Ag Secretary Nominee Faces Questions on Biofuels Support

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President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture faced questions about her support of biofuels during her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) challenged Rollins’ previous support of policy against biofuels when she was CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation from 2003-2018. “To be clear, coming from Texas, I was a massive defender of fossil fuels in the energy independence narrative,” Rollins admitted. But noting President Trump’s support of biofuels and the conversations she has had with other senators, Rollins promised, “I will be a secretary for all of agriculture.”

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) also questioned Rollins’ about USDA’s role in setting renewable fuels policy and determining rules for the 45z Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit. “I look forward to working with my friend Lee Zeldin at EPA and on 45Z with my friend Scott Bessent at Treasury,” she said. “You will find that the cabinet, if confirmed, we all know each other and are really looking forward to working together on these cross-agency issues.”

Rollins hearing - Sen. Klobuchar (4:15)

Rollins hearing - Sen. Ernst (8:10)

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings thanked Sens. Klobuchar and Ernst, as well as Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Jerry Moran (R-KS), for raising important biofuel questions during the nomination hearing. “ACE looks forward to working with Rollins to ‘defend and elevate all sources of fuel,’ including biofuels, and continue making progress on our USDA RCPP projects designed to unlock new market opportunities for farmers and renewable fuel producers,” said Jennings. “We’re also encouraged she expressed that she’ll work with her counterparts at EPA and the Treasury Department on cross-agency issues, like year-round access to E15 nationwide, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit.”

ACE is hosting its 14th annual DC Fly-In & Government Affairs Summit coming up March 27-28 where members will be on Capitol Hill speaking with representatives of Congress and the new administration.

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, USDA

Clean Fuels Chair Confident Moving Forward

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Kent Engelbrecht serves as director of North American Biodiesel Trade Policy for ADM, one of the world’s leading biodiesel producers, oilseed crushers, and suppliers of soy and canola feedstocks for the renewable liquid fuels industry.

Engelbrecht is also Chairman of the Clean Fuels America Alliance, and he is Chairman of the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA), as well as Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC). He was chair of the National Biodiesel Board in 2017 before it became Clean Fuels at a time that was very similar to today.

“It was another difficult time in the industry,” he said in remarks at the Clean Fuels Conference in San Diego Wednesday. “In many ways, it was similar to what we’re facing now. We’ve got headwinds generated by issues that aren’t entirely within our control. Back then we had issues with tax credits, RFS, and we weren’t really sure what to expect with the new president for the next 4 years. Sound familiar?”

Engelbrecht says it created a situation where the industry had to go beyond soybeans and build a coalition of complimentary feedstocks and technologies.

“And we’ve created our path forward. We’ve established renewable diesel as an important part of the country’s energy supply and laid the groundwork for sustainable aviation fuel. Dozens of states across the country have added new clean fuel incentives,” said Engelbrecht. “I look forward to working together as we write this next chapter together.”

Listen to Engelbrecht’s remarks and interview:
Clean Fuels remarks - Kent Engelbrecht, ADM (14:04)

Clean Fuels interview - Kent Engelbrecht, ADM (2:37)

2025 Clean Fuels Conference Photo Album

Audio, aviation biofuels, Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel, SAF

Groups Oppose Plan to Lower Cellulosic RVOs

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Biofuels organizations have submitted comments opposed to a proposed rule announced by EPA last month to partially waive the 2024 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement and revise the associated percentage standard under the Renewable Fuel Standard program due to a shortfall in cellulosic biofuel production.

The Renewable Fuels Association comments that “retrospectively lowering RVOs destabilizes the RIN market, discourages investment, and is contrary to the market-forcing purpose of the RFS program.”
Reopening RVOs long after they have been finalized chills investment and growth in cellulosic biofuel production and causes a loss of confidence in EPA’s standards. However, we understand the challenge EPA is facing with regard to setting cellulosic biofuel standards in a manner that is simultaneously consistent with the agency’s statutory authorities, court decisions, and the Congressional intent of the RFS program. It is critical that any decision to utilize the agency’s waiver authority to partially waive the 2024 cellulosic biofuel RVO clearly meets the statutory requirements for such waivers. Unfortunately, we do not believe that EPA’s proposal to use its general waiver authority has fully satisfied these requirements.

