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The Renewable Fuels Association released two important studies in the past week related to ethanol’s impact on the environment and the economy.

For the environment, a new analysis finds the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has slashed greenhouse gas emissions by almost a billion metric tons since it was implemented in 2008. The research was conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association by Stefan Unnasch and Debasish Parida of Life Cycle Associates. Unnasch took part in a National Ethanol Conference panel this week on ethanol’s role in the future of autos.

For the economy, despite the pandemic, the ethanol industry contributed $35 billion to the GDP and supported over 300,000 jobs in 2020.

The contribution to the national gross domestic product was 19 percent below the previous year, primarily as the result of lower output and lower prices, but still represents a significant contribution to the economy in terms of job creation, generation of tax revenue, and displacement of crude oil and petroleum products.

RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman discusses the findings of both reports in this interview.
2021 NEC Interview with Scott Richman on economic and GHG reports 5:22

The case for higher ethanol blends to lower emissions is stronger than ever and retailers are more receptive than ever.

Renewable Fuels Association Director of Market Development Cassie Mullen led a panel discussion during the digital National Ethanol Conference this week focused on tapping new markets for higher blends. Her panelists included fuel marketers and retailers from coast to coast talking about the opportunities.

On the panel were Greg Jones with Pearson Fuels; Michael Hyde, H&H Operations; Jonathan Baixauli, Orion Oil; and Ronnie Dhaliwal, Bulk Petroleum.

In this interview, Mullen reviews highlights of the discussion.

The National Ethanol Conference wraps up today with sessions on consumer perceptions of ethanol, new uses, and LCFS policies.

All of this week’s sessions are now available on demand for conference attendees. Highlights can be found on the NEC virtual newsroom.

The Renewable Fuels Association today honored former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), longtime chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, with the RFA Industry Award, presented during the digital 26th annual National Ethanol Conference.

“I’ve been working on ethanol for a long time. I believe in it, and it’s been a passion of mine and it’s just been a pleasure for me to be able to lend a hand to make sure this industry is successful and moves ahead,” Peterson said in accepting the award. “I’m not going to walk away from ethanol, and now that I’m not in office I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do yet, but I will stay engaged in advocating for agriculture in some way, shape or form. You’re going to have my help— whether you want it or not.”

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “Congressman Collin Peterson, or ‘The Chairman,’ as anyone involved in agriculture knows him, has been the ethanol industry’s most effective and passionate advocate in the House of Representatives for decades.”

Listen to Cooper presenting the award and Rep. Peterson’s comments.
2021 NEC Industry Award to Rep. Collin Peterson 7:20

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) told participants in the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference this week that she is optimistic about the future of ethanol under the new leadership in Washington D.C.

“I’m confident that the Biden administration will look to tackle our climate crisis with solutions that foster the use of ethanol to drive decarbonization,” said Rep. Bustos.

Bustos says she is preparing to reintroduce the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would require the EPA to allow auto makers to use a new 98 RON (research octane number), instead of 91. “By shifting our standards to a 98 RON, auto makers could meet cleaner emissions standards while improving fuel efficiency,” she said. “Higher RON would also support mid-level ethanol blends like E25 and E30.”

Listen to her comments here:
2021 NEC RFA Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) 13:28

2021 National Ethanol Conference virtual newsroom

The new chairperson of the Renewable Fuels Association welcomed attendees to the first digital National Ethanol Conference this week.

Guardian Energy CEO Jeanne McCaherty took over as chair of the RFA in October so this was her first NEC welcome. McCaherty reflected on the 40th anniversary of the RFA, the toll 2020 took on the industry, and the opportunities for ethanol in a low carbon future.

The National Ethanol Conference continues today with keynote speaker author Daniel Yergin Vice Chairman, IHS Markit. Sessions include how ethanol fits in the future of automobiles, the latest GREET results for ethanol’s carbon intensity, international markets, and higher blends.

All of yesterday’s sessions are now available on demand for conference attendees. Highlights can be found on the NEC virtual newsroom.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper focused forward in his annual state of the industry address at the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference on ethanol as the essential energy that it is.

“While 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for the ethanol industry, it definitely taught us one thing: When America’s ethanol industry stops running, so does America. Ethanol truly is Essential Energy,” said Cooper.

Looking forward, Cooper said ethanol can and should play a central role in the effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The carbon footprint of typical corn ethanol is already 50% better than gasoline, he said, with greater reductions on the way. “Mark my words, zero-carbon corn ethanol is coming,” Cooper said.

Listen to the full address and press availability with reporters below:
2021 NEC State of the Industry, Geoff Cooper, RFA 24:40

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper press availability
2021 NEC Press Availability with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper 28:41

Images

2021 Digital National Ethanol Conference image album
National Ethanol Conferences Through the Years 2007-2020

The export market for ethanol and its livestock feed co-product distillers grains (DDGS) will be one of the topics addressed at the digital National Ethanol Conference, which starts today.

The Renewable Fuels Association recently released two reports summarizing 2020 U.S. ethanol and distillers grains export and import data.

According to the reports, more than 1.334 billion gallons, or about 10 percent of the ethanol produced in the United States, were exported in 2020 to 90 countries on six continents. While this is 9 percent lower than 2019, it remains the fourth largest export volume in history.

Distillers grains exports totaled 10.958 million metric tons in 2020, a slight improvement on 2019 and the seventh straight year these exports exceeded 10 million metric tons. A record high share of total U.S. distillers grains production, 38 percent, was exported in 2020.

RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman breaks down the numbers in this interview and be sure to catch the NEC panel on international trade Wednesday at 2 pm central.
2021 NEC Interview with Scott Richman, RFA 6:33

The Renewable Fuels Association 26th annual National Ethanol Conference begins tomorrow, February 16, bringing an all-new format that will allow for more industry leaders to participate in what has always been the most widely attended executive-level policy and marketing conference for the ethanol industry.

“The 2021 National Ethanol Conference promises to offer something of interest for everyone, whether their focus is on energy policy, environmental issues, domestic and international market development, new technologies, or consumer education and marketing,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We’ve lined up a terrific group of speakers and panelists who are renowned thought leaders at the intersection of the energy and agriculture sectors. I have no doubt that all attending will come away from this year’s event more informed and more connected.”

With a new time-saving schedule spread over three days, from Feb. 16-18, the NEC will allow participants to take part completely in the all-digital program without missing their daily workplace responsibilities, especially because all those registered will have access to all the sessions either live or on-demand. Our digital platform also offers multiple, easy-to-use opportunities to conduct business with fellow industry customers and clients—all without the travel expense.

Cooper provides a preview of the event in this interview.
2021 NEC Interview with Geoff Cooper, RFA 12:50

Registration and other information about the National Ethanol Conference can be found at NationalEthanolConference.com.

Enjoy photos from the National Ethanol Conference for the past 13 years in this compilation photo album.
National Ethanol Conference Through the Years 2007-2020