RFA Submits ILUC Comments to CARB

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The Renewable Fuels Association submitted comments Monday to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voicing concern that CARB’s recent Biofuels and Land Use Change Public Forum presented a biased and unbalanced view of the current state of research and understanding of indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis.

RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman also noted that several of the speakers at CARB’s forum “are longtime critics of U.S. crop-based biofuels who were given a venue to air allegations that strayed far from analysis and sometimes veered into personal opinion unrelated to indirect land use change.” There was little opportunity for rebuttal based on the body of ILUC research that exists or for industry stakeholders to provide input. RFA also raised concern about potential conflicts of interest for some of the speakers chosen by CARB to present their views during the forum.

RFA also stressed that CARB’s ILUC penalty for corn ethanol is “obsolete” and must be updated to reflect “methodological improvements in assessing ILUC and more extensive historical data.”

Richman’s comments also argued that there is no impetus for applying an ILUC penalty to corn ethanol, since corn yield growth has significantly outpaced changes in domestic consumption of ethanol, particularly in California. An analysis submitted by RFA earlier this year shows that the amount of land needed to produce ethanol used in California has fallen significantly since the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard was implemented.

Read RFA’s comments

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Indirect Land Use, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ethanol Makes Holiday Travel More Affordable

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over this Thanksgiving holiday, which is an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record.

If you are among the 90 percent heading over the river and through the woods by road, the good news is gasoline prices heading into Thanksgiving are about the same as they were a year ago, and prices have been relatively stable in recent months. Renewable Fuels Association Chief Economist Scott Richman says while it might not always be visible at the gas pump, ethanol lowers fuel prices every time we fill up.

An important economic benefit that was highlighted in a recent study by refining expert George Hoekstra is that ethanol reduces the cost of octane, a key quality attribute of gasoline. The octane level of gasoline is reflected in the numbers we see on pump labels, generally ranging from 87 for regular unleaded gasoline to 91+ for premium gasoline.

The Hoekstra study estimated that American drivers save $0.39 per gallon—or well over $50 billion each year—because ethanol is used throughout the gasoline pool, substituting for more expensive (and dirtier) refinery-produced octane.

In an RFA Blog post, Richman added that ethanol also saves consumers money by extending the fuel supply and thereby holding down the cost of crude oil and refined gasoline blendstock and ethanol is typically cheaper than gasoline blendstock on a per-gallon basis in the wholesale market. In addition, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol (E15) is even less expensive at retail than E10, the blend that constitutes the vast majority of gasoline sold in the U.S.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

RFA Recommends California Implement FFV Standard

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association recommends that the California Air Resources Board require flex fuel vehicle capability in all new vehicles with internal combustion engines sold in California, at the earliest practical model year.

That recommendation was made in comments to CARB in response to a Drive Forward Light-Duty Vehicle Program Workshop on October 21.

“CARB’s number one guiding principle for the Drive Forward program, as stated in the staff presentation, ‘is to design stringent but flexible programs that achieve cost-effective emission reductions,’” wrote RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “RFA believes that implementing a well-structured combination of requirements and incentives to grow the market for higher-level ethanol blends such as E85 in California would be among the most affordable ways to achieve significant reductions in criteria and greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s light-duty vehicle population.”

Richman noted that emissions testing at the University of California, Riverside indicated statistically significant reductions in NOx, CO2, PM and cumulative BTEX emissions with E85 compared to E10, and that emissions of CO and NMOG-NOx trended lower with E85. Further, over the last few years, E85 has consistently sold at nearly two dollars per gallon less than regular gasoline.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Flex Fuel Vehicles, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ethanol Exports to Canada and EU Hit Records

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. ethanol exports increased to 188.8 million gallons (mg) in August, 15% above July and 24% ahead of year-ago levels, thanks to record-setting shipments to Canada and the European Union, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total volumes, according to the latest trade update from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Canada climbed 11% to 74.4 mg, remaining the top outlet and capturing 73% of all denatured fuel ethanol sold, while exports to the European Union skyrocketed 65% to 47.6 mg—almost entirely routed through the Netherlands, the principal destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Beyond these markets, trade flows shifted sharply: Colombia climbed 43% to 14.1 mg to become the second-largest buyer of denatured product; India rebounded from 0.5 mg to 13.6 mg; the United Kingdom slid 50% to 10.6 mg; the Philippines eased 16% to 8.0 mg; Mexico jumped 35% to 6.7 mg; Jamaica leapt ninefold to 4.4 mg; South Korea held nearly steady at 3.8 mg; and Peru tumbled 56% to 3.7 mg. Brazil was notably absent from the market after taking 9.2 mg in July. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports reached 1.42 billion gallons, tracking 16% above the same period in 2024.

