WASHINGTON, D.C.— American drivers could collectively save more than $110 million this Memorial Day weekend if they filled up with E15—a more affordable fuel option made with 15% ethanol—instead of ordinary fuel.

That’s according to a new estimate from Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association. Based on AAA’s projected travel data for 2025, Growth Energy’s analysis showed how much money consumers could potentially save over the Memorial Day holiday by selecting E15—also sold as Unleaded 88.

“Once again, E15 is set to provide major savings at the pump for Memorial Day travelers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With nearly 40 million Americans planning to hit the road this weekend, access to lower-cost E15 will make a real difference for hardworking families. Every additional gallon of ethanol that reaches consumers means more American-made energy in the marketplace, lower fuel costs, and a much-needed boost to the farm economy.”

The sale of E15 is restricted over the summer due to outdated federal regulations that were enacted long before this fuel option entered the marketplace. However, this cleaner, more-affordable fuel choice remains available this summer thanks to a temporary waiver issued by the Trump administration as part of an effort to support American energy dominance, increase homegrown fuel supplies, and hold down prices at the pump.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing 98% of all vehicle miles traveled this Memorial Day. Unleaded 88/E15 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. 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.

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

Background

E15—also sold as Unleaded 88—is a fuel blend made with 15% American-made ethanol. It has a lower emissions profile and costs less than E10, the standard fuel in the U.S., made with 10% ethanol. Research shows that if the country were to make E15 its standard fuel, it would:

• Reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually and save the average American household $168 on motor fuel costs.
• Generate $66.3 billion of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy.
• Support nearly 555,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy, including 188,417 new jobs attributable to E15 replacing E10.
• Put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American households.
• Generate an additional $7 billion in tax revenue for the Federal Treasury and $6 billion for State and local governments.

Learn more here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association, welcomed reports that the proposal released today by the House Ways and Means Committee included an extension of the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, an incentive that would spur innovation in American biofuels and unlock billions in new investments across rural America. 

“Pro-growth tax policy can unlock billions of dollars in new investments towards U.S. energy dominance while supporting stronger markets for America’s farmers. The 45Z tax credit is a critical piece of this puzzle, and we’re glad to see that lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee recognize its importance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “By including it in the reconciliation bill, this proposal would give biofuels producers a longer runway to innovate and to make investments in creating new markets for farmers. We’re grateful to the Committee, and to our champions on Capitol Hill who have worked hard to ensure that rural priorities like 45Z are included in any final tax bill. As Congress completes its work on the President’s agenda, we urge our champions to remain focused on ensuring that U.S. farmers and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to invest in long-term growth.”

The 45Z clean fuel production tax credit is intended to incentivize the production of low-carbon fuels in transportation on the ground and in the air. If implemented properly, Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that the 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 low carbon corn used at a bioethanol plant.  

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Trump administration’s decision to grant 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. Action on a nationwide waiver fulfills a key element of President Trump’s executive order directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (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.”  

“We’re grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to lift a needless barrier standing between the American people and lower-cost E15,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This outcome is also thanks to USDA Secretary Rollins’ support for year-round E15 and homegrown fuels, and the governors, senators, and representatives in both parties whose advocacy for American drivers and farmers helped make this happen.” 

“EPA’s decision is a step toward greater American energy dominance. This will put more American fuel in the marketplace, allow Americans to spend less of their hard earned money at the pump this summer, give fuel retailers the clarity and certainty they need and protect a critical market for American farmers,” Skor continued. “With a temporary waiver in place, our bipartisan champions in Congress and the White House can focus on passing permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.” 

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 4,100 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 and the emergency waiver here.  

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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.

The post Growth Energy, CFAA Respond to Oil Industry in Case Pushing EPA to Reallocate Lost Biofuel Gallons appeared first on Growth Energy.

With high inflation and volatile gas prices, American drivers are increasingly relying on the fuel savings offered by E15 (UNL88), a fuel containing 15 percent American ethanol. Compared to standard 10 percent blends (E10), E15 saved American drivers an average 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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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.

The post Growth Energy Submits Testimony in Support of Minnesota’s Biofuel Infrastructure Grants Legislation appeared first on Growth Energy.

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

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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.

The post Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Kansas E15 Legislation appeared first on Growth Energy.

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.

The post Growth Energy Testimony in Support of Nebraska SAF Tax Credit appeared first on Growth Energy.

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.

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