Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit Extension Sought

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Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation this week to extend the Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit through 2029. The credit of $0.20 per gallon on the first 15 million gallons of production for producers using crop oils and animal fats is set to expire on December 31 this year unless Congress adopts the extension.

Clean Fuels Alliance America supports the move to provide certainty for small biodiesel producers across the country. “Small biodiesel producers are making an outsized contribution to America’s energy security right now, producing lower-cost, drop-in distillate fuel that’s needed to keep the economy moving,” said Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs. “These companies are investing in rural communities, creating and preserving jobs, and running full out to provide cleaner, better, more affordable fuel to meet today’s demand.”

The extension is particularly important to small producers in Minnesota and Iowa, according to Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “This extension gives Iowa producers the runway they need to keep turning Iowa-grown feedstocks into homegrown fuel, supporting farmers and strengthening rural communities,” says Shaw. The extension would provide additional certainty for Iowa’s small biodiesel producers as the industry transitions to the §45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, Iowa RFA

RFA Holds Annual Membership Meeting in KC

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L-R: RFA Chair Derek Peine and Vice Chair Thomas Hardwood

The Renewable Fuels Association is holding its annual membership meeting this week in Kansas City, Missouri, where they elected officers and board of directors for the 2027 fiscal year. Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy in Oakley, Kan., was re-elected chairman and Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont, Minn., won re-election as vice chairman.

Peine has spent the last 25 years working in production, technical, and management roles within the agricultural processing and renewable fuels sectors. He also serves on the board of directors for the Renew Kansas biofuels association and the Collaborative Sorghum Marketing Transformation Program.

“I’m honored to be re-elected chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association and grateful for the continued trust of our members,” Peine said. “We’ve made important progress over the past year, but there is much more work to do. As I begin my second year as chairman, I’m focused on building on that momentum—expanding the next wave of opportunities for biofuels, strengthening rural economies, providing affordable fuel choices and advancing America’s energy security. I look forward to working with our members and partners to deliver results and make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

RFA board members also elected Tim Winters, president and CEO of Western New York Energy, as board treasurer; and Tom Paitrick, CEO of Heartland Corn Products, as board secretary.

Re-elected to leadership of the Renewable Fuels Foundation for 2027 were Chairman Neal Kemmet, Ace Ethanol; Vice Chairman Eric Baukol, Redfield Energy; and Treasurer Wayne Garrett, Chief Ethanol Fuels. The foundation is dedicated to meeting the education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ethanol Report on 45Z Opportunities

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U.S. ethanol producers are finally getting the chance to take full advantage of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, which was first created under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, then extended and modified in the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, and is in the last stages of a final rule.

Earlier this month, the IRS published the 2026 emissions-rate table, a 2025 safe harbor, transition rules, and integration of USDA’s Feedstock-Carbon Intensity Calculator so regenerative-ag practices can reduce feedstock carbon intensity. The credit specifically rewards biofuel producers based on the carbon intensity of their fuels, encouraging the use of cleaner technologies and feedstocks, which can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The Renewable Fuels Association has been actively helping ethanol producers understand the requirements and opportunities of the 45Z tax credit. In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, past RFA chairman Jeff Oestmann, who has served as CEO for several biorefineries and now is with G37 Ventures, provides some insight for plant operators who want to make the most out of 45Z.

Ethanol Report 9-29-26 18:29

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.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFS

RFA Launches Premier Associate Membership

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The Renewable Fuels Association has launched a new Premier Associate membership level, creating a fresh opportunity for leading companies across the ethanol value chain to engage more deeply with RFA’s producer members, leadership and industry priorities.

Premier Associate membership officially begins Oct. 1 with the start of RFA’s new fiscal year and is designed for non-producer companies seeking a more active and strategic role in the association and the future of the ethanol industry.

“Many of the companies that work alongside our ethanol producers every day bring tremendous expertise, perspective and commitment to this industry, and they want to be more deeply engaged in RFA’s work,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Premier Associate membership creates a meaningful new avenue for that engagement. It strengthens the connection between our producer members and key industry partners, brings additional expertise and resources to the table, and gives these companies a greater opportunity to contribute to the conversations shaping ethanol’s future.”

Already signed on as Premier Associates as the new membership year begins are RPMG, Pilot Company, Novonesis, Marathon Petroleum, CTE Global and Fluid Quip.

Benefits of the new membership level include expanded access to RFA leadership and activities, including participation in RFA Board of Directors meetings, board calls, fly-ins and other board-level events. A cornerstone of the new membership level is the Premier Advisory Council, allowing Premier Associates members to share perspectives and contribute insights that can help inform RFA’s long-range planning and industry strategy.

RFA remains a producer-led organization, with governance and voting authority residing with its producer members. Premier Associate membership is designed to complement that structure by giving key industry partners a stronger voice in strategic discussions and a deeper connection to RFA’s work.

Companies interested in becoming an RFA Premier Associate should contact Robert White for additional information.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

California E15 Dream Closer to Reality

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California drivers are one step closer to cleaner, less expensive E15 at the pump now that the California Air Resources Board approved rules to the state’s gasoline regulations following Governor Newsom’s direction to prioritize the rulemaking.

Renewable Fuels Association past Chairman Neil Koehler presented testimony to CARB in support of the rules. “Recent studies show that E15 could reduce pump prices by at least twenty cents per gallon, and we are seeing these savings in other states where E15 is sold,” said Koehler. “E15 reduces gasoline prices while at the same time reducing tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions. E15 is a unique and immediate opportunity to simultaneously lower gas prices, displace petroleum, increase fuel supply, and lower emissions.”

According to CARB, E15 was the subject of a detailed scientific evaluation to ensure its use will not result in adverse impacts to public health or the environment. “The assessment found E15’s impacts to be comparable to E10, with a potential for slight improvement in air quality. Overall, the evaluation determined that the primary health and environmental concerns associated with the gasoline blend come from petroleum portion of the fuel.”

RFA has actively participated throughout CARB’s entire E15 rulemaking process, including through comments submitted in response to CARB’s November 2025 E15 Scoping Workshop. RFA’s Robert White says this latest approval from CARB means the dream is finally close to reality. “This is no longer an IF, it will be soon,” said White on X.

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

Sen. Fischer Urges Passage of Farm Bill with E15

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Sen. Fischer wears E15 button during meeting in her office

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) took to the Senate floor Thursday to urge passage of the Agricultural Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill, one week after the agriculture committee advanced the bill which also includes permanent year-round E15.

“Permanent year-round E15 would create a consistent, predictable market. It would allow farmers, ethanol plants, and fuel stations to operate with confidence,” said Fischer. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating around E15. Let me be clear: this is not a government mandate. It simply gives fuel retailers the choice to sell E15 at their gas station. It gives consumers the choice to fill up with E15 at the gas pump and save some money. And the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that E15 is completely safe in cars made in 2001 or later.”

Sen. Fischer noted that securing year-round E15 is “one of the most direct ways Congress can provide relief” for farmers – by strengthening domestic demand for corn and ethanol. “E15 expands domestic fuel options using American-grown corn. This reduces vulnerability to global supply shocks. A more diverse energy mix of oil, gas, renewables, nuclear, and biofuels makes the United States harder to pressure and more resilient in times of conflict or disruption,” said Fischer.

Congress has not passed a full farm bill since 2018 but time is running out for legislation to be passed before the end of this year. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman is reportedly trying to work with Democrats and House leaders over the October recess to reach an agreement that might potentially be attached to some other piece of must-pass legislation.

Sen. Fischer farm bill floor remarks 9:15

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, farm bill

ACE Scholarship Program Announces 2026 Winners

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The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is pleased to congratulate its 2026 scholarship recipients Tanner Dohrman, Alex Miller, and Emily Schreiner. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship through ACE’s Scholarship Program to help further their collegiate education.

Tanner Dohrman is from Marshall, Missouri, and is pursuing a double major in electrical and computer engineering at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, Missouri. While in college, Tanner is on the FSAE Design Team and is a member of the National Society of Leadership Success. He was also a member of FFA and National Honor Society in high school. Tanner is the son of Benjamin Dohrman. Tanner’s father is affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member, Mid-Missouri Energy in Malta Bend, MO.

Alex Miller is from Rochester, Minnesota, and is attending Morehead State University, in Morehead, Kentucky, where he studies accounting. Alex is on the Morehead State University baseball team and was also previously on the Florence-Darlington Technical College baseball team. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alex is the son of Chad Miller. His father is affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont, MN.

Emily Schreiner is from Chillicothe, Missouri, and is attending Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa, where she is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in agriculture business and international agriculture. She is involved with Agriculture Future of America, Agricultural Business Club, and National Agri-Marketing Association. Emily is the daughter of Anthony Schreiner. Her father is affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member Show Me Ethanol in Carrollton, MO.

