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No. 293, September 14, 2023 |
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Administration Officials Address Advocates at 2023 Growth Energy Biofuels Summit |
This week, almost 100 Growth Energy members traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 14th Annual Growth Energy Biofuels Summit to advocate for biofuels in our nation’s capital. CEO Emily Skor kicked off the summit by thanking members for lending their voices, their time, and their energy to Growth Energy's efforts to elect pro-biofuels candidates and to tell the industry's story to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. |
"Where some see only a field of corn, we see clean energy, nutrient-rich animal feed, bio-based chemicals, and an ever-growing array of value-added bio-products," said Skor. "We see an economy that can grow in sync with nature, rather than at her expense."
"This summit is our opportunity to share that vision – to showcase how the biofuels industry is delivering on the nation’s energy, environmental, economic, and – frankly – human health goals."
"When regulators fell behind in finalizing the RFS Set, they had every incentive to open a dialogue with Growth Energy about their administrative challenges. And rather than see that process derailed, Growth Energy and Administrator Regan negotiated a mutually agreeable timeline."
"As a result, we have three years of certainty under the RFS, where in the past, there was one … or none at all." Watch some additional highlights from Skor's speech in the video below. |
Following Skor’s speech, attendees heard from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities available for our industry, especially sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Throughout his remarks, Vilsack memorably demonstrated his commitment to the issues that matter most to biofuels producers and their farm partners. He talked about the diversified, profitable, and sustainable future of American agriculture and how "sustainable aviation fuel is a critically important component of that."
"And I understand and know that in order for that to work for this industry—for Growth Energy—you've got to make sure that you qualify for the tax credits. I know that. You know what? So does the Treasury Department. You know why? Because I handed her personally a memo about this," Vilsack said. "I know the EPA Administrator understands this because we've talked about it. I know the Secretary of Transportation understands this because we've talked about it. I know the Secretary of Energy knows about this because we've talked about it. I know the President of the United States knows about this, because I spent an hour and a half with him at lunch explaining the role of climate smart agriculture, ecosystem service markets, bio-based product production, renewable energy production on the farm."
He concluded this portion of his remarks by noting, "all of that is happening." |
Biofuels Summit participants also heard from Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Berube, Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, who, much like Vilsack, highlighted the Administration's commitment to including biofuels in its efforts to combat climate change. |
After the general session concluded, members fanned out across Capitol Hill to share their stories with lawmakers and present Fueling Growth awards to the industry’s most steadfast champions. |
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Thanks to everyone who joined us in DC and to our tireless biofuels champions on the Hill and in the Administration for everything they do for this industry! Check out the rest of our meeting highlights on X! |
For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. |
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Last week, domestic ethanol demand was 13.0 BGY, down 10.9% compared to a week ago. The EIA-reported gas demand was down 10.9% from last week, at 127.3 BGY. The large decrease reflected the usual temporary decrease seen the week after a long holiday weekend plus the post-Labor Day end of the summer driving season. The 4-week average ethanol and gas demand are 13.9 and 136.5 BGY.
Ethanol production was 15.9 BGY last week, up 2.7% versus the week before, and 1.4% more than the 4-week average in 2019. Midwest production was up 3.3% (+9.1 MG) versus a week ago, and average production in the other regions was down 6.6% (-1.2 MG), mainly the Gulf Coast region. Capacity utilization of plants online was 91.6% overall, 92.6% in the Midwest, and 77.7% on average, elsewhere, excluding 1,415 MGY of capacity shutdown at 28 ethanol plants for other than maintenance (details on pg. 29). On an installed capacity basis, utilization was 86.3% overall, 90.6% in the Midwest and 47.3% in the other regions.
Exports were an estimated 28.0 MG last week based on 120 MG/mo. of exports forecast for September. The EIA reported no ethanol imports last week.
Overall inventory was up 24.8 MG last week. EIA-counted stocks decreased 18.9 MG, and regional changes were: East (-5 MG), Gulf (-2 MG) and West (-3 MG) Coasts and the Midwest (-9 MG). In-transit inventory increased 43.7 MG.
Based on the total inventory of 1,762 MG on September 8th and the 4-week avg. domestic demand, there were 46.0 days of supply, up 0.9 days versus a week ago. Including the 4-week avg. of net exports, there were 41.9 days of supply, up 0.7 days versus a week ago. |
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State Corn Growers Press Treasury on Sustainable Aviation Fuel |
Help Us Secure Year-Round E15: Send Us Photos of Cost Savings in Your Area |
| National FFA Convention Indianapolis, IN November 1-4, 2023 Learn More |
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State Corn Growers Press Treasury on Sustainable Aviation Fuel |
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen last week, the presidents of the National Corn Growers Association and state-level presidents from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, made the case for using GREET in establishing the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits. Read the full letter here. |
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For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. |
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Help Us Secure Year-Round E15: Send Us Photos of Cost Savings in Your Area |
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E15/UNL88 was available at retailers across the U.S. this summer thanks to a successful campaign by Growth Energy and the biofuels industry to secure an emergency waiver from the EPA. This was a welcome development, but Growth Energy continues to make the case for year-round E15 to the EPA, on Capitol Hill, and in state legislatures around the country. If you see an example of significant cost savings at a fuel station near you, take a picture (like the ones above) and share it with us! We'll put your photos to good use telling the story of how E15 saves drivers money.
Please email your photos to kwebster@growthenergy.org. |
For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. |
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The Weekly Rundown is the weekly newsletter for Growth Energy's members. It is published weekly by the communications staff at Growth Energy. For more information, email team@growthenergy.