EPA Releases Final Rule for E15 Waiver Delay for SD and OH

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency has released the final rule to extend the date for Ohio and nine counties in South Dakota for year-round E15.

In response to a request from the Governors of Ohio and South Dakota, EPA renewed the extension of the effective date of the removal of the 1-psi volatility waiver because the agency “finds that there would be an insufficient supply of gasoline in Ohio and nine counties in South Dakota if the removal of the 1-psi waiver were to go into effect as currently required on April 28, 2025.”

Therefore, we are renewing the extension of the effective date by one year to April 28, 2026, for the entire state of Ohio, and the following nine counties in South Dakota: Butte, Custer, Fall River, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Oglala Lakota, Pennington, and Perkins.

“This goes back to some of the fear-mongering from the petroleum industry,” said Robert White of the Renewable Fuels Association in a recent interview. “There was an actual statement that if South Dakota continued down the path with these seven other states, that there would not be fuel available west of the river…unfortunately the governor fell for that and asked for the delay.”

White says that is why a legislative fix through Congress for year-round, nationwide E15 is so important.

Classic 25 - Robert White, RFA 10:27

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

U.S. Ethanol Groups Working With Viet Nam

Cindy Zimmerman

Leaders from the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Growth Energy this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributor in Viet Nam, to promote the implementation of greater ethanol usage in that country.

The MOU follows the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry adopting a directive in December 2024 that aims to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The directive outlines plans to promote the use of E5 RON92 and E100, develop new pricing mechanisms for ethanol blended gasoline, and coordinate potential amendments and technical regulations and standards for fuels.

U.S. ethanol industry leaders signing the MOU included RFA General Counsel and Vice President, Government Affairs Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.; USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri; and Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

“This event is a big first step toward building Viet Nam’s capacity to leverage fuel ethanol so the country may take advantage of all the benefits ethanol provides. It promises to deepen our bilateral economic cooperation and trade between our countries. The U.S. ethanol industry is excited to work with the leaders in Viet Nam to bolster Petrolimex’s and Viet Nam’s fuel ethanol supply chain and infrastructure.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, USGC

Ethanol Exports Start Strong in 2025

Cindy Zimmerman

Coming off a record-breaking 2024, U.S. ethanol exports kicked off 2025 with momentum, according to the latest trade monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association.

Ethanol exports increased two percent in January to reach a nine-month high of 198.1 million gallons (mg), fueled by surging shipments to India, which tripled its imports to 35.1 mg, the highest in four years. Canada retained its position as the top destination for the 46th consecutive month despite a 14% decline to 53.9 mg, with denatured ethanol making up 90% of the total. Exports to the European Union slowed 15% from December’s record high to 30.3 mg, predominantly shipped to the Netherlands, while the United Kingdom slashed imports in half to 14.1 mg. Other larger markets included Colombia (up 24% to 13.4 mg), the Philippines (down 4% to 11.3 mg), and Brazil (up 22% to 9.5 mg, a nine-month high). China remained virtually absent from the market.

The U.S. imported 1.7 mg of fuel ethanol in January, predominantly from Brazil. Additionally, 12.5 mg of industrial ethanol were imported, of which 68% was from Brazil and 26% was from Canada.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) declined 24% in January to a 21-month low of 811,480 metric tons (mt) on mixed global demand. Mexico and South Korea collectively made up 41% of total DDGS exports—Mexico increased shipments by 17% to 229,331 mt, while South Korea lifted 10% to 105,644 mt.

Other expanding markets included Japan (up 13% to 46,391 mt), Thailand (up 55% to 25,335 mt), and China (up 20% to 20,569 mt). However, several key markets scaled back purchases, including Vietnam (-11% to 93,606 mt), Canada (-12% to 66,996 mt), Indonesia (-28% to 54,389 mt, a 2-year low), Turkey (-51% to 47,541 mt), and the European Union (-46% to 26,387 mt). The remaining 12% of DDGS exports were distributed across 19 countries.

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

Ethanol Worth $2.1 Billion to MN Economy

Cindy Zimmerman

A new study shows Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2024, with 1.4 billion gallons of production generating $5.2 billion in economic activity and supported 18,434 jobs in the state.

“We know that ethanol produced in Minnesota is making our state more energy secure by displacing foreign imports and cleaning up our air because ethanol lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This report makes clear that the ethanol industry is also contributing to our economy through crop purchases, job creation, and state and local taxes,” said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

The study, conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension, also found the industry produced several valuable co-products including 4.13 million tons of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) and 463.8 million pounds of corn oil.

Of the $5.2 billion in economic activity generated in 2024, the study said $2.8 billion was generated from ethanol plants. The remaining $2.4 billion in economic activity, it said, were realized by industries in Minnesota involved in wholesale trade, crop production, real estate, utilities, professional and technical services.

The study said Minnesota’s ethanol industry generated $1.2 billion in income for Minnesota’s residents and paid $157.6 million in state and local taxes in 2024.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Global Ethanol Summit Date Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has announced its third Global Ethanol Summit (GES) will be held in Washington, D.C., Oct. 19-22.

GES seeks to elevate ethanol’s international visibility and ongoing successful initiatives as a viable decarbonization solution within the transportation and emerging new uses sectors.

“Prior GES events have been great successes for the Council and the U.S. biofuels industry, and we’re excited for what’s on the agenda for our domestic and international attendees this year,” said Alicia Koch, USGC director of global ethanol export development. “While details about accommodations and a formal agenda will be released in the near future, make sure to save the date for GES 2025 and we hope to see you in the nation’s capital this fall!”

The Council anticipates this year’s event will attract 450 attendees and the program will feature policymakers, ministerial level officials representing the agricultural environmental and energy sectors, researchers, ethanol producers and more to discuss the environmental, human health and economic benefits of ethanol use while fostering collaboration and trade.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, USGC

EPA Takes Action to Terminate EV Mandate

Cindy Zimmerman

In a major announcement Wednesday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency will reconsider the Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles regulation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles which amounts to a mandate for electric vehicles (EV).

In addition to imposing over $700 billion in regulatory and compliance costs, these rules provided the foundation for the Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandate that takes away Americans’ ability to choose a safe and affordable car for their family and increases the cost of living on all products that trucks deliver.

“The American auto industry has been hamstrung by the crushing regulatory regime of the last administration. As we reconsider nearly one trillion dollars of regulatory costs, we will abide by the rule of law to protect consumer choice and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.

The emissions standards review was included as part of a larger package of 31 deregulation actions Zeldin announced Wednesday. “Protecting and Bringing Back American Auto Jobs” is the fifth pillar of Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.

Electric Vehicles, Energy, EPA

E15 Advocates Rally as House Passes Clean CR

Cindy Zimmerman

NCGA president Kenneth Hartman, Jr. with E15 supporters

Corn grower leaders joined Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) at a press conference on Capitol Hill Tuesday to push for passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 to allow nationwide, year-round access to E15.

The press conference was held as the House passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government for another six months without including E15 in the legislation that now goes to the Senate.

“We are very disappointed that extended access to E15 was not included in the continuing resolution,” said National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We appreciate the work of our allies in Congress who champion corn growers and our priorities and call on Congress to address this issue as soon as possible.”

Also present at the event were Reps. Nikki Budzinski (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), and Jim Baird (R-IN). Nearly 9,000 corn growers and advocates from across the country signed a letter that was sent last week to House and Senate leaders calling for action on the issue.

corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

Report Highlights Ethanol’s Importance to Nebraska

Cindy Zimmerman

A new comprehensive study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) details the significant economic and agricultural contributions of Nebraska’s ethanol industry in the state.

The 2021-2023 Economic Impacts of the Nebraska Ethanol and Co-Products Industry report reveals how ethanol production fuels job creation, supports corn growers, and bolsters rural development across the state. In 2023, that included ethanol production of more than 2 billion gallons, which contributed to a total industry impact of more than $6 billion across the state.

“This UNL study is a testament to the strength and resilience of Nebraska’s ethanol industry—and its unmatched importance to our state,” Nebraska Ethanol Board Interim Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “From supporting thousands of jobs to driving demand for our corn crop, ethanol is a crucial pillar of Nebraska’s economy. We’re proud to see these impacts documented so clearly, and the NEB remains committed to advancing this industry’s success.”

The report highlights the record economic impacts of the industry during the years studied, including an all-time high of $8.18 billion in 2022. This includes the value of ethanol and co-products sold, as well as labor and tax effects. Nebraska’s 24 ethanol plants support 1,800 full-time equivalent employees, the report says, with average annual wages of nearly $80,000. Co-product value was also noteworthy, with existing and new co-product markets adding to 45% of ethanol value. That means that for every dollar of ethanol produced and sold, $0.45 of co-products were also sold.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Clean Fuels Foundation Awards Education Grant

Cindy Zimmerman

Courtney Videchak

The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation has announced the recipient of this year’s Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant is Courtney Videchak, a Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. Videchak’s research inspired her to enroll in sustainability courses offered by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and the School of Environment and Sustainability.

Videchak’s dissertation is focused on creating fuel-specific engine calibrations optimized for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and a 50% (by volume) blend of the two fuels to decrease CO2 emissions and increase engine efficiency.

Videchak will attend Clean Fuels Alliance America’s 2025 Sustainability Workshop in Kansas City, Missouri, in April, where she will share her research and collaborate with industry and scientific leaders in the field. “Ultimately, the results of my work will hopefully encourage engine manufacturers to make these alternative fuels a primary consideration rather than an afterthought,” Videchak wrote in her application. “I am eager to attend the workshop to deepen my understanding of alternative fuel sustainability, a critical area for my future career. This opportunity would allow me to apply what I learn to my professional aspirations in renewable energy and low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels.”

The Beth Calabotta Grant was established in 2018 to support deserving students interested in clean fuels, science and research. The grant honors scientist and past Foundation director Beth Calabotta, whose legacy and dedication to biodiesel and sustainability tremendously impacted the industry.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, Education

South Dakota Law Creates Concern for Carbon Pipeline

Cindy Zimmerman

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden last week signed a law which prohibits eminent domain for a pipeline that carries carbon oxide, which would be the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline that ethanol producers are hoping will lower their carbon score.

“It’s very unfortunate that, despite our approvals in Iowa, North Dakota, and Minnesota, South Dakota changed the rules in the middle of the game,” said a statement from Summit Carbon Solutions. “This kind of regulatory uncertainty creates real challenges—not just for our project, but for the ethanol plants in South Dakota that now face a competitive disadvantage compared to their counterparts in neighboring states. While this presents obstacles, our project moves forward in states that support investment and innovation, and we will have more news on that soon.”

Gov. Rhoden claims the legislation, which only applies to carbon dioxide, does not kill the proposed project. “Rather than viewing this legislation as an obstacle to the proposed project…I encourage Summit and others to view it as an opportunity for a needed reset. Voluntary easements for this proposed project will still be able to move forward… In fact, without the threat of eminent domain, the opportunity might finally be available for trust to be rebuilt and for more productive conversations to occur between Summit and South Dakota landowners.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw called the action an “unnecessary roadblock” between Midwest corn farmers and much needed new markets. “The South Dakota law effectively bans carbon pipelines in the state,” said Shaw. “While this is horrible for South Dakota and unfortunate for nearby states, there are numerous opportunities to sequester and ways to get there that don’t include South Dakota. The demand for ultra-low carbon ethanol around the globe is so massive that, at the end of the day, no one state will be able to stop the ethanol industry from accessing that market.”

Carbon, carbon capture, Ethanol, Ethanol News