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

Scholarship Winners Enjoy NEC Opportunity

Cindy Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Foundation 2025 NEC Scholarship Winners

The Renewable Fuels Foundation made it possible for eight young people interested in furthering a career in the ethanol industry to attend the 2025 National Ethanol Conference in Nashville recently.

Most of this year’s recipients are already working in the industry and are members of the Renewable Fuels Association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). The Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship is open to both students and young professionals.

The NEC scholarship program is named in honor of Robert “Bob” Sather, an educator who helped found Ace Ethanol in Stanley, Wisc. Neal Kemmet is the current Foundation chairman and general manager of Ace Ethanol. “As we look back to the roots of our industry, these newer members are sure to see how far our industry has come, and the great potential that lies ahead,” said Kemmet.

This year’s group included:
Nick Thone, grain manager and merchant at Aztalan Bio
Kate Littrel, executive assistant at Renewable Fuels Nebraska
Tim Daniel, co-founder of Rimba, sustainability compliance automation software
Alex Lowe, special projects manager at KAAPA Ethanol
Denae Reeves, compliance specialist at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy.
Bailey Masat, commodities and marketing manager at Redfield Energy.
Paige Madison, who is working toward a master’s degree in animal science at South Dakota State University.
Katherine Ludolph, a merchandiser assistant at East Kansas Agri-Energy studying agriculture business at Fort Hays State University.

Ludolph, who is both a student and an industry professional, comes from a family farm in Kansas and is brimming with enthusiasm for all aspects of the ethanol industry. “When you work for a small company, we have 45 employees, you wear many hats. I’ve done accounting. I run the scale house. I’m the backup to the backup. I also redid our website a couple years ago with a contact that I had, but it’s all about networking and knowing people and continuing to have people that are passionate about our industry willing to go out and use our voice to let people know who we are, what we are, and why we are important.”

Alex Lowe has a background in naval aviation and moved back to central Nebraska with his wife where he has been working for KAAPA Ethanol since October. He was fascinated to hear about the history of the industry during the Back to our Roots panel which included KAAPA Ethanol board member Rod Gangwish. “Seeing their perspective and seeing how things were back in the 80s, I only heard stories from my grandparents about it,” said Lowe. “It was interesting seeing the struggles they went through, how ethanol has saved the family farm.”

Denae Reeves joined SIRE recently after spending ten years in law. “So this is kind of a 180 for me,” she said. “I wanted to get back to my ag roots. My dad was a community banker, I grew up in FFA, and this just was appealing from that standpoint as well as the work life balance that it allowed me.”

RFA NEC Scholarship winner Katherine Ludolph (12:20)
Alex Lowe, special projects manager at KAAPA Ethanol
RFA NEC Scholarship winner Alex Lowe (2:46)
Denae Reeves, compliance specialist at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy.
RFA NEC Scholarship winner Denae Reeves (1:46)

Pictured:
Back Row: Renewable Fuels Foundation Chairman Neal Kemmet, Nick Thorne, Kate Littrell, Tim Daniel, Alex Lowe, RFF Vice Chair Wayne Garrett
Front Row: Denae Reeves, Bailey Masat, Paige Madison, Katherine Ludolph

2025 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Sec. Rollins Applauded for E15 Support

Cindy Zimmerman

New U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins received a standing ovation from thousands of farmers across the country Sunday as she made an appearance at the Commodity Classic in Denver on the Trade Show Main Stage.

Rollins brought a message from President Trump. “He wants all of you to know that he hears you. He knows that times have been tough over the last four years. He will not forget you and he will never stop fighting you, and neither will. As your newly confirmed Secretary of Agriculture just two weeks ago, I will be your greatest champion in Washington, second only to the President,” said Rollins.

Rollins also received applause for her support of the year round sale of E15. “Our farmers play a critical role in fueling our nation and helping the United States reclaim energy dominance,” said Rollins. “On his very first day in office, President Trump took action to support the year round sale of E15 gasoline. And I am so looking forward to working with him and with my friend Lee Zeldin at the EPA to make more fuel with the best label, ‘Made in the USA’.”

USDA Sec. Rollins remarks 25:56

2025 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, Commodity Classic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, USDA

EIA Confirms 2024 Record Ethanol Production and Exports

Cindy Zimmerman

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration show U.S. ethanol production hit a record 16.22 billion gallons (bg) in 2024, spurred by rising domestic consumption and record exports of 1.92 bg, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Domestic usage increased to 14.26 bg, the highest level since 2019, reflecting the continued expansion in the number of retail stations offering E15, together with waivers by the Environmental Protection Agency allowing E15 to be sold year-round. Ethanol exports surged increased by more than 500 million gallons, or 37%, over 2023.
“The official EIA data released today confirm that 2024 was a banner year for the U.S. ethanol industry,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our nation’s ethanol producers helped lead the way toward American energy dominance, achieving record highs for both production and exports. The industry is excited to build on this success in 2025 by working with the Trump administration to rapidly expand domestic consumption and continue growing exports to international markets.”

For comprehensive information about 2024 exports, please see RFA’s U.S. Ethanol Trade Statistical Summary

At the recent National Ethanol Conference, RFA General Counsel Ed Hubbard moderated a panel on export opportunities with Everett Eissenstat with Squire Patton Boggs and Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains Council President and CEO, to examine the macro-level outlook for global trade under the new Trump Administration, as well as specific challenges and opportunities for expanding ethanol exports.
RFANEC Expanding Exports panel (45:18)

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