ACE Annual Conference Offers Homefield Advantage

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This year’s American Coalition for Ethanol 38th annual conference is being held in organization’s hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, August 20–22, 2025, at the Canopy by Hilton, and the theme is “Homefield Advantage.”

“That theme really captures the edge ethanol has as a homegrown American-made energy solution,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “From delivering value to rural communities, to helping decarbonize fuel, this theme really emphasizes that our industry’s power is local and that’s our advantage.”

Muckenhirn says they chose to have the conference in Sioux Falls this year for several reasons. “Sioux Falls is the home turf for our staff and a lot of our members and partners aren’t too far away so we wanted to switch it up,” she said. “Sioux Falls opened up a beautiful new venue downtown. So we’re super excited to showcase why we love living here to new and returning visitors.”

They are pleased to be able to welcome U.S. Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) as a keynote speaker on Thursday, August 21. “He brings a strong sense of advocacy for rural America. He’s worked to advance legislation that supports ethanol, expands access to higher blends like E-15, and just overall strength in U.S. energy security,” said Muckenhirn.

The agenda is packed with general session highlights such as diving into the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, conservation-based market opportunities, global ethanol trade developments, projects and campaigns advancing higher blends, the latest research on ethanol’s role in reducing cancer risk, and corn oil recovery strategies.

Learn more about the conference in the interview below and click here to get details and registration information.

2025 ACE conference preview - Katie Muckenhirn (4:55)

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RFA Applauds Trump Trade Deal with EU

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The trade deal with the European Union (EU) announced this week by President Trump was welcomed by the Renewable Fuels Association as “an important step toward opening the market for lower-cost, American-made renewable fuels in the 27 countries represented by the EU.”

“We thank President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for reaching this important agreement over the weekend, and we are encouraged to see U.S. ethanol mentioned as part of the deal,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, commenting on a social media post by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, who noted that the deal includes the purchase of $750 billion in U.S. energy, including ethanol, and would reduce America’s $24 billion agriculture trade deficit with the EU.

“As our nation’s corn growers prepare for what is likely to be a record harvest, we stand ready to produce larger volumes of cleaner-burning ethanol and valuable co-products like distillers grains for customers around the world,” Cooper added. “When markets are open and trade policies are fair, everybody wins. The U.S. ethanol industry looks forward to working with our partners in Europe to continue growing the global production and use of renewable fuels, which are simply more reliable and more affordable than many other energy alternatives.”

The European Union has been a major importer of U.S. ethanol in recent years, ranking third with 197 million gallons imported last year. The EU’s 2024 imports of U.S. ethanol represented a 54 percent increase over 2023. When it comes to distillers grains, the EU ranked sixth last year, purchasing 684 million metric tons of U.S. product, 46 percent above the prior year.

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Ethanol Groups Pleased with Szabo Confirmation

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Aaron Szabo addressing the 2025 ACE DC Fly-in

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Aaron Szabo to serve as the Assistant Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation. As Assistant Administrator, Szabo will lead the Office of Air and Radiation’s implementation of key provisions of several of the nation’s bedrock environmental laws including the Clean Air Act.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said they are looking forward to working with Szabo on the administration’s proposal for strong 2026-2027 renewable fuel volumes. “We are confident that both EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Mr. Szabo understand the crucial role American-made renewable fuels like ethanol play in bolstering U.S. energy independence, lowering fuel costs for consumers, and strengthening the rural economy,” said Cooper.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings congratulates Szabo on his confirmation at a pivotal time for the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We look forward to working with Mr. Szabo to swiftly finalize strong, multi-year renewable fuel blending targets and ensure that the 2026 and 2027 volumes remain whole and consistent with the law. We also appreciate his time with our DC Fly-In group this past March, a positive sign EPA is engaged on important biofuel issues.”

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Rep. Dusty Johnson to Keynote ACE Conference

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is pleased to announce U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) will be joining the 38th ACE Conference as a keynote speaker on Thursday, August 21, in Sioux Falls.

ACE has released a preliminary agenda for the conference showcasing two days of general sessions and breakout tracks designed to address challenges and opportunities for the ethanol industry.

General session highlights include diving into the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, conservation-based market opportunities, global ethanol trade developments, projects and campaigns advancing higher blends, the latest research on ethanol’s role in reducing cancer risk, and corn oil recovery strategies.

Breakout sessions will feature three tracks: Carbon, Technology, and Leadership and Management. Topics will cover carbon utilization and carbon intensity reduction, AI-powered plant operations, next-gen cellulosic solutions, and strategies for board development and succession planning.

The conference is being held August 20-22 at The Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown. Click here to register.

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Japan and Indonesia Trade Deals Benefit Ethanol and Ag

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The framework of trade agreements with Japan and Indonesia announced this week will benefit U.S. farmers and ethanol producers, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.

President Donald Trump announced a landmark agreement with Indonesia on Tuesday that will eliminate tariff barriers, on a preferential basis, on over 99% of U.S. products exported to Indonesia across all sectors, exempting U.S. food and agricultural products from all of Indonesia’s import licensing regimes including its commodity balance policy.

President Trump announced a landmark economic agreement with Japan on Wednesday As part of this agreement, Japan will purchase $8 billion in U.S. goods, including corn, soybeans, fertilizer, bioethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel. Japan will immediately increase imports of U.S. rice by 75%, with a major expansion of import quotas, and imports from Japan will be subject to a baseline 15% tariff rate.