At the same time, U.S. exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) were up 10% in August to 1.17 million metric tons (mt), marking multi-month highs across major destinations and record shipments to Colombia, Honduras, and New Zealand. Year-to-date DDGS exports totaled 7.64 million mt, trailing last year’s pace by 4%.

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

Preliminary Agenda Unleashed for 2026 NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

The preliminary agenda is now available for the 2026 National Ethanol Conference presented by the Renewable Fuels Association with the theme “Ethanol Unleashed,” taking place February 24–26 in Orlando. The theme was chosen to reflect on the robust growth potential that awaits, and the important work that still needs to be done to fully unleash ethanol’s potential.

Conference sessions include:
Unleashing E15: State Momentum, Federal Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead: With California’s AB30 paving the way and Midwest governors forging ahead in the absence of federal action, E15 is gaining ground—but the path to nationwide, year-round access remains complex. This panel will explore how state leadership, regulatory developments, and congressional efforts are shaping the future of E15. If federal legislation stalls, what’s next for unleashing E15 across America?
Taking the Tide: Ethanol on the High Seas: The massive global marine fuel market offers unprecedented opportunities for U.S. ethanol; experts discuss the policy drivers, economics, and technical hurdles associated with using ethanol in the maritime sector.
45Z: Unlocking Opportunities, Navigating Uncertainty: Experts outline key considerations for enhancing 45Z values and navigating an uncertain and constantly evolving regulatory landscape.
Embracing New Technology to Pursue Competitive Advantages: Advances in carbon dioxide utilization, energy diversification, and low-carbon technologies are redefining how we capture value—cutting carbon intensity, improving operational resilience, and unlocking new revenue streams in an increasingly carbon-conscious marketplace.

Click here for more details. 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 Nashville, RFA hosted industry stakeholders from 37 states and 18 foreign countries.

Early-bird registration provides substantial discounts until December 9, and RFA members enjoy additional savings. Click here for more information and to register. For updates, follow NEC on X (formerly Twitter) at @EthanolConf, and track social media posts with the tag #RFANEC.

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

Clean Fuels Elects Governing Board Members

Cindy Zimmerman

Clean Fuels members meet with Rep. Feenstra during DC Fly-in

Members of Clean Fuels Alliance America gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for the group’s annual fly-in and Governing Board election. Members elected seven board positions, reinforcing the association’s vision to exceed 6 billion gallons by 2030.

Clean Fuels members voted on seven board seats to serve two-year terms adding Michael Devine of the National Oilheat Research Alliance and Jeramie Weller of Minnesota Soybean Processors. The following were reelected:

• Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
• Chris Hill, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
• Ryan Pederson, North Dakota Soybean Council
• Harry Simpson, Crimson Renewable Energy
• Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association

Continuing to serve on the board for a second year are:

• Greg Anderson, Nebraska Soybean Board
• Bob Haselwood, Kansas Soybean Commission
• Courtney Lawrenson, Ag Processing
• Peter Ostenfeld-Rosenthal, Seaboard Energy
• Tim Ostrem, United Soybean Board
• Mike Rath, Darling Ingredients
• Rob Shaffer, American Soybean Association
• Paul Teta, Kolmar Americas

The board appointed Kent Engelbrecht to serve as Chair, Ryan Pederson as Vice-Chair, Paul Teta as Second Vice-Chair, Courtney Lawrenson as Treasurer and Dave Walton as Secretary.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel

Ethanol Groups Urge CARB to Implement E15

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol stakeholders submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) this week calling for immediate implementation guidance for E15 so retailers can begin selling the lower cost fuel. CARB opened up a public docket for written comments following an Oct. 14 Scoping Workshop on E15 Use in California.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Chief Marketing Officer Ron Lamberty underscored the urgency of CARB categorizing E15 as a gasoline-grade fuel, given the recent authorization of E15 sales through the passage of AB 30 and 14 years of safe, real-world use nationwide.

“We urge CARB to move quickly with a clear statement that the sale of E15 is allowed in California, and provide guidance promptly, so California fuel marketers can begin offering the low-cost and clean fuel to consumers immediately,” Lamberty said in written comments.

