon sequestration is a critical tool for the bioethanol industry, particularly as demand for low-carbon liquid fuels continues to rise. Ohio is positioned as one of only a relatively handful of states with optimal carbon sequestration geology.

Liquid fuels are expected to continue to dominate the nation’s transportation fuel matrix in the coming decades. Domestic markets, as well as an increasing number of international markets, are placing a premium on low-carbon liquid fuels. By establishing primacy, Ohio’s bioethanol industry, coupled with favorable geology for sequestration in several regions of the state, will provide additional economic benefits to the biofuels industry and the rural Ohio economies it supports via increased access to these low-carbon domestic and international markets.

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicting further decreases in farm incomes, these new markets and economic opportunities are particularly important for rural communities dependent on grain prices and biofuels production. As of November 11, 2024, 154 Class VI permits were currently under review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Many of these permit applications have experienced delay after delay, preventing bioethanol producers from moving forward on capital- and labor-intensive carbon sequestration projects.

By establishing primacy, Ohio can move forward with CCUS projects without delays from federal agencies. Growth Energy’s members, and the corn growers with whom we work, will benefit greatly from Ohio’s efforts on Class VI primacy. Ohio can join North Dakota, Wyoming, and Louisiana in taking advantage of this economic opportunity for a variety of industries.

We thank State Representative Robb-Blasdel for introducing this legislation and working with stakeholders to ensure the economic benefits of CCUS projects can benefit Ohioans across its energy industry. Given our industry’s experience and expertise in carbon reduction, we are happy to assist the Committee with technical questions as they consider this important legislation.

The post Growth Energy Submits Testimony on Ohio Class VI Primacy appeared first on Growth Energy.

Chair Shink,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on SB 1171. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 97 U.S. plants—including two plants in Michigan—that produce more than 9 billion gallons of renewable fuel annually; 123 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters nationwide. Together, we are working to bring consumers better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump, improve air quality, and protect the environment for future generations. We remain committed to helping diversify our country’s energy portfolio, grow more energy jobs, decarbonize our nation’s energy mix, sustain family farms, and drive down the costs of transportation fuels for consumers.

Growth Energy supports SB 1171, which provides certain updates to the Motor Fuels Quality Act of 1984. As a partner with fuel retailers across the country, we work to ensure statutory and regulatory certainty in the fuel retail market so that consumers have access to fuels with higher blends of ethanol, which will help them save money at the pump while using a lower carbon fuel.

We appreciate the efforts in SB 1171 to streamline Michigan’s statute with federal regulations regarding dispenser labeling for retailers offering E15. E15 is a blend consisting of 15 percent bioethanol, has been approved for use by the EPA in all passenger vehicles model year 2001 and newer, more than 96 percent of the vehicles on the road today. It is now for sale at more than 3,400 locations in 32 states.

Provisions in SB 1171 ensure the federal label required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 40 CFR 1090.1510 for retailers offering E15 is sufficient for the state and provides consumers the assurance they are filling their tank with a more affordable fuel option that is safe for their engines. The EPA label is the standard for E15 dispensers and consistent for fuel retailers across the country.

According to recent data from Environmental Health and Engineering, today’s bioethanol reduces greenhouse gases (GHG) by nearly 50 percent compared to gasoline and can provide even further GHG reductions with additional readily available technologies. A national analysis showed a reduction of 580,000 tons of GHGs annually in Michigan if E15 replaced E10 gasoline. This is the GHG reduction equivalent of removing more than 126,000 vehicles from Michigan’s roads without impacting a single driver just by using a higher ethanol-blend fuel. These emissions reductions also come with meaningful consumer cost-savings. During the summer of 2023, E15 was sold at 15 cents less per gallon where available on average nationwide.

We thank Chair Shink for introducing this bill, appreciate the collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and urge all members of the committee to support the bill.

The post Growth Energy Provides Testimony on Dispenser Labeling in Michigan appeared first on Growth Energy.