“These deals will ultimately help open important Asian markets and allow greater access for American farm products, renewable fuels, and co-products like distillers grains,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Breaking down barriers to fair trade strengthens our rural economy and the United States as a whole.”

Cooper added that Indonesia and Japan are especially important markets for U.S. distillers grains that continue to grow. Indonesia was the fourth-largest export market in 2024, importing 987,000 metric tons—a 6 percent increase over 2023—while Japan ranked eighth, purchasing 454,000 metric tons, a 15 percent increase over the prior year. Both countries also are potentially large future markets for exports of U.S. ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and other renewable fuels.

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USDA Mission to Dominican Republic Includes Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering meets with Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering led a high-level delegation to the Dominican Republic last week with organizations that reflected a diverse range of agricultural products including seafood, dairy, rice, soybeans, and ethanol.

“I am honored to lead my first trade mission with this impressive delegation made up of 46 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and officials from Colorado and Montana departments of agriculture,” said Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering. “There is no substitute for doing business face-to-face, building trust, and strengthening long-term partnerships.”

The delegation of 38 businesses participated in more than 450 one-on-one meetings with vetted buyers representing more than 100 Dominican, Jamaican and Haitian importers. Sales are expected over the next several months and many new partnerships are in the works.

In bilateral meetings with the Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz and the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Small and Medium Enterprises Victor Bisono, Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering discussed priority issues including:

Re-establishing free market access for U.S. rice
Eliminating discretionary import licenses
Addressing the selective application of value-added taxes in selected U.S. products
Exploring opportunities for U.S. ethanol in gasoline blends

This was USDA’s fifth trade mission of 2025, with three remaining missions planned this year.

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IRFA Champions Clean Fuels During RAGBRAI 2025

Cindy Zimmerman

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has been promoting clean fuels this week during the 2025 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) by encouraging all support vehicles to fuel up with E15 or B20. IRFA has also provided “Riding to a Greener Future” jerseys to members of the renewable fuels community riding during the weeklong event. 

“RAGBRAI is a celebration of Iowa’s communities, landscapes, and people- including our farmers,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “By choosing E15 or B20, support drivers can help power the ride with homegrown fuels that support Iowa agriculture, improve air quality for riders, and save money at the pump. Anyone with questions about renewable fuels should just ask the riders wearing IRFA jerseys.” 

In its 52nd year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world, held this year July 19-26.

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RFIP Grants Boost Biofuel Access in Iowa

Cindy Zimmerman

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved an additional 24 applications from Iowa fuel retailers to support expanded access to lower biofuels like biodiesel and E15 (Unleaded 88). The more than $1.12 million in cost-share grants was awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting on July 17.

The 24 approved project sites are in 17 different counties to add B11 in 20 locations and E15 to four retail sites.

“Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program cost-share grants help Iowa families save money at the pump by expanding access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning biofuels like E15 and biodiesel,” said Secretary Naig. “As the nation’s leader in both ethanol and biodiesel production, Iowa is uniquely positioned to use more of the fuel we produce right here at home. These investments strengthen our economy and keep us moving forward with more affordable, homegrown energy.”

These ethanol investments are also helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard. Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022. For those convenience stores and fuel stations that need assistance coming into compliance, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can provide cost-share funding through the RFIP.

Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested more than $63 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa. This has been matched with more than $270 million by Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers. With additional cost-share funding available, the Department welcomes grant applications to assist more fuel stations in improving and upgrading infrastructure. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP, and will be considered by the RFIP Board at an upcoming quarterly meeting. The application deadline for consideration at the next quarterly meeting is 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2025.

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Nebraska E30 Demo Interim Report Released

Cindy Zimmerman

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) this week announced the publication of the interim report for Phase II of the state’s E30 Demonstration.

The project is demonstrating the viability of E30 fuel (a blend of 30% ethanol and 70% gasoline) in non-flex fuel vehicles. Phase I was conducted in 2019, and the ongoing Phase II began in 2023. So far, the 94 State of Nebraska light-duty vehicles involved in Phase II have collectively driven more than 215,000 miles on E30 fuel. The research team, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has found further evidence of the conclusions from Phase I: E30 is safe and effective for non-flex fuel vehicles, and E30 is economically viable for broader consumption.

“The results in the interim report are very encouraging,” NEB Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “While we’re not surprised to learn that non-flex fuel engines can safely utilize E30, it’s still exciting to see the data demonstrate that fact. Plus, the report makes it clear that E30 is far cheaper than E10, which we know is thanks to the inclusion of more ethanol. This price advantage comes with a fuel economy gain for some vehicles on E30 compared to E10—a groundbreaking result—or only a very small reduction that is more than covered by the cost difference. These are all strong signs that mid-level ethanol blends like E30 are a prime long-term option for the world’s transportation energy needs.”

Read the report here. A final report is expected in late 2026.

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Global Ethanol Summit 2025 Set for October

Cindy Zimmerman

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 (GES25) is coming up October 19-22 at the Capitol Hilton in Washington D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy.

GES will feature three days of informative general sessions, networking and in-depth technical discussions with more than 450 policymakers, ministerial level officials and senior industry leaders, researchers, ethanol producers, traders, and industry stakeholders from 40 countries. Key topics will include emerging markets in on-road and off-road applications such as aviation and marine transportation, chemicals and household energy; ethanol’s contributions to economic and agricultural development, reduced carbon emissions, robust environments and improved human health; tariff and non-tariff barriers, regulatory harmonization and dialogue, increasing trade flows, and more.

Registration is open with early bird pricing available through Aug. 27.

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