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It was a somber yet determined group of ethanol industry representatives that met last week in Omaha for the American Coalition for Ethanol 32nd annual conference, in the wake of the EPA granting another 1.43 billion gallons of refinery waivers.

ACE CEO Brian Jennings says they had a tough and honest board meeting prior to the start of the conference. “People are generally optimistic, but there’s going to be some pain here for a while,” he said.

Jennings says the board approved a new growth strategy combining octane with low carbon. “Refiners can’t show meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jennings. “The more ethanol you add to a gallon of gasoline, the better you make it in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So we think it’s that double barrelled strategy.”

If the refinery waiver announcements had not been made the Friday before the conference, Jennings says it might have been a very different meeting. “But now we know what we are dealing with,” said Jennings.

The theme of the conference this year was “What it Takes” and Jennings says it takes a lot of “grit and toughness and determination” for ethanol producers to keep going in the face of great challenges “but that really epitomizes who these people are.”

2019 ACE Conference Photo Album

Low carbon and high octane are the future for ethanol, according to leaders of the American Coalition for Ethanol speaking Thursday at their annual conference in Omaha.

ACE Board President Duane Kristensen of Chief Ethanol in Nebraska said that as the agriculture and ethanol industries are dealing with challenging market conditions, things have to change. “With uncertainty surrounding the RFS and trade negotiations, we must engage in meaningful dialogue to find ways to increase demand for ethanol in our fuel supply domestically with E15 and higher ethanol blends, as well as in markets around the globe that are beginning to recognize ethanol’s high octane and environmental benefits in renewable fuels policies,” Kristensen said.

Listen to his remarks here:
ACE Board President Duane Kristensen opening remarks

ACE CEO Brian Jennings acknowledged the positive development of year-round E15, but pointed out the good news is being undermined by the bad and said now is the time for new strategy. “We’ve come to the conclusion we cannot merely play defense on the RFS and hope trade wars subside. We need to turn the page, to go on offense. We need a new vision for how to increase demand for ethanol and break free from the status-quo,” Jennings said.

“Combining ethanol’s high octane and low carbon strengths into a new growth strategy not only allows us to go on offense, it gives our champions in Congress something to be for as the discussion about climate change begins to ramp up in Washington,” Jennings added. “ACE members have what it takes to make things happen.”

Listen here:
ACE CEO Brian Jennings opening remarks

2019 ACE Conference Photo Album

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) meeting in Omaha this week by thanking them for what they do.

“Ethanol is a very important industry, on a national and on a state level,” said Gov. Ricketts, noting that Nebraska is the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation with 25 plants employing 1400 people.

The governor acknowledged the difficult times facing the industry but encouraged everyone to continue to promote the benefits of ethanol with three simple points. “Save money at the pump, it’s great for the environment, and it’s going to help our farmers and ranchers,” he said.

ACE members also thanked Gov. Ricketts for his ethanol advocacy by presenting him with the organization’s Policy and Legislative Leadership Award.

Listen to the governor’s remarks here:

Photos

2019 ACE Conference Photo Album