Homefield Advantage is Theme for 38th Annual ACE

Cindy Zimmerman

Registration is now open for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 38th annual conference, August 20–22, at the new Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year’s theme is “Homefield Advantage,” focusing on the countless benefits ethanol delivers and how ACE is working to help its members unlock new market opportunities.

“ACE is working hard to give our members a competitive edge in unlocking new and valuable market opportunities,” said Brian Jennings, CEO of ACE. “We invite ethanol producers, farmers, retailers, and stakeholders to join us in Sioux Falls this summer as we discuss strategies and tactics to grow the value and demand for corn ethanol into the future.”

“For nearly four decades, the ACE conference has been a platform for biofuel leaders to come together, share knowledge, and shape the future of our industry,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “Each year brings new challenges and opportunities, and this year’s agenda will focus on the most pressing topics facing ethanol today — and the solutions that will drive our continued growth.”

The conference will feature two days of general sessions covering a wide range of issues, including expanding ethanol use, developments in the E15 and E85 markets, trade and export opportunities and challenges, and new technology innovations. Breakout sessions will offer attendees a choice of three focused tracks: Leadership & Management, Technology, and Carbon.

Click here for information and registration.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Iowa Legislation Threatens Carbon Pipeline

Cindy Zimmerman

Legislation passed this week by the Iowa Senate would effectively ban carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in the state meant to help farmers unlock new markets around the world for ultra-low carbon ethanol.

“CCS is the key to unlocking massive new demand for ethanol and corn around the world,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “For three years, IRFA has sought to work on a middle ground approach that enhanced landowner rights and protections but would allow CCS projects a path forward. While a majority of the Iowa Senate turned their back on Iowa agriculture tonight, IRFA thanks those who stood for common sense.”

“This is a hit to Iowa corn growers and ethanol producers,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Stu Swanson. “The decision to ban carbon capture and sequestration projects cuts off our ability to tap into markets for ultra-low carbon ethanol and puts Iowa corn growers at a disadvantage compared to states pursuing CCS projects. Iowa has long been known as the corn state, and this decision impacts our ability to stay competitive as other states and countries seize this new opportunity.”

The fate of the legislation is now in the hands of Gov. Kim Reynolds and ethanol interests are urging her to veto the bill.

carbon capture, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News

House Ways and Means Extends 45Z in Big, Beautiful Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

The House Ways & Means Committee passed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Wednesday morning following an all-night hearing and “delivering on President Trump’s policies of tax relief for American workers, families, farmers, and small businesses.”

Among its many provisions are proposed changes and an extension to the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), of the Inflation Reduction Act. The provision requires the credit is only available to fuel produced from feedstocks produced or grown in the U.S. and extends the credit by three years through December 31, 2031.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said they are encouraged by the provisions. “These tax policies can help support expanded production of American energy, accelerate technology innovation, and boost rural economies by creating manufacturing jobs and opening new markets for America’s farmers.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ethanol Report on Angler Education

Cindy Zimmerman

This weekend, crappie anglers from around the country will be on the Lake of the Ozarks for a chance to win $50,000 in the Big Crappie Challenge.

The Renewable Fuels Association is in on the competition with three RFA-sponsored teams making sure the ethanol message is relayed to the hundreds of anglers on the water this weekend. Robert White, RFA Senior VP for Industry Relations & Market Development, will be in one boat with the former owner of Crappie Masters, Mike Valentine. RFA’s Kansas-based crappie team led by Dylan Faulconer will be in the water too, along with a Missouri-Kansas team.

In this edition of RFA’s Ethanol Report podcast, White talks about the importance of ethanol education on the water, and why RFA continues to prioritize the message that all major marine engine manufacturers approve the use of up to 10% ethanol fuel (E10), which is also better for the water and environment.