The ACE Scholarship Program was initiated in 2004, and ACE has since awarded $77,000. Scholarships are made available to employees and dependents of employees and shareholders of ACE Ethanol Producer, Voting and Associate member companies and organizations. Applications for 2027 scholarships will open next spring.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Nebraska Ethanol Board Expands

Cindy Zimmerman

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) recently welcomed three Nebraska ethanol producers to the board as new voting members. Todd Good from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Joe Shanle from Trenton Agri Products (TAP), and Brent Hoops from Chief Ethanol were appointed by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to fill the three newly-created ethanol producer seats on the NEB, effective immediately.

The NEB’s strategic plan legislation, Legislative Bill (LB) 815, passed earlier this year by the Nebraska Legislature with supermajority support and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Pillen, included provisions to add three ethanol producer seats to the NEB. The seats became open on Sept. 1 and were required to be filled with initial appointees within 30 days.

Gov. Pillen also reappointed Jamie Bearup to the NEB labor position for a four-year term, and Scott McPheeters was reappointed for another term, now in the general farming position. McPheeters replaces Michael Thede, who retired from the NEB at the conclusion of his term on August 31.

The NEB now has nine voting members, each representing a sector of the fuel value chain. Ethanol producers Good, Shanle and Hoops join Chairman Jan tenBensel (wheat), Vice Chairman Scott McPheeters (general farming), Secretary Randy Gard (petroleum marketers), Jamie Bearup (labor), Taylor Nelson (corn), and Tracy Zink (sorghum) as voting members. The Board is also supported by a technical advisor. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman holds that position.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Registration Open for 2027 NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association has opened registration for the 32nd annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place in Las Vegas February 15–17 with the theme “The Next Wave” to explore the strong future direction of the U.S. ethanol industry.

“Ethanol is riding a powerful wave of momentum, from booming export markets and strong RFS volumes to growing opportunities for higher blends and new technologies,” RFA Board Chairman Derek Peine, Western Plains Energy. “At the 2027 National Ethanol Conference, top industry professionals will come together to explore The Next Wave—the trends, innovations and policies that will shape the future of renewable fuels. We’ll talk about hot topics ranging from ethanol’s potential as a maritime biofuel to the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. It will be a chance to network and collaborate, share ideas and best practices, celebrate how far our industry has come, and focus on the work needed to take ethanol to its next level.”

Since 1996, NEC has been the nation’s most widely attended executive-level conference for the ethanol industry, where sessions featuring globally renowned speakers are interspersed with numerous networking opportunities to help the industry connect and collaborate. Last year in Orlando, RFA hosted roughly 1,000 industry stakeholders from 40 states and 19 foreign countries.

Potential attendees are encouraged to register by Dec. 1 for maximum savings, and RFA members can save even more. Click here for more information and to register. For updates, track social media posts with the hashtag #RFANEC.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Christianson Accredited for Canadian and US Clean Fuel Programs

Cindy Zimmerman

Christianson PLLP has received accreditation from the Standards Council of Canada, expanding the firm’s accredited third-party verification services for renewable fuel producers participating in Canadian and U.S. clean fuel programs.

Many renewable fuel programs require annual independent third-party verification as a condition of participation. This rare accreditation enables Christianson to immediately serve renewable fuel producers seeking to access the Canadian market under the Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations, while also providing accredited verification under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Technical Guidelines for the Production of Regenerative Agricultural Biofuel Feedstocks, allowing renewable fuel producers to further lower their facility’s carbon intensity through their feedstocks and increasing their 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit value.

Together with Christianson’s existing verification services, producers can now work with a single, trusted verification partner to support carbon intensity reduction compliance across multiple federal, state and international programs.

“Our clients desire a more streamlined approach to compliance as clean fuel programs advance,” said Kari Buttenhoff, Partner and Head of Compliance at Christianson. “With this accreditation, we’re able to expand our role as a trusted third-party verification body across North America. Renewable fuel producers can now rely on one experienced team for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance, state low-carbon fuel programs, Section 45Z verification, Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations and the USDA’s regenerative agriculture program for 45Z. Our newfound ISO accreditation will open the door for additional sustainability verification services in the near future, as we further expand our offerings to meet the needs of the renewable fuels industry and its increasing participation in sustainability programs.”

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News