One Big Beautiful Bill Includes Ethanol and Farm Provisions

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President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday morning on a vote of 215-214, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against. The bill includes several provisions important to America’s ethanol producers and farmers.

“In addition to extending the 45Z clean fuel production credit by four years, the bill also reinstates crucial tax benefits that will stimulate research, experimentation, and innovation across the ethanol supply chain,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As the bill now moves to the Senate, we hope additional improvements can be made to ensure these tax policies truly drive demand growth for American-made renewable fuels.”

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition’s Executive Director, Alison Graab, says the bill extends the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) through 2031. “This legislation provides the long-term certainty SAF producers need to scale operations, drive private sector investment, and benefits American farmers and rural economies. Sustainable aviation fuel is a vital solution for advancing U.S. energy dominance, driving rural economic growth, and establishing the United States as a global frontrunner in SAF production.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the bill “modernizes farm bill programs and extends and improves critical tax provisions that benefit America’s small farmers and ranchers. Updated reference prices will provide more certainty for farmers struggling through tough economic times. Making business tax deductions permanent and continuing current estate tax exemptions will ensure thousands of families will be able to pass their farms to the next generation.”

The bill includes an increase to the estate and gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually and makes this exemption permanent. Other provisions include a permanent increase to the Section 199A Small Business deduction from 20% to 23%, expanding the limitation on Section 179 from $1 million to $2.5 million, reinstating the 100% bonus depreciation for five years and extending the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023.

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Ethanol is American-Made for Memorial Day

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

With Memorial Day weekend coming up, Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White reminds us that we have a chance to take a stand against foreign oil and in favor of our country’s energy independence, by choosing ethanol-blended fuel when we travel.

“On Monday, our nation will remember the many men and women whose ultimate sacrifice guaranteed our nation’s freedom and independence. These are values Americans hold dear, and many of us have lost a loved one on the battlefield—making the day personally poignant,” White writes in a Memorial Day blog post on the RFA website.

An important part of our nation’s security is energy independence, and recent polling shows how Americans feel about this. In March, Morning Consult polled nearly 2,000 registered voters. Eighty-five percent of those polled believed it was important for America to be energy independent, and two-thirds of respondents wanted the United States to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources. When it comes to ethanol, nearly three-quarters said that renewable fuels like ethanol are important to energy security. The top attribute recognized for ethanol was the fact that it was made here in America.

AAA Summer Road Trip

White notes that AAA recently issued two news releases that show the need for more ethanol in our nation’s fuel supply. “On May 12, AAA projected a record number of people would be on the road this coming Memorial Day weekend. Over 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period (from tomorrow through Monday). This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.”

Three days later, the auto club warned drivers what they had to look forward to: rising gas prices. “Gas prices are creeping back up just in time for the busy summer driving season. The national average for a gallon of regular is up 4 cents from last week, as the price of crude oil rises and demand goes up.” Yes, prices are lower than they have been at this time the past few years, but they are on the rise.

What does ethanol have to do with this? It’s simple: Boosting the nation’s overall fuel supply with lower-cost fuel sources is the best way to keep pump prices in check. And if we’re celebrating a patriotic holiday like Memorial Day, using an American-made fuel like ethanol is the perfect solution.

In the latest Ethanol Report, White noted that E15 is averaging a little over a 7% discount to E10 regular and EPA has approved the continued sale of the fuel through the summer months. “We have a record number of E15 stations across 33 States and we’re excited that we get to sell it through the summer months of June 1 through September 15th,” said White.

Summer E15 - Robert White, RFA 1:05

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RFA CEO to Keynote 2025 Fuel Ethanol Workshop

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The 2025 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) is being held June 9-11 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Now in its 41st year, the FEW keynote address will be given by Geoff Cooper, president & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Following Geoff Cooper’s keynote address, a panel of industry association leaders will highlight key policy developments, challenges and industry goals. Participants include:

Moderator: Ben Rhodes, Executive Director, Nebraska Ethanol Board
• Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition for Ethanol
• Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President, Growth Energy
• Troy Bredenkamp, Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association

The 2025 FEW promises three days of events, featuring a comprehensive program across four tracks:
Production and Operations: Biological Processes
Production and Operations: Mechanical Processes and Plant Control
Coproducts and Product Diversification
Leadership and Financial Management

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with three co-located events, including the Carbon Capture & Storage Summit, the Sustainable Fuels Summit covering SAF, Renewable Diesel, and Biodiesel, and the Ethanol 101 session.

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Members of Congress Urge President to Set Strong RVOs

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Members of Congress, led by Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN), sent a letter to President Donald Trump this week, urging the administration to adopt “timely, robust blending requirements in the upcoming “Set 2” rule establishing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and beyond.”

The lawmakers specifically called on President Trump to take the following actions:
– Set implied conventional biofuel RVOs of at least 15 billion gallons.
– Set the biomass-based diesel RVO at 5.25 billion gallons in 2026 and at increasing levels in future years
– Reject abuse of small refinery exemption (SRE) authority and ensure any legitimate SREs have their volumes accounted for in the RVOs to prevent lost demand in key markets for farmers

This is in line with the request a coalition of oil, biofuel and farm groups has sent to EPA.

“With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rulemaking for RVOs now under review at the White House, this is a critical moment to engage with the administration and make clear what’s at stake—both for the farm economy and for American energy independence,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

Clean Fuels Alliance America Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik added, “RFS stakeholders are unified in asking EPA to set the 2026 RFS Biomass-based Diesel volume at 5.25 billion gallons, with appropriate growth for 2027 and beyond. That volume will support American agriculture and benefit U.S. consumers with lower fuel prices, more jobs, and increased economic growth.”

The “Set 2” rule setting RVOs for 2026 and beyond is already delayed, and the Environmental Protection Agency recently sent its proposed RVOs to the White House for review.

Also signing the letter were Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Mark Alford (R-MO), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mike Flood (R-NE), Troy Carter (D-LA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Mike Bost (R-IL), Max Miller (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Sam Graves (R-MO), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Zach Nunn (R-IA).

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E85 Pilot Program In Mexico Shows Positive Results

Cindy Zimmerman

Pictured at an event announcing the successful results of the trial are USGC Ethanol Consultant Conrado Martinez (leftmost), USGC Director in Mexico Heidi Bringenberg (third from right) and USGC Ethanol Consultant Galo Galeana (rightmost).

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Nuevo León State Ministry of the Environment in Mexico recently conducted a study on the financial and environmental benefits of gasoline blended with 85 percent ethanol (E85).

Ten taxis in Monterrey, Mexico converted to Flex Fuel technology and traveled more than 43,000 miles, using over 1,500 gallons of E85, which resulted in a decrease in operating costs of more than $2 Mexican pesos (MXN) per mile and reducing between 4.9 and 6.4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually per taxi.

“This program showcased the benefits of biofuels for transportation and how they can be a solution for Mexico to reduce polluting emissions,” said Heidi Bringenberg, USGC director in Mexico. “The clear financial and environmental benefits laid out through the trial prove ethanol’s viability and availability in Mexico and beyond.”

Analyses conducted by the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) reinforced the Pilot Project’s results, indicating that E85 use in Tier 1 Flex Fuel vehicles reduces key emissions including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and toxic compounds including benzene and 1,3-butadiene. These reductions far outweigh the recorded increases in methane, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

At the state level, estimates show that with just five percent adoption of E85 in the vehicle fleet, Nuevo León could mitigate 148,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and generate savings of up to $375 million MXN. E85 is not only a viable alternative fuel but it also is a catalyst for developing a new national agroindustry based on sugarcane and sorghum for bioethanol production.

“I’m eager to see the Mexican energy and transportation sectors react to this study and how it will spur investments in a new agroindustry in the country,” Bringenberg said. “With U.S. agriculture already enjoying a close relationship with Mexico, its top export market, any increase in biofuel consumption translates to significant demand for U.S. producers to meet.”

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EPA Admin Addresses E15 and RVO Questions

Cindy Zimmerman

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin faced members of the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the agency’s 2026 fiscal year budget request, including as it relates to biofuels.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) asked Zeldin about the need for a permanent legislative solution for the nationwide sale of year-round E15. “Is it true that, despite President Trump’s best efforts, if we want real certainty here for consumers, Congress has to act. Is that correct?” asked Fischer.

“That is the most durable and easiest solution to this issue,” responded Zeldin. “I’ve been in the position a little over 100 days, and I have had many, many, many meetings about this topic. And a lot of passionate advocacy from, including you, Senator, and your colleagues and your constituents. If Congress was to finalize a long-term, durable solution, so much of that advocacy on your part, all of your time can be better spent fighting for other priorities of your constituents.”

Sen. Fischer also asked Zeldin for an update on when EPA might release Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We are going to be going through a rule making process now over the course of the next few months,” said Zeldin. “We did inherit a blown deadline. We’re looking to not only resolve that deadline in setting RVOs, but to also look to the future and to operate going forward in a way where we don’t blow any deadlines moving forward. So over the course of the next few months, there’s going to be an opportunity for the public to weigh in during a public comment period before a final decision is made.”

Listen to the exchange here:
Sen. Fischer questions EPA Admin Lee Zeldin 5:36

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Homefield Advantage is Theme for 38th Annual ACE

Cindy Zimmerman

Registration is now open for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 38th annual conference, August 20–22, at the new Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year’s theme is “Homefield Advantage,” focusing on the countless benefits ethanol delivers and how ACE is working to help its members unlock new market opportunities.

“ACE is working hard to give our members a competitive edge in unlocking new and valuable market opportunities,” said Brian Jennings, CEO of ACE. “We invite ethanol producers, farmers, retailers, and stakeholders to join us in Sioux Falls this summer as we discuss strategies and tactics to grow the value and demand for corn ethanol into the future.”

“For nearly four decades, the ACE conference has been a platform for biofuel leaders to come together, share knowledge, and shape the future of our industry,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “Each year brings new challenges and opportunities, and this year’s agenda will focus on the most pressing topics facing ethanol today — and the solutions that will drive our continued growth.”

The conference will feature two days of general sessions covering a wide range of issues, including expanding ethanol use, developments in the E15 and E85 markets, trade and export opportunities and challenges, and new technology innovations. Breakout sessions will offer attendees a choice of three focused tracks: Leadership & Management, Technology, and Carbon.

Click here for information and registration.

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Iowa Legislation Threatens Carbon Pipeline

Cindy Zimmerman

Legislation passed this week by the Iowa Senate would effectively ban carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in the state meant to help farmers unlock new markets around the world for ultra-low carbon ethanol.

“CCS is the key to unlocking massive new demand for ethanol and corn around the world,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “For three years, IRFA has sought to work on a middle ground approach that enhanced landowner rights and protections but would allow CCS projects a path forward. While a majority of the Iowa Senate turned their back on Iowa agriculture tonight, IRFA thanks those who stood for common sense.”

“This is a hit to Iowa corn growers and ethanol producers,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Stu Swanson. “The decision to ban carbon capture and sequestration projects cuts off our ability to tap into markets for ultra-low carbon ethanol and puts Iowa corn growers at a disadvantage compared to states pursuing CCS projects. Iowa has long been known as the corn state, and this decision impacts our ability to stay competitive as other states and countries seize this new opportunity.”

The fate of the legislation is now in the hands of Gov. Kim Reynolds and ethanol interests are urging her to veto the bill.

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House Ways and Means Extends 45Z in Big, Beautiful Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

The House Ways & Means Committee passed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Wednesday morning following an all-night hearing and “delivering on President Trump’s policies of tax relief for American workers, families, farmers, and small businesses.”

Among its many provisions are proposed changes and an extension to the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), of the Inflation Reduction Act. The provision requires the credit is only available to fuel produced from feedstocks produced or grown in the U.S. and extends the credit by three years through December 31, 2031.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said they are encouraged by the provisions. “These tax policies can help support expanded production of American energy, accelerate technology innovation, and boost rural economies by creating manufacturing jobs and opening new markets for America’s farmers.”

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Ethanol Report on Angler Education

Cindy Zimmerman

This weekend, crappie anglers from around the country will be on the Lake of the Ozarks for a chance to win $50,000 in the Big Crappie Challenge.

The Renewable Fuels Association is in on the competition with three RFA-sponsored teams making sure the ethanol message is relayed to the hundreds of anglers on the water this weekend. Robert White, RFA Senior VP for Industry Relations & Market Development, will be in one boat with the former owner of Crappie Masters, Mike Valentine. RFA’s Kansas-based crappie team led by Dylan Faulconer will be in the water too, along with a Missouri-Kansas team.

In this edition of RFA’s Ethanol Report podcast, White talks about the importance of ethanol education on the water, and why RFA continues to prioritize the message that all major marine engine manufacturers approve the use of up to 10% ethanol fuel (E10), which is also better for the water and environment.

Follow Robert White on X @fuelinggood

Ethanol Report 5-14-25 14:40

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.

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