Follow Robert White on X @fuelinggood

Ethanol Report 5-14-25 14:40

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Boats, Contest, crappie masters, Education, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Sec. Rollins Discusses Ethanol Trade in UK

Cindy Zimmerman

Rollins meets with Secretary of State for DESNZ Miliband

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins spent the second day of her trade delegation visit to the United Kingdom this week meeting with the U.K. Department for Energy Security and talking with industry leaders about opportunities for American products, including ethanol. Sec. Rollins’ visit comes after President Donald Trump announced a new U.K. trade deal last week.

“President Trump has secured a major deal with the U.K. that increases access for American agricultural goods, and today, I saw firsthand the supply chain and positioning of American products in the United Kingdom. I heard from industry leaders in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing about opportunities for greater access for American agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins.

“I visited 10 Downing Street to speak with the Prime Minister’s Special Adviser on Business and Investment, Varun Chandra, about the importance of a fair and reciprocal trade relationship between the U.S. and U.K. I also met with the U.K. Department for Energy Security and other heads of government to promote U.S. ethanol and ensure fair market access for U.S. beef, poultry, pork, seafood, rice, specially crops, wood pellets, and all agricultural exports. The Trump Administration is putting Farmers First into action, and I look forward to continuing to fight for American agriculture on the world stage.”

Secretary Rollins visited the Department for Energy Security (DESNZ) and met with Secretary of State for DESNZ Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Michael Shanks to discuss adopting an E10 mandate across the U.K.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, International, Trade

Iowa RFA Releases New Economic Impact Report

Cindy Zimmerman

A new economic contribution study shows Iowa biofuels production has begun to reflect stagnant corn demand throughout the agriculture economy as the multiplying effects of corn and soybean purchases have been reduced due to lower commodity prices.

Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) conducted the study, commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The study found: “Even though a variety of factors converged in 2024 that created stresses for the biofuels industry in Iowa and lowered the economic contributions of the industry to the Iowa economy compared to prior years, Iowa’s renewable fuels industry set another record for fuel production.” Specifically, biofuels production contributes the following to Iowa:

Accounts for $5.7 billion, or about 2%, of Iowa GDP
Generates $2.6 billion of income for Iowa households; and
Over 34,000 jobs throughout the entire Iowa economy

“Renewable fuels production continues to be a core part of Iowa’s economy,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Yet, as farmers continue to produce more and domestic demand has leveled off, we saw commodity prices fall. That means the indirect impacts of converting corn and soybeans into renewable fuels also fell. Simply put, Iowa farmers need growing markets. The best way to open new ethanol markets around the world is with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). That is the most cost-effective and impactful tool we can provide our farmers and producers.”

In 2024, Iowa ethanol plants produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol and continues to lead the nation in ethanol production. Iowa biodiesel facilities produced 353 million gallons, up from 350 million gallons in 2023.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA

Nebraska Renewable Fuels Month is Official

Cindy Zimmerman

Nebraska Ethanol Board joins Gov. Pillan for proclamation signing

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) proudly joined Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen this week in proclaiming May as Renewable Fuels Month.

“The Nebraska Ethanol Board is grateful for Governor Pillen’s support and for our legislative partners who champion ethanol at both the state and federal level,” said Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Ben Rhodes. “But we’re not just celebrating this month. We remain committed to advocating for ethanol every day, ensuring Nebraska remains at the forefront of renewable fuels.”

As the nation’s second-largest ethanol producer, Nebraska’s ethanol plants produce over 2 billion gallons annually. The industry supports thousands of high-quality careers across the state, including directly creating 1,800 jobs with average salaries near $80,000 each year between 2021 and 2023. Overall, the economic impact of ethanol in Nebraska is more than $6 billion per year.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol Exports Soar in March

Cindy Zimmerman

Exports of U.S. ethanol and the co-product dried distillers grains (DDGS) both increased in March, according to the latest RFA Trade Monitor report.

