The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) annual convention in Kansas City is one of Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen’s favorite events of the year. This year the big issue that everyone was talking about was the election and how it might impact the industry.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 Donald Trump was voted in as the 45th President-Elect. What will this mean for the biofuels industry? Dinneen told AgWired that on the campaign trail, he spoke for the most part quite positively about ethanol and about the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) specifically. He visited ethanol plants, said Dinneen, and he came away with a deep understanding of the value of ethanol.

“Not just as a fuel,” said Dinneen, “but as a driver for economic opportunity of rural America. He understands that ethanol is the single-most important value-added market for farmers. He is a strong proponent of domestic energy.” Dinneen added that Trump understands that ethanol needs to be part of that energy mix. “So, I think he’s going to be supportive of our agenda.”

Dinneen also mentioned that Trump is also a proponent of reducing regulatory burden. “If you remove the regulatory burden on ethanol fuels, remove volatility for retail marketers who want to sell E15, you will see a dramatic increase in E15 sales. You will see consumers suddenly be empowered, who can make their own choices at the pump. And you will see the market demand for ethanol rise,” he added.

To hear more about what the election means for biofuels, listen to Cindy Zimmerman’s interview with Bob Dinneen here: Interview with Bob Dinneen, RFA

View photos from the event here: NAFB Convention Photo Album.