NEC 2027

ACE Urges Senate to Advance Year-round E15

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) sent a letter to Senate leadership this week urging them to prioritize bipartisan legislation allowing nationwide, year-round sales of E15 before the end of the 119th Congress.

“Gas prices have soared throughout 2026, and the pain at the pump continues,” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings in the letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “In fact, Americans paid more for gasoline last week on November 3 than on any election day in U.S. history. Election results sent an unmistakably clear signal that affordability remains voters’ top concern.”

Jennings noted that year-round E15 is an “enduring and proven solution” to address that concern, saving Americans 20 to 30 cents per gallon on average this year, and in some markets considerably more.

Bipartisan momentum for year-round E15 has also continued to grow. The Trump administration has issued nationwide emergency waivers allowing E15 sales during the summer months for five consecutive years, while Republican Govs. Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Jim Pillen of Nebraska led efforts to secure year-round E15 in the Midwest. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom worked with lawmakers from both parties to advance legislation enabling E15 sales in the state.

Despite this progress, retailers and consumers continue to face uncertainty from temporary waivers and the absence of a permanent nationwide solution.

“Retailers and consumers deserve certainty, not another stopgap,” Jennings said.

ACE is also urging members and other ethanol advocates to use their Action Center to contact their senators.

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ACE, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

RFA Urges EPA to Reject State RFS Waiver Requests

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The Renewable Fuels Association is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to “swiftly and soundly” reject requests for waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard from the governors of Alabama and Louisiana, warning that such an action would result in higher gas prices and harm to farmers.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says ethanol is already keeping gas prices lower than they might be otherwise. “Any suggestion that ethanol blending compelled by the RFS is somehow raising gas prices is abjectly absurd and demonstrably false,” said Cooper. “Wholesale ethanol prices are $1 per gallon lower than wholesale gasoline prices today, and DOE recently reported that E15 prices are 40 cents per gallon lower, on average, than standard E10 gasoline prices.”

“Refiners have repeatedly shown that if they are not required to blend lower-cost renewable fuels into the gasoline supply, they won’t,” Cooper added. “Far from delivering ‘relief’ at the pump, a waiver of the 2027 RFS requirements would remove a dependable source of lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel from the marketplace and cause higher gas prices. It would also harm struggling corn and soybean farmers in Alabama, Louisiana, and across the country by undermining demand for their crops. EPA should swiftly and soundly reject these waiver requests.”

RFA notes that EPA has received nearly two dozen RFS waiver requests since 2008 from state governors and another 14 requests from oil refining interests each one has been denied after finding that the RFS does not cause “severe harm” to the economy of the requesting states or the refiners themselves.

“The real harm drivers are experiencing at the pump today has nothing to do with the RFS; it has everything to do with high crude oil prices, record high refining margins, a lack of competition in the fuels market, and a failure to truly diversify our energy supply with lower-cost, domestically produced alternative options,” said Cooper.

The governors claim the RFS “imposes a cost on every gallon of gasoline and diesel sold” and that implementation specifically of the 2027 RFS would cause “severe economic harm” to their states, which “depend heavily on agriculture, poultry and livestock.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS

Governors Move to Petition EPA for RFS Waiver

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The governors of Louisiana and Alabama are petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency for a waiver from the Renewable Fuel Standard.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin yesterday, Governors Jeff Landry and Kay Ivey requested a partial waiver for 2027, calling it “targeted, prospective and temporary” and saying it “would not prevent ethanol from continuing to be blended wherever the economics support it.”

In a post on X, Gov. Landry called on fellow governors of Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas to join them in petitioning for a waiver of the RFS claiming “Americans are paying more for gas and diesel because of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) reacted to the petition saying that “blaming the RFS for high fuel prices is misguided and ignores the important role renewable fuels play in expanding U.S. fuel supplies, strengthening energy security and providing consumers with more affordable choices at the pump.”

“With all due respect to the governors, during this time of high fuel prices, the last thing you want to do is reduce supply,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The real solution is to unleash additional U.S. supply, which Congress can do by removing barriers to year-round E15 sales. Ethanol lowers fuels prices because it is less expensive than gasoline and adds gallons to the market. Expanding the use of low-cost ethanol, made right here in America, would lower prices at the pump. Consumers need real solutions, not ineffective political potshots.”

The American Soybean Association warns that granting the petition would “strike a major blow to domestic U.S. soybean markets and rural economies more broadly,” arguing that national average costs of biofuel blends are lower than conventional petroleum fuels.

Biodiesel, biofuels, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFS

Joint Venture to Develop New Low Carbon Feedstocks

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Agribusiness company Bunge and plant genetics business GDM have created a joint venture called Enerseed to develop high-quality, novel oilseeds as feedstocks for the growing low-carbon renewable fuels market.

Enerseed will combine GDM’s expertise in plant genetics, breeding, R&D, trait development and gene editing with Bunge’s global scale, processing capabilities, and broad market access. The collaboration is designed to support an integrated, end-to-end global value chain, from innovative seed development to the efficient delivery of sustainable feedstocks to biofuel customers worldwide. The first seed development projects are expected to begin in select markets and may expand globally to other relevant markets as crops and commercial opportunities mature.

Enerseed will focus on developing a portfolio of crops that offer environmental benefits such as improved soil health, reduced erosion, nitrogen fixation, and lower water requirements as well as creating additional cropping options, supporting diversification and helping growers generate revenue from fallow periods. It will be built around an open licensing model designed to expand access to advanced genetics, cultivation techniques and end-use applications.

biofuels, Carbon, feedstocks

Ethanol Report on Midterm Election Results

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

As the dust is beginning to settle on the midterm election blow-out putting Democrats back in charge of Congress, what will this mean for the ethanol industry going forward?

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the results of the midterm elections and what might happen in the lame duck session to address high gas prices and a suffering farm economy.

Ethanol Report 11-6-26 20:02

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

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Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

2027 Editorial Themes for Ethanol Today Announced

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The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has announced the 2027 lineup of editorial themes for its Ethanol Today magazine, along with print and digital advertising opportunities for the year ahead.

The bimonthly trade publication will examine the diverse trends and challenges shaping the future of the ethanol industry, from innovations in low-carbon production to policy and regulatory priorities under the new Congress. Other themes will spotlight emerging markets for ethanol beyond the pump, such as sustainable aviation fuel, maritime shipping, chemicals, and other bio-based products, and advancing higher blends. The 2027 issues will also feature coverage on building a stronger, more resilient business and growing export demand in global fuel markets.

For more than two decades, Ethanol Today has provided timely, in-depth reporting on the people, policies, and progress driving America’s ethanol industry.

“Since updating Ethanol Today’s design and digital platform, we’ve continued to strengthen the magazine’s reach and relevance by listening to industry feedback and tapping experts for insightful columns and perspectives,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “We’re committed to telling the stories of our members, showcasing new technologies and innovations, and delivering timely, relevant content that keeps readers informed while helping advertisers connect with an engaged, influential audience across the biofuels industry.”

Ethanol Today reaches every ACE member, including ethanol plants nationwide and the offices of every Member of Congress.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol and DDGS Exports Lower in September

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

U.S. ethanol exports dropped one percent in September to 209.0 million gallons (mg), but remain 14% ahead of the same period last year, according to the latest Trade Monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association.

Eighty percent of shipments were concentrated in just four markets, led once again by Canada, where exports climbed 10% to a record 93.5 mg, accounting for 45% of total U.S. ethanol exports and 71% of denatured fuel ethanol shipments. Exports to the European Union declined 18% to 42.4 mg, with less than half entering through the Netherlands—a departure from recent patterns—although the EU remained the leading destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Shipments to Vietnam surged 66% to 17.2 mg, while India rebounded from virtually no imports in August to 14.1 mg. Other major markets included the United Kingdom (13.1 mg), Colombia (10.3 mg), Mexico (5.5 mg), and the Philippines (5.3 mg). Brazil remained largely absent from the market for the sixth consecutive month.

In the same month, exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) declined 16% to 1.09 million metric tons (mt) after gaining 18% in August.