Clean Fuels Alliance America, which is meeting this week in San Diego, also submitted comments opposing the rule.
“Clean Fuels asks EPA to pause the rulemaking process until the agency can provide a full accounting of available cellulosic RINs for 2024 and consider whether pending small refinery exemptions or other mechanisms provide relief to refiners. Additionally, Clean Fuels encourages EPA to address the significant underestimation of biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes for 2024 and 2025.”

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “EPA’s low volumes are holding back the potential of the clean fuels industry to meet the energy security, environmental, and economic goals of the RFS.”

Yesterday was the last day of the comment period for the rule.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Cellulosic, Clean Fuels Alliance, RFA

Farm to Fly Act Reintroduced in Senate

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Midwest senators have reintroduced the Farm to Fly Act that would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) reintroduced the legislation that would utilize current USDA programs to support the development of SAF, clarify federal definitions for SAF and enable greater collaboration between USDA and the private sector. In September, Sens. Moran, Duckworth, Klobuchar and John Boozman (R-Ark.) launched the Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation and renewable fuels industries.

The Farm to Fly Act would:
Clarify eligibility for SAF within current USDA Bio-Energy Programs, expanding markets for American agricultural crops through aviation bioenergy;
Provide for greater collaboration for aviation biofuels throughout USDA agency mission areas, increasing private sector partnerships; and
Affirm a common definition of SAF for USDA purposes, as widely supported by industry to enable U.S. crops to most effectively contribute to aviation renewable fuels.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the legislation would create more clarity and stability around the development of SAF made from U.S. crops. “This bill would be critical in helping position SAF for takeoff by ensuring the best available science and modeling tools are used to calculate the carbon benefits of homegrown renewable fuels.”

“The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of the SAF Coalition. “By helping to expand markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.”

aviation biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, SAF

Clean Fuels is California Dreamin’

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The current and future role of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard was the topic for the first panel discussion of the 2025 Clean Fuels Conference – California Dreamin’: Clean Fuels’ Time to Shine.

Carlos Gutierrez, California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA), moderated the conversation with Harry Simpson, CEO of Crimson Renewable Energy Holdings, the largest producer of biodiesel in California; Floyd Vergara, retired Director of State Governmental Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America; and Richard Battersby, Assistant Director Public Works Agency City of Oakland, CA.

Listen here:
Clean Fuels California Dreamin' panel (37:23)

2025 Clean Fuels Conference Photo Album

Clean Fuels Conference Blog

Audio, Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel

CARB Exec Defends State’s Strict Clean Air Rules

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During remarks to the 2025 Clean Fuels Conference Tuesday, the executive officer of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) made it clear the state is willing to fight to defend its clean air regulations against expected challenges under the new Trump administration.

“I don’t want to be adversarial,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, who was appointed to head CARB in September 2022. “I just want to make clear that we’re here to defend the programs that benefit Californians and other states that take advantage of our programs also benefit. And you may have heard that the California legislature is working to set up additional funds to shore up state and local defenses against this new administration. We’re hoping that that’s not necessary, but we are working to make sure that our programs can stay in perpetuity.”

Listen to Dr. Cliff’s comments here:
Clean Fuels remarks - Steven Cliff, CARB (18:26)

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Carbon, Clean Fuels Alliance

Annual Awards Honor Champions of Clean Fuels

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Two of the Clean Fuels industry annual awards were presented Tuesday at the Clean Fuels Conference in San Diego.

Floyd Vergara was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his transformative contributions to the clean fuels industry and environmental policy.

As one of the chief architects of California’s groundbreaking Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), Vergara played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most impactful climate policies in the nation’s history. The LCFS revolutionized environmental outcomes by driving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fostering innovation in clean energy. Today, thanks to this visionary policy, biodiesel and renewable diesel account for an extraordinary 75% of California’s diesel pool.

During his 30 years at the California Air Resources Board, Vergara advanced from staff engineer to overseeing key regulations on industrial sources, alternative fuels, and cap and trade. Vergara most recently led Clean Fuels’ state affairs team, successfully elevating state-level initiatives as a cornerstone of market growth for clean fuels. His enduring legacy is a testament to the power of forward-thinking policy to catalyze industry transformation and environmental progress.

CABA executive director Carlos Gutierrez accepts award from Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen

The Initiative Award was presented to the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA), which has been a long-term strategic partner in helping drive biomass-based diesel use along the West Coast. As the primary advocate for biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and manufacturers in the region, CABA actively supports initiatives such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard that position California as the leading market for clean fuels.

The Initiative Award recognizes CABA’s impactful collaboration among industry stakeholders, ensuring that clean fuels remain a competitive and viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

2025 Clean Fuels Conference Photo Album

Biodiesel, Carbon, Clean Fuels Alliance

Clean Fuels Celebrates Conference in Important Market

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The 2025 Clean Fuels Conference is being held this week in a very important market for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel – California.

“Biodiesel and renewable diesel have displaced 75% of all diesel sold in the state,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen in his opening remarks Tuesday. “It’s now harder to find diesel fuel in California than our fuels. Our industry is responsible for 45% of California’s progress under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard so far.”

However, Rehagen says the accelerating growth in the industry has created a unique challenge, the need for more feedstock.

“Our industry’s rapid growth, more than doubling production capacity in the last four years, has outpaced domestic feedstock availability – at least for now. By our calculations, current volumes of domestic feedstocks would support about 3.3 billion gallons of fuel production,” said Rehagen. “As we’ve seen growing amounts of imported feedstocks coming in to fill the demand, it has generated angst with domestic feedstock growers and processors.”

Rehagen says it will be an active and challenging year for the clean fuels industry. “We must remain unified…We will need engagement from this industry as the impacts of 45z begin to take effect, and RVOs are set…all under a new administration. We’re going to need everybody to participate. If we win on these two things, 2025 and 2026 could be among our finest years yet.”

Listen to Rehagen’s comments:
Clean Fuels opening remarks Donnell Rehagen, CEO (27:21)

2025 Clean Fuels Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel

President Trump Declares Energy Emergency

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President Donald Trump made it clear in some of his first executive actions that he wants to make American energy great again, and that includes E15, but no mandate for electric vehicles.

Specifically, President Trump said he wanted to revoke the electric vehicle mandate so Americans will be able to buy the car of their choice. The order under Unleashing American Energy called for eliminating EV mandate “by removing regulatory barriers to motor vehicle access; by ensuring a level regulatory playing field for consumer choice in vehicles; by terminating, where appropriate, state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles; and by considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies and effectively mandate their purchase by individuals, private businesses, and government entities alike by rendering other types of vehicles unaffordable.”

In addition, President Trump called for a review of all existing agency actions that “impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources — with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.”

The president also declared a “National Energy Emergency” which includes “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.” Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper had this response:

“We thank President Trump for directing his agencies to monitor fuel market conditions and issue emergency waivers for E15 this summer if necessary. At the same time, we renew our call on Congress to adopt legislation as quickly as possible that permanently allows year-round sales of lower-cost E15. Passing a bill would provide the market with long-term certainty and stability and make emergency waivers unnecessary.”

biofuels, Electric Vehicles, Energy, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Conference to Highlight Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and SAF

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The 2025 Clean Fuels Conference kicks off today in San Diego bringing together industry leaders in the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel markets with the theme “Accelerate.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen says the meeting theme refers to the rapid growth and transformative progress of the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel industries. “We’re now a 5 billion gallon year industry. We’ve doubled in size in the last four years,” said Rehagen. “So we’re we’re expecting to have probably about 1000 people gathering San Diego.”

Clean Fuels Communications Director Heather Buechter says they are very excited about the conference agenda which will highlight the role that clean fuels plays in California. “It’s worth noting that biodiesel and renewable diesel now make up 75% of California’s diesel pool under the low carbon fuel standard.”

Mainstage session topics include:

California Dreamin’: Clean Fuels’ Time to Shine: The current and future role of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Acceleration of Change: Clean Fuels Policy, Plus Renewable Diesel Deep-Dive: What to expect from the new administration on fuel policies and what that could mean for businesses
All Aboard: Rail Contemplates Life After Diesel: How biodiesel and renewable diesel are helping the rail industry reach clean-fuel goals
Detour Ahead?: New Emissions Regulations Driving OEM Product: Clean fuel regulation and challenges for Original Equipment Manufacturers and fleets
Feedstock Revolution: Unleashing the Power for Clean Fuels: How conventional and new feedstock supplies are developing to meet new demands for clean fuel

The Clean Fuels Vehicle Showcase Wednesday evening will feature a range of heavy-duty equipment and technologies with representatives on hand to answer questions.

Follow coverage of the conference on the Clean Fuels Conference Blog.

Interview with Heather Buechter, Clean Fuels (9:09)

NAFB24 Donnell Rehagen, Clean Fuels (2:54)

Audio, aviation biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel, SAF