EPA on Track for Exempted Refinery Volumes Proposal

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is on track to propose a plan to reallocate Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes lost due to 29 refinery exemptions granted in August.

EPA reportedly sent a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review last week. The draft rule is expected to account for about 1.76 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs) affected by the 18 full and 11 partial exemptions granted by the agency on August 31. The EPA promised to deliver a proposal to reallocate 100 percent of the exempted volumes before the end of this month.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) executive director Monte Shaw says it is important for EPA to get this proposal out on time. “Missing the October deadline would send the wrong message at the wrong moment,” said Shaw. “Earlier this year, the EPA’s robust RFS rule helped spur biofuels demand and prompted idled plants in Iowa to resume production. Any delay would create unnecessary uncertainty and call into question the reallocation commitment. We don’t want to see biofuels plants go back offline. We’re watching this closely and thank the EPA for moving forward.”

After the rule is cleared by OMB, it can be proposed as a draft rule by EPA, at which point it would receive public comment before being finalized sometime next year.

EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News

US Ethanol and DDGS Exports Hot in August

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

U.S. exports of ethanol and the co-product dried distillers grains (DDGS) were hot in August, with ethanol increasing six percent to a five-month high and DDGS up by a whopping 18% in August to the highest monthly volume since August 2015.

According to the latest Trade Monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol exports totaled 211.8 million gallons (mg) in August, supported by sizable gains across most major markets.

Canada remained the leading destination, with shipments climbing 14% to 84.8 mg, accounting for 40% of total U.S. ethanol exports and 58% of denatured fuel shipments. Exports to the European Union increased 2% to 51.6 mg, with most shipments entering through the Netherlands, while the EU remained the principal destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Shipments to the United Kingdom jumped 52% to 19.5 mg, a 13-month high, and exports to Colombia surged 163% to 12.7 mg. Vietnam pulled back 44% to 10.4 mg following record-high shipments in July. Collectively, these five markets accounted for 85% of total U.S. ethanol exports in August. Other sizable destinations included Peru (8.0 mg), South Korea (6.7 mg), Mexico (5.7 mg), and Guatemala (4.8 mg). Brazil remained essentially absent from the market for the fifth consecutive month. Through August, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.62 billion gallons, running 12% ahead of the same period last year.

No U.S. ethanol imports were recorded in August, leaving year-to-date imports below 500,000 gallons.

DDGS exports totaled 1.30 million metric tons (mt) and Mexico remained the leading destination, with shipments rising 12% to 214,091 mt. Exports to Indonesia leapt 40% to a record 203,258 mt, while shipments to South Korea increased 13% to 155,816 mt. New Zealand also set a record, taking 143,066 mt. Exports to Vietnam declined 12% to 109,884 mt, while shipments to Turkey surged 234% to 80,820 mt. The remaining 30% of August DDGS exports were distributed across another 30 countries. Through August, U.S. DDGS exports totaled 8.57 million mt, 13% above the same period in 2025.

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

Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit Extension Sought

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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

Cindy Zimmerman

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