Growth Energy’s Washington, D.C. Senior Management Team joined CEO Emily Skor on stage for a Washington Update panel for a discussion on ethanol policy, lawsuits, and public affairs. The work this team does day–in and day–out is essential to giving biofuels a seat at the table in Washington, D.C., especially when it comes to shaping favorable environmental, energy, and ag policies.
Elizabeth Funderburk, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, explained the importance of educating the Biden Administration on biofuels early on during the 2020 campaign has helped Growth Energy successfully position biofuels as a readily available solution to our country’s climate goals.
Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, reviewed pending matters before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including when we can expect a 2021-2022 RVO, E15 rulemaking, and small refinery exemptions (SRE), and what we can expect with Michael Regan at the helm of EPA.
John Fuher, Vice President of Government Affairs, highlighted the importance of working with the Administration and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that will restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), eliminate barriers to higher blends to accelerate market access, and expand the role of biofuels in a clean energy future at home and abroad. Fuher also touched on the new dynamics of an evenly split Senate, and a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, and how that impacts policymaking.
Joe Kakesh, General Counsel, addressed ongoing litigation on issues critical to our industry and how this litigation is an important tool for major policy fights like SREs and access to E15. Additionally, Kakesh spoke on the upcoming “set” and the opportunity it provides to stress the environmental and economic benefits of the RFS when EPA is setting new blending volume targets for 2022 and beyond.
