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

EPA Extends Compliance Deadline for RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

On Friday the Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule to extend the March 31 deadline for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance reporting for 2024.

The rule also updates the definition of “biodiesel” in the program to reference the most recent ASTM quality specifications, and Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in response.

In December, EPA proposed a partial waiver of the 2024 cellulosic biofuel standard, anticipating a shortfall of available cellulosic (D3 or D7) RINs. EPA further proposed to delay compliance until the next quarterly reporting deadline, to give obligated parties an additional 90 days to plan 2024 compliance strategies. EPA today is taking no action on the partial waiver but is deferring the 2024 compliance deadline for an unspecified period until it finalizes a decision on the waiver.

“The biomass-based diesel industry needs policy certainty that supports our continued growth and significant contribution to American energy security,” said Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs. “In response to the proposed waiver of cellulosic volumes, Clean Fuels asked EPA to make decisions on outstanding small refinery exemptions to assess the potential impact on 2024 RIN availability. It is frustrating that EPA is delaying important program decisions and adding to uncertainty for our industry.”

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, EPA, RFS

Iowa’s Elite Octane Celebrates Billion Gallon Milestone

Cindy Zimmerman

On Friday, Atlantic, Iowa-based Elite Octane celebrated reaching the milestone of producing its billionth gallon of ethanol.

With its 53 employees, Elite Octane has paid more than $1.6 billion to local corn farmers since commencing operations in 2018, nearly all funds received within 60 miles of Atlantic, Iowa. The over 300 million bushels of corn were processed into more than just ethanol. Elite Octane also produced more than 2 million tons of high protein animal feed and over 300 million pounds of corn oil as well. Additionally, 50 percent of all the water used in the ethanol production process is recycled water from the City of Atlantic that would otherwise be discharged down the river.

Elite Octane began its operations on July 1, 2018, and has the capacity to produce 150 million gallons of ethanol each year. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper congratulated the investors and staff for reaching such a significant milestone in only seven years. “Over the past seven years, they have worked tirelessly to support the local economy in Iowa, providing cleaner, lower-cost fuel ethanol and other coproducts. We are proud of their success and their impact on the American ethanol industry,” said Cooper.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA, RFA

State Attorneys General Support Nationwide E15

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird last week led a letter signed by 16 state attorneys general urging Congress to pass a bipartisan bill that will allow nationwide access to year-round E15 gasoline.

Iowa’s AG was joined by Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and West Virginia. The States urge Congress to swiftly pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 that promises nationwide access to year-round E15. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led introduction of the bills in each house.

“We thank these attorneys general, from Alaska to Florida, for their leadership on a matter of importance to the families in their state, and indeed all 50 states,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “They understand the importance of renewable fuels like U.S.-made ethanol in enhancing American energy independence, helping families save money at each fill-up, reducing pollution and bolstering the rural economy.”

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

Farmers Call for Immediate Action on E15

Cindy Zimmerman

NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. signs E15 banner at Commodity Classic

The National Corn Growers Association gathered signatures from nearly 9,000 corn growers and advocates from 47 states on a letter that was sent this week to House and Senate leadership calling for legislative action to allow sales of E15 during the summer months.

“A legislative solution for consumers to access year-round E15 comes at no cost yet would provide critical support to our nation’s energy sector, overdue relief to American families, and provide necessary economic security to rural communities,” the letter said.

The letter was sent by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

The sheer number of signatures in the letter is testament to the strong sentiment about increased ethanol demand among farmers, especially as commodity prices drop and input costs increase.

“Standardizing year-round E15 will result in an increase in corn demand of about 2.3 billion bushels per year,” the letter stated. “Considering that about one-third of corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production, this demand creation will result in an impressive improvement in profitability for operations across the nation – and rural communities will reap the benefits.”

Many farmers signed the letter during Commodity Classic in Nashville at the NCGA exhibit.

Commodity Classic, corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

RFA Promotes Flex Fuel Conversion Kits at #Classic25

Cindy Zimmerman

Since most car makers stopped selling flex-fuel vehicles, it’s hard to find a new car or truck these days that is made to run on up to 85% ethanol fuel. But at Commodity Classic, the Renewable Fuels Association was demonstrating how you can do-it-yourself.

Robert White, RFA Senior VP for Industry Relations & Market Development, had a brand new 2025 GMC Yukon on display at the booth. “Only three miles on it and unfortunately it doesn’t come from the factory as flex fuel. And so we’re debuting a new conversion kit from E-Flex Fuel that in 25 minutes we can take this standard vehicle and make it flex fuel capable of using an ethanol blend all the way up to E-85,” said White. “These kits are getting more and more attention each year from farmers wanting to use their own product.”

White says getting nationwide, year-round access to E15 is important for the ethanol industry to increase demand, but so is getting more availability to higher blends up to E15. “You look at a state like California where E85 is a 30-50 percent lower price fuel compared to regular gasoline, it is important and we’re not only seeing the environmental impact and the lower price point, but it’s also resonating back to the Midwest where it helps with corn demand and it helps with ethanol demand.”

Learn more in this interview.
Classic 25 - Robert White, RFA 10:27

2025 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, Commodity Classic, E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

California OAL Flags Concerns for Biomass-Based Diesel

Cindy Zimmerman

Last week, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) explained its decision to reject amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and identified a number of potentially substantive issues that could impact the success of biomass-based diesel in the state, according to Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The issues include indirect land use change (ILUC) values, new fuel pathway applications, sustainability certification systems, and specified feedstock attestations.

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, said there will be an opportunity to voice the industry’s concerns during a 15-day public comment period if one is triggered.

“Clean Fuels Alliance America will collaborate closely with its members to draft comments that ensure the latest science guides clear, effective regulations supporting the success of crop-based biodiesel and renewable diesel without unnecessary barriers.”

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, Indirect Land Use, renewable diesel

ACE Excited About Annual Fly-in

Cindy Zimmerman

The annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Fly-in is coming up March 27-28 and CEO Brian Jennings says once again the number one topic is year-round, nationwide E15.

“We really need a permanent, national solution from Congress because that’s what the courts have said, before the summer driving season starts,” said Jennings during an interview at Commodity Classic this week. “But what we like about what the President has signaled and what was reiterated by Secretary Rollins in her remarks (at Classic) is that, should we fail to get legislation over the finish line before the summer driving season, we’ve got an insurance policy in our back pocket and that is the strong likelihood that the Trump administration will once again grant these emergency waivers that were done under under Biden.”

ACE is headquartered in South Dakota, which is one of the strongest and oldest ethanol producing states, so Jennings says he was very disappointed that the state’s governor has asked for a delay in implementing year-round E15 under the Midwest governor’s waiver request which was finally approved by EPA to go into effect this year. “It’s my understanding this only applies to 9 or 10 counties on the western edge of the state and their fuel is supplied by a Wyoming refinery,” said Jennings. “The problem with what Governor Rhoden did is sending a signal to South Dakota farmers, and South Dakota ethanol producers, and South Dakota consumers that want to buy a higher octane, cheaper product that the interests of a Wyoming refinery are more important.”

Besides E15, there are many other issues to be discussed during Capitol Hill visits at the Fly-in, including the RFS, tariffs and exports, and the future of ethanol in sustainable aviation fuel. Click here to register.

Classic 25 - Brian Jennings, ACE 4:59

ACE, Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News