The upcoming American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 39th annual conference, taking place August 19-21 in Minneapolis, will focus on the theme of “Fueling Freedom” – building on America’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026 and highlighting how ethanol expands fuel choice, relieves pain at the pump, boosts rural economies, and strengthens U.S. energy security.
ACE CEO Brian Jennings says the conference will feature two days of speakers and panels focusing on key issues for the ethanol industry, particularly the fight for nationwide, year-round E15, and they are pleased to have Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) as their congressional keynoter this year.
“Congresswoman Fischbach was one of the pivotal players in the House of Representatives in shepherding the E-15 bill through the House in in a bipartisan fashion,” said Jennings. “Her leadership, particularly on the House Rules Committee, was really essential to paving the way to get a vote on that bill. As we continue to, you know, have challenges moving that in the Senate, we want to hear from her and thank her for the work that she did on the House side to to get that vote and to move that legislation.”
The conference will also feature addresses by oil market analyst Tom Kloza, and Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC). In addition, Jennings says they will have a special track of breakout panels this year on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit.
“It’s the first time we’ve ever had a track specific to a federal tax credit, but there’s so much interest in the 45Z credit, ethanol plants are making good on applying for that credit, obtaining that credit right now, but there’s still more we need to learn from Treasury about how that credit will work. And so we have a whole breakout track dedicated to really diving into and understanding the ins and outs of the 45Z tax credit from a wide range of experts,” said Jennings.
In addition to previewing the conference, Jennings comments on the status of the 45Z tax credit and the efforts to get E15 legislation through the Senate in this interview:
ACE annual conference preview 21:23