The Senate Agriculture Committee recessed on Thursday after working on the farm bill markup for over three hours and hitting a stalemate with Democrats demanding that Republicans delay a requirement that states share the cost of providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits by two years, rejecting a one year delay compromise. “We’re holding hostage the people that were charged to …
Ethanol and DDGS Exports Grow in June
U.S. ethanol exports grew by nine percent in June and exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) gained two percent, both driven by stronger shipments to several leading markets, according to the latest Trade Monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Canada remained the leading destination for denatured fuel ethanol, with total exports edging up 2% to 78.0 mg. Exports …
Ethanol Blend Rate Surges to Record High
The ethanol blend rate in U.S. gasoline now stands at its highest in history, driven in part by the conflict in Iran improving the cost advantage for the renewable fuel, according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration analyzed by Renewable Fuels Association Chief Economist Scott Richman. The average ethanol content of gasoline sold in the U.S. surged …
RFA Disappointed with EPA SRE Approvals
The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced its decisions on six individual small refinery exemption petitions from four refineries seeking an exemption from their Renewable Fuel Standard obligations for the 2023 and 2024 compliance years, granting full (100 percent) exemptions to one petition, partial (50 percent) exemptions to two petitions, and determining three petitions to be ineligible. According to the …
Survey Shows Strong Support for Year-round E15 in Minnesota
A new Morning Consult survey for the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association shows strong, bipartisan support for ethanol, E15 and permanent year-round access to E15 (Unleaded 88) in the North Star State. The survey of 950 Minnesota adults found that 68% support selling E15 year-round on a permanent basis, with majority support from Democrats, Republicans and independents. After respondents learned more about …
CARB Schedules Hearing on E15
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has scheduled a public hearing for September 24 to consider approving the technical standards necessary to finally get E15 (15% ethanol fuel) at the pump, nearly a year after the state legislature unanimously passed legislation allowing its sale. On October 2 last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation which “was effective upon enactment …
Fueling Agriculture Report Gains Momentum
As the biofuels industry continues to press the U.S. Senate for action on E15 legislation, a recent report from U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA), “Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst”, is getting attention on Capitol Hill and around the country. Members of Congress are highlighting the report’s findings and its implications for American agriculture. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), …
Former Ag Leaders Again Urge Congress to Help Farmers
A group of former agricultural industry leaders again sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week asking for immediate action to address the growing crisis in American agriculture. The letter was a follow-up to one sent in February by 27 past leaders of farm, commodity and biofuels organizations. This letter had nearly 20 more signatories. In the five months since …
ACE Conference to Focus on Fueling Freedom
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 …
RFA Welcomes Regulatory Affairs Director
The Renewable Fuels Association welcomes Maddie Jenks as Director of Regulatory Affairs, a role focused on developing and implementing regulatory strategies that support the association’s mission to expand markets for American-made ethanol. In this role, Jenks will monitor and analyze regulatory proposals and guidance, lead efforts to engage with federal and state agencies to advance industry priorities, and assist member …