U.S. ethanol exports rebounded sharply in March, surging 41% to 195.8 million gallons (mg) amid broad-based improvements across most major markets. Shipments were 23% higher than year-ago levels. March also marked Canada’s fourth consecutive year as the leading destination for U.S. ethanol, with exports climbing 27% to a six-month high of 64.5 mg—accounting for two-thirds of March’s denatured ethanol sales. Exports to the United Kingdom, the largest foreign market for U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol, more than tripled to an 11-month high of 30.0 mg. The European Union boosted its imports by 21% to 21.2 mg, India’s imports rose 42% to 18.8 mg, and South Korea’s surged 80% to a ten-month high of 11.8 mg. Other notable markets included the Philippines (-28% to 10.8 mg), Colombia (+58% to 10.7 mg), Brazil (up from zero to 7.0 mg), Nigeria (up from zero to 5.8 mg), Mexico (-48% to 5.8 mg), and Peru (-10% to 5.5 mg). Collectively, these eleven markets accounted for 98% of total March ethanol exports. Cumulatively, U.S. ethanol exports for the first quarter reached 532.6 mg, a robust 19% increase over the same period last year.

DDGS increased 21% in March to 1.03 million metric tons (mt), led by a 79% surge in shipments to top customer Mexico, rebounding sharply from a four-year low in February.

Exports to South Korea edged 3% lower to 114,681 mt, while shipments to Indonesia jumped 66% to a nine-month high of 93,483 mt. Exports to Colombia and Vietnam each advanced 25%, reaching 92,712 mt and 83,665 mt, respectively. Collectively, these five markets accounted for half of March’s total DDGS exports. Other sizable destinations included Canada (-13% to 49,864 mt), Turkey (-4% to 40,211 mt), Japan (-3% to 40,177 mt), the European Union (-28% to 38,520 mt), and Thailand (+147% to 34,244 mt). The remaining quarter of exports was distributed across 26 additional markets. Cumulatively, U.S. DDGS exports for the first quarter totaled 2.69 million mt, trailing the prior year’s pace by 9%.

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Study Shows Clean Fuels Industry Impact on Economy

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. biomass-based diesel industry contributed $42.4 billion the to U.S. economy in 2024, according to a new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The GlobalData study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2024,” also showed the industry supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages using actual 2024 data, including 5 billion gallons of domestic production. It evaluates direct, indirect and induced economic impacts and jobs across the entire value chain, from raw-material production, collection and processing to fuel production and distribution.

According to the report, nearly half of the total economic impact—$19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, while oilseed production supported 30,600 jobs and generated $15.3 billion in economic activity, delivering major benefits to soybean-growing states. Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing (8,600 jobs) and rendering (12,700 jobs).

“The numbers don’t lie; 2024 was a record-setting year for clean fuels, and the benefits reached deep into rural America,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This study proves that biodiesel and renewable diesel not only lower carbon emissions but deliver real income and jobs, especially for soybean producers and the broader agricultural economy.”

Looking ahead, the industry’s continued growth could bring even greater returns to farmers, feedstock producers and fuel producers. The study also analyzes a near-future capacity scenario of 7.4 billion gallons, based on publicly announced investments in new or expanded facilities. At that level, the industry could support 145,700 jobs and contribute $60.25 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to GlobalData.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, renewable diesel

Happy Renewable Fuels Month to Nebraska

Cindy Zimmerman

May is Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska, highlighting the importance of ethanol and biodiesel to the state, according to the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

Nebraska is the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans millions per year. In 2024, thanks to ethanol blends of E10 and above, Nebraska drivers saved at least $300 million. Overall, the Nebraska ethanol industry contributes more than $6 billion to the state’s economy.

“Today begins a monthlong celebration of renewable fuels and their impact on our state,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “Ethanol and other renewable fuels provide many benefits: they strengthen our rural communities, save drivers money, and contribute to cleaner air.”

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen will officially declare May as Renewable Fuels Month on May 6.

Ethanol, Ethanol News