ACE’s comments also highlighted that California’s fueling infrastructure is already largely compatible with E15. To help retailers verify compatibility, Lamberty pointed CARB to the Flex Check tool on the organization’s website flexfuelforward.com, which allows marketers to check whether existing tanks, lines, dispensers, and hanging hardware can handle E15.

The Renewable Fuels Association also voiced strong support for immediately expanding access to the lower-cost E15 fuel blend in California, urging CARB to quickly clarify remaining questions regarding the immediate implementation of AB 30, while working in parallel to update state gasoline regulations to allow E15.

RFA President and CEO Geoff wrote in the comments that the intent of AB 30, which was signed into law on October 2, is crystal clear – that retailers may immediately offer the fuel if they choose to do so. “Thus, to honor the statutory purpose and intent of AB 30 and the Governor’s directive, RFA strongly encourages CARB to prioritize immediate implementation of AB 30 so that California fuel retailers can offer E15 as soon as possible.”

In the latest Ethanol Report podcast, Cooper says one specific sticking point concerns the certification of vapor recovery equipment for E15. “It’s the stage two vapor recovery equipment that exists at California retail stations. No other state has that equipment still in place, but California does. And so there’s been just some some technical glitches in getting the clarity and certainty that the marketplace needs from CARB on the suitability of that equipment for E15. But we think we’re very close to having that.”

Cooper is confident that hurdle will be overcome very soon. “We are very hopeful that by Christmas time, Californians are going to have a nice Christmas surprise and be able to buy that lower cost cleaner fuel.”

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

Ethanol Report on E15 Status

Cindy Zimmerman

At this time last year, the ethanol industry was optimistic Congress would be passing a Continuing Resolution that included approval for nationwide, year-round E15, but no one thought California would ever allow sales of E15, despite being a huge seller of E85.

This year, the industry is grateful to have legislative approval for E15 sales in California, while Congressional approval once again remains elusive on the federal level. In this episode of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down where we are right now on E15, as well as other unfinished business in Congress, and why the industry has much to be thankful for in 2025.

Ethanol Report 11-19-25 23:05

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

Miller-Meeks Still Pushing for E15

Cindy Zimmerman

On her way to the Capitol Wednesday to vote on re-opening the federal government, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) spoke to Agri-Pulse during a webinar on “The Race for Renewable Fuels to Improve Rural Prosperity.” She addressed a number of renewable fuel related topics, including year-round E15, maritime biofuels, SAF, and RVOs, as well as the farm economy, high input costs, and the continuing resolution.

Miller-Meeks says she is still hopeful for year-round E15. “I think year round E15 is getting it into like last December, we had it in a year end package, trying to get that back into another year-end package,” she said in an interview with Agri-Pulse Founder and Publisher Sara Wyant. “I know that Representative Adrian Smith is working on that. Myself and all of the Iowa delegation are working on that. We continue to push those issues and advocate for year-round E15.”

Miller-Meeks discussed the importance of the maritime industry as a new market for U.S. biofuels. “We know that the global shipping Industry consumes about 70 to 80 billion gallons of fuel annually, and that’s a market that can be open for U.S. producers, especially in biofuels. And if they’re allowed to compete freely, I think we could capture 4 to 5 billion additional gallons of biofuels,” she said. “So whether it is in biodiesel or whether it’s in ethanol, this is a market we certainly want to capture.”

LIsten to the interview here:
Rep. Miller-Meeks interview with Agri-Pulse (9:11)

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels

Soybean and Oilseed Groups Urge Action on Biofuel Policies

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Soybean Association and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) sent a joint letter this week to President Donald Trump urging action on key federal biofuel policies needed to strengthen domestic demand for U.S. soy and support farmers facing continued market pressure.

The organizations called for completion of several priority actions, including finalizing EPA’s proposed 2026 to 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, limiting RIN credit generation from foreign feedstocks and imported biofuels, discouraging imports of used cooking oil and beef tallow that displace domestic soybean oil, ensuring full reallocation of waived RVO volumes tied to small refinery exemptions, and issuing timely Treasury guidance for the revised 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to reflect congressional changes that prioritize domestic agricultural feedstocks.

“Farmers need clear and consistent federal policy to expand domestic biofuel production and strengthen the market for American grown soy,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “The administration has taken important steps to support U.S. biofuels, and it is essential that these policies are finalized before the end of the year.”

Ag group, ASA, Biodiesel, biofuels