The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently announced the addition of Lane Howard to the organization’s staff as director of biofuels. “Ethanol is one of our marquee issues and is important to rural economies,” said Sean Arians, vice president sustainable production and value chain engagement at NCGA. “We are thrilled to welcome a professional of Lane’s caliber to manage this …
Year Round E15 Bill Reintroduced in Congress
The bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has been reintroduced in both Houses of Congress. The legislation led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in the Senate, and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) in the House would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of …
President Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on Brazil Ethanol
President Donald Trump signed a Memorandum Thursday ordering the “development of a comprehensive plan for restoring fairness in U.S. trade relationships and countering non-reciprocal trading arrangements” and that includes Brazilian tariffs on U.S. ethanol. The White House fact sheet on the plan notes “endless examples where our trading partners do not give the United States reciprocal treatment” and the first …
CoBank: Exports Key to Ethanol Industry Growth
The export market still offers the most promising opportunity to drive U.S. ethanol demand in 2025, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “Ethanol used for higher level blends is expected to increase annually in the U.S., but it constitutes only a small portion of overall ethanol demand due to the market’s size,” said Jacqui Fatka, farm supply …
Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Agriculture Secretary
Brooke Rollins of Texas was confirmed as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture Thursday by a vote of 72-28. Rollins served in Trump’s previous administration as acting director of the Domestic Policy Council and oversaw the White House Office of American Innovation. She since co-founded and served as president and chief executive officer of the America First Policy Institute. She has …
Iowa Ethanol Production Holds Steady in 2024
According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production in the state held steady last year at 4.6 billion gallons. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says stagnant U.S. ethanol demand combined with increasing corn yields have resulted in lower farm income, but he believes new ethanol markets are within reach that can restore balance to the corn market. “We need …
Unleaded 88 Sales In MN Reach New Record In 2024
Sales of 15% ethanol fuel – Unleaded 88 or E15) hit a new record high in Minnesota last year with 142.75 million gallons sold, an increase of 11.63 percent from the previous record of 127.87 million gallons in 2023, according to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. “For four years running, annual statewide Unleaded 88 sales have surpassed the previous year’s baseline, …
2025 Marks 30th National Ethanol Conference
The ethanol industry will be getting “Back to Our Roots” in 2025 with the Renewable Fuels Association’s 30th annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place in Nashville February 17–19. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the theme “Back to Our Roots” was chosen to reflect the ethanol industry’s humble beginnings, its incredible growth, and its enduring ties to American agriculture. …
Larson Engineering Acquires Fagen Engineering
Larson Engineering, Inc. announces the acquisition of Fagen Engineering, LLC, the engineering arm of construction company Fagen, Inc., marking a significant milestone in its strategic growth initiative. The acquisition strengthens Larson’s position in industrial engineering, specifically in the growing ethanol and biofuel sector, and represents a key component of the company’s ambitious ten-year strategic plan aimed at achieving 25 percent …
Biofuels Champions Urge Zeldin to Support RFS, E15
Biofuels supporters in Congress sent a letter to newly-confirmed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin encouraging him to issue timely guidance to fulfill the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and support year-round sales of E15 nationwide. The bipartisan letter was led by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN), co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, and included nearly 30 colleagues. “Under your …