One of ethanol’s champions in Congress visited the National Ethanol Conference Tuesday to chat with members of the industry and Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper about many issues, including his strong support of nationwide, year-round E15. Feenstra said it was frustrating to get so close with the inclusion of the provision in the Continuing Resolution in December …
Annual Ethanol Economic Analysis from RFA
The latest economic impact analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association shows the ethanol industry’s contribution to the U.S. economy remained “robust” last year, as record-setting production offset the impact of lower commodity prices. “2024 was another very good year following on the heels of 2023,” said RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “In terms of helping out in terms of what …
RFA CEO on the State of the Ethanol Industry
As is tradition, the 30th annual National Ethanol Conference kicked off with the State of the Industry address from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, who highlighted the industry’s pivotal role in American agriculture and outlined how ethanol can once again help the farm sector thrive in the face of current economic challenges. Cooper reflected on the industry’s …
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 …
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 …
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. …
RFA Reports 2024 Ethanol and Distillers Grains Exports
New statistical reports released this week by the Renewable Fuels Association show ethanol export volume and overall export value hit record highs last year. According to the reports, the value of the U.S. ethanol industry’s exports rose to a peak of $7.5 billion in 2024, fueled by a record 1.91 billion gallons of ethanol exported in 2024. Meanwhile, distillers grains …
Biofuels Groups Pleased with Zeldin Confirmation
The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Lee Zeldin to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and biofuels groups are happy with the decision. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said they are looking forward to working with Administrator Zeldin. “As noted during his Senate confirmation hearing, Mr. Zeldin understands that ethanol and other renewable fuels …
Ethanol Report on Working with New Administration
President Donald Trump has been very busy since his inauguration issuing executive orders, making changes, and freezing funding, but how will his actions impact the ethanol industry? In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper comments on some of the actions President Trump has taken and where ethanol’s priorities stand in both …