Mexico remained the leading destination despite a 15% decline to 183,020 mt. Shipments also fell to Indonesia (176,514 mt, down 13%), South Korea (124,249 mt, down 20%), and Vietnam (90,382 mt, down 18%). In contrast, several mid-sized markets posted gains, including Colombia (85,957 mt, up 31%), the European Union (77,782 mt, up 201%), Canada (51,332 mt, up 2%), and the United Kingdom (45,238 mt, up 93%), where shipments reached a three-year high. Through the first nine months of 2026, U.S. DDGS exports totaled 9.66 million mt, exceeding the year-earlier pace by 12%.

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

EPA Holds Virtual Hearing on Proposed SRE Reallocation

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The Environmental Protection Agency held a virtual hearing Wednesday to hear comments on the proposed reallocation plan announced last month to restore renewable fuel volumes lost to recent small refinery exemptions.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper testified that, while they continue to disagree with EPA granting the exemptions in the first place, they believe the agency must fully account for the renewable fuel obligations those exemptions eliminate. “RFA strongly supports EPA’s proposal to reallocate 100 percent of the additional 770 million RINs exempted beyond the volume anticipated in the Set 2 rule,” said Cooper. “Without full reallocation, the RINs freed up by these exemptions can be carried forward to satisfy future obligations, displacing demand for newly produced renewable fuels, and eroding the historic 2026 and 2027 standards established by this administration.”

Cooper urged EPA to finalize the rule as soon as possible. “At a time when gasoline and diesel supplies are tightening, refiners are enjoying strong profit margins, and Americans are still paying too much at the pump, we should be encouraging greater use of affordable, American-made renewable fuels. Full reallocation is essential to protecting the economic and consumer benefits the RFS was designed to deliver,” said Cooper.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Brian Jennings also testified in support for the reallocation plan which he says will also “support the statutory purpose of the RFS to increase blending year-over-year and help drive demand for E15 and E85.”

Jennings also stressed the financial hardships farmers are facing. “Let’s be clear. It is not hardship for refiners, who are posting record profit margins, to blend low-cost renewable fuel into their expensive petroleum products,” Jennings stated. “By contrast, American farmers have struggled to make ends meet for the last five years and are experiencing hardship. Until this reallocation is final and complete, exempted RVOs represent an economic drain on U.S. farmers.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America sent VP of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik, Regulatory Affairs Director Kate Shenk, and Governing Board Chair Kent Engelbrecht to testify at the hearing. “We strongly support EPA’s proposal to reallocate the gallons equally to 2026 and 2027 volume obligations. We ask the agency to finalize this supplemental rule as soon as possible – certainly by the end of the year – to ensure that the robust volumes for 2026 and 2027 are not eroded by small refinery exemptions, past or future,” said Kovarik. “U.S. companies throughout the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF supply chain have announced new investments in capacity since earlier this year, based on the robust RFS volumes.”

ACE, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Green Plains Deal Monetizes 45Z Tax Credits

Cindy Zimmerman

Omaha-based ethanol producer Green Plains Inc. has signed a deal for the transfer a minimum of $250 million worth of 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credits generated across all nine of its biorefineries located in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. The buyers will purchase additional credits up to a total of $325 million, with an option to purchase an additional $30 million, subject to their generation and availability.

The value is based on anticipated credit generation under current carbon intensity (CI) scores across the Green Plains fleet and does not assume incremental investment in additional low-carbon initiatives or future CI improvements, which could drive further credit generation and value.

Green Plains will receive $140 million of cash in the fourth quarter for 45Z tax credits generated through June 30, 2026. Credits generated in the third and fourth quarters of 2026 will be transferred and monetized in the first half of 2027, following completion of required compliance reporting and satisfaction of applicable closing conditions.

biofuels, Carbon, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol Report on 2026 Export Exchange

Cindy Zimmerman

Export Exchange 2026, co-sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), was bigger than ever before this year. Held in the international hub of Seattle, Washington, the event shattered previous records going back to 2010 with more than 500 attendees from 48 countries.

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, we hear from Scott Richman, chief economist for RFA, who was one of those representing the organization at the event. He talks about the purpose of Export Exchange and how it helps bring buyers and sellers together to move more ethanol co-product.

Ethanol Report 10-23-26 21:49

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

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Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Export Exchange, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA