Biofuels Groups Provide Comments on RFS Proposal

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels groups offered testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday during a virtual public hearing for the proposed rule to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes and percentage standards for 2023-25.

“Overall, we believe the proposed ‘Set’ rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway for sustainable growth in the production and use of low-carbon renewable fuels,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper in verbal testimony.

Cooper also stated that RFA strongly supports EPA’s approach to small refinery exemptions, including its assumption that zero exemptions will be granted in 2023-2025, and he agreed with EPA’s recent response to a fundamentally flawed GAO report on RFS compliance costs. When it comes to the idea of expanding the RFS to include renewable electricity made from biomass, Cooper said that EPA should maintain a level playing field and consistent approach to RIN generation for all renewable fuel pathways under the RFS.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings testified in support of EPA setting an effective conventional biofuel requirement of 15.25 billion gallons for 2023 through 2025, projecting no small refinery exemptions (SREs) for 2023 through 2025 and reiterating refineries are able to pass on RIN costs to their customers, and conceding its antiquated greenhouse gas (GHG) model needs to be updated.

The ACE testimony highlighted concern over EPA’s proposed inadequate advanced biofuel blending targets and “alternative approach” to reduce conventional biofuel blending below 14 billion gallons for 2024 and 2025. Jennings encouraged the Agency to “increase [advanced] volumes consistent with new production capacity scheduled to come online” and “clarify it does not intend to issue retroactive waivers of volumes or reduce conventional biofuel requirements in the final rule.”

Meanwhile, Clean Fuels Alliance America and its members expressed frustration with the proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel because they do not match the volumes that are already in the market and do not account for expected growth in capacity and feedstocks.

“The proposed rule significantly undercounts existing biomass-based diesel production and fails to provide growth for investments the industry has already made in additional capacity, including for sustainable aviation fuel,” Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen stated in testimony to EPA.

Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik stated at the hearing, “Clean Fuels is once again frustrated that EPA has the wherewithal needed to determine current production, the knowledge of the investments being made, and the resources to accurately determine feedstock availability yet proposes a no growth scenario.” Clean Fuels members also highlighted investments that have been made to increase biodiesel and renewable diesel production and distribution capacity, pointing to the successful USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program as one source of investment.

ACE, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS

New Poll Shows Support for Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

A new survey of registered voters conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association by Morning Consult shows more support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard compared to policies that ban liquid fuels or mandate electric vehicles.

“As the new Congress settles in and begins to consider the future of our nation’s energy policy, these polling results demonstrate that Americans strongly support expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Voters clearly want greater access to fuel blends containing more ethanol—like E15, E30, and E85—and they want to see more flex fuel vehicles made available.”

Almost two-thirds of survey respondents (65 percent) said they support the Renewable Fuel Standard, while only 15 percent expressed opposition to the program, while 64 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of ethanol, compared to just 18 percent unfavorable.Regarding higher blends, 68 percent support increasing the availability of E15 to help lower fuel prices and bolster energy independence, and 66 percent said it is important for the federal government to promote the production and sale of flex fuel vehicles (capable of running on up to 85% ethanol) in the United States.

Notably, Cooper said, support for ethanol and renewable fuels policy crossed party lines and includes majorities of both Republican and Democrat respondents.

Additional survey results regarding electric vehicles and banning liquid fuels found that 66 percent oppose policies that ban the sale of new cars with traditional liquid-fueled engines, with only 23 percent supporting such policies, with 69 percent opposed to EV mandates, with 54 percent expressing “strong” opposition.

Read the poll results.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

ACE Plans DC Fly-in for March

Cindy Zimmerman


For the first time since 2019, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is excited to be planning its 12th annual Washington, DC Fly-in and Government Affairs Summit to take place March 29-30, 2023. Event registration and sponsorship opportunities are available at ethanol.org/events/fly-in.

“We encourage ethanol supporters to mark their calendars for the ACE fly-in March 29-30,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “Nearly 100 new Members of Congress recently took their oaths of office, and it is up to us to make sure they understand the importance and value of a strong U.S. ethanol industry.”

For more than a decade, nearly 300 unique individuals representing 30 states have participated in ACE fly-ins, meeting with Members of Congress and top Administration officials. Past participants include ethanol company investors and management; corn farmers; scientists; and fuel marketers and gas station owners.

“In ACE’s 12 years of hosting DC fly-ins, the most successful ones strike a balance between Hill visits with our champions and those with Members of Congress who may be new, opponents of our policy priorities, or live outside the Corn Belt,” said Katie Muckenhirn, Vice President of Government Affairs. “Members of Congress and their staff hear from lobbyists and association staff regularly, but a deeply personal perspective of how the ethanol industry has directly benefitted a participant may help them view a topic with fresh eyes. We’re looking forward to bringing advocates back to DC because certain aspects of face-to-face interactions can’t be replicated in a virtual setting.”

Priorities for ACE advocates this year include a nationwide and permanent solution for year-round E15 market access, supporting technology-neutral clean fuel policy which recognizes farmers’ and ethanol producers’ contribution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promoting the Next Generation Fuels Act, as well as the Farm Bill, ensuring the Renewable Fuel Standard is getting back on track, and implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.

The meetings will take place on Capitol Hill and at the YOTEL Washington, DC hotel (formerly the Liaison). For more information about the event, please contact Katie Muckenhirn at kmuckenhirn@ethanol.org or visit ethanol.org/events/fly-in.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol and DDGS Exports Declined in November

Cindy Zimmerman

Exports of both U.S. ethanol and dried distillers grains (DDGS) were lower in November according to the latest analysis by Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analyst Ann Lewis.

Ethanol exports declined 3% to a three-month low of 81.4 million gallons (mg), approximately 40% less than the volume shipped a year ago, but year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports total 1.28 billion gallons, 15% ahead of last year at the same time.

Essentially all exported U.S. ethanol landed in just ten countries in November. Our northern neighbor secured its place as our top customer for the twentieth consecutive month as shipments to Canada increased 8% to 47.9 mg—an unprecedented 59% of all exports. U.S. ethanol exports also expanded to South Korea, up 54% to 7.8 mg. Other larger markets included Mexico (5.1 mg, -21%), the European Union (4.6 mg, -33% to a 14-month low)—primarily led by the Netherlands—Peru (4.5 mg, -1%), and the United Kingdom (3.3 mg, -5%). India, Brazil, and China were principally absent from our export market in November.

Exports of the animal feed co-product DDGS were down nine percent in November to the lowest volume since May 2020. Mexico, our top customer for the fifth consecutive month, imported 205,769 mt (up 33% to a 4-month high). Shipments to South Korea scaled back 30% (91,838 mt), while exports to Vietnam were half of October’s volume (68,223 mt, a 9-month low).

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

MN Bio-Fuels Releases 2022 Annual Report

Cindy Zimmerman

Jeff Oestmann, Board vice-president of MN Bio-Fuels, and Brian Werner, executive director

The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) recently released its 2022 Annual Report to its members.

“As the critical need to decarbonize transportation, reduce dependence on imported oil, and save consumers money at the pump grows, the leadership opportunities for biofuels grow, too. That’s why I was glad to join with our members and supporters at our annual report event to talk about what MN Bio-Fuels has accomplished in 2022 but, more importantly, to talk about the path forward in 2023,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.

The 2022 Annual Report highlights include securing $6 million for a biofuel infrastructure grant program and assisting retailers in securing the grant funding and urging Gov. Tim Walz to remain committed to a regulatory solution that will ensure year-round E15 availability. 2022 also saw record E15 sales in Minnesota with October sales at 9.58 million gallons. Werner said E15 sales exceeded the 9-million-gallon mark for the first time ever in July and has remained at that level since.

Read the report here.

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Get Ready, Set and Go to 2023 NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

The agenda is now set for the Renewable Fuels Association’s 2023 National Ethanol Conference with the theme “Ready. Set. Go!” The annual conference will be held in Orlando from February 28 to March 2 and will again showcase well-known speakers and experts, reflecting on the industry’s growth and successes of 2022, and providing their outlook on the future of renewable fuels.

As the theme suggests, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the industry is set up for success in 2023 and ready to go. “Let’s take a minute and reflect on all of the successes of 2022 and examine the solid foundation that was built through the Inflation Reduction Act, strong RFS volumes, and the work we did on E15,” said Cooper. “And then let’s look forward and look at the ways we’re going to build on that.”

RFA CEO Geoff Cooper - NEC 2023 (1:31)

Among the topics to be explored at the 2023 NEC are: Carbon capture and sequestration, new uses, consumer perceptions of ethanol, implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, and the market for ethanol in India.

Find out more at NationalEthanolConference.com and register before the end of January to receive a $100 discount.

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

Clean Fuels Welcomes Eight New Members

Cindy Zimmerman

As interest in low carbon fuels gains momentum, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes eight new companies that joined the association in the last year.

“It’s an incredible time for the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry as we accelerate toward our vision of 6 billion gallons by 2030,” said Donnell Rehagen, Clean Fuels CEO. “With the growth in demand, we see broader and growing interest in the success of the industry. The addition of these members demonstrates the value they see in being part of our trade association and the ongoing expansion of this industry.”

Clean Fuels new members include:
DSM – a global company specializing in solutions for human and animal health and nutrition.
National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) – authorized by Congress in 2000 to provide funding for more efficient and reliable heat and hot water.
PSC Group, LLC – provides product handling services, logistics, railcar repair, and sustainability solutions for the chemical, refining, and marine transportation industries.
ROC 1954 – providing fuel, renewable bio fuels, lubricants, logistics services, and more.
Third Coast Commodities – with the combined goals of bringing transparency to the world of physical derivative commodities and reducing risk.
Magellan Midstream Partners – a publicly traded partnership based in Tulsa, Okla., that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil.
Green Plains Inc. – a leading ag-tech company using innovative processes to transform annually renewable crops into sustainable, high-value ingredients.
Iveco Group – a company with a strong presence across the full range of commercial and specialty vehicles, complete powertrain offering, and focus on advanced sustainable solutions.

Clean Fuels Alliance America, formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board, will be holding its annual conference January 23-26 in Tampa, Florida. Registration

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance

Brazil Extends Ethanol Tariff Suspension

Cindy Zimmerman

The ethanol industry is looking forward to working with new Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who has a lot of experience both being president and working on ethanol issues.

Brazil last week extended the suspension of the import tariff on ethanol, at least through the end of this month. This extends the suspension announced last March of tariffs on U.S. ethanol and several other products until the end of 2022.

“This is a positive first step toward a permanent resolution and it sends a favorable signal to the marketplace,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As we look ahead to 2023, we stand ready to work with President Lula da Silva and his administration to restore free and fair ethanol trade between our nations. As the world’s leaders in the production and use of low-carbon ethanol, we must set an example of free trade and open markets for other nations to follow.”

Lulu da Silva was sworn in Sunday for a third term as president of Brazil, starting 20 years after his first term began, and 12 years since his second ended, and he was known as a strong advocate for ethanol during that time.

Biodiesel, Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports

Fuel the Cure Raises $15K for Breast Cancer Research

Cindy Zimmerman

Nebraska fuel retailers and drivers helped to raise more than $15,000 in October as part of Fuel the Cure 2022, a campaign that also educates the public about healthier fuel options.

During October, when drivers chose higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15, E30 and E85 at participating retail locations, gas stations donated 3 cents for each gallon sold toward cancer research. Ethanol is a natural, plant-based octane booster used to displace some chemicals in gasoline which have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Ethanol producers, including Siouxland Ethanol in Jackson and E-Energy in Adams, also donated to the cause. This year, Fuel the Cure raised $15,662.99 with donations going to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha and Nebraska’s American Cancer Society.

Over the past five years, retailers participating in the promotion have helped raise more than $45,000 for cancer research, according to Jessica Sodeke, communications and outreach manager for the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “We commend these retailers for making higher ethanol blends available and giving consumers a choice in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Supporting Fuel the Cure is a step beyond, because the funds are directly impacting the lives of Nebraskans.”

The Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska are already preparing for Fuel the Cure 2023 and encouraging Nebraska fuel retailers who sell higher ethanol blends to reach out for information about participating. Donations to the Buffett Cancer Center or American Cancer Society are also accepted from others interested in supporting this cause, including cancer organizations and ethanol facilities. Fuel the Cure sponsors the Lincoln Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk as well. Contact Jessica Sodeke for more information at Jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Annual In and Out List for Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

For most of his 35-year tenure with the Renewable Fuels Association, Bob Dinneen has prepared an annual tongue-in-cheek list of what’s in and what’s out for ethanol as one year ends and a new one begins.

This year, Dinneen presents his last end of the year list that encompasses the entire arc of his time in the industry, from the early days in the 1980s when ethanol was still just a babe, to the fully grown industry it is today.

Enjoy Bob’s final Ins and Outs list and Happy New Year to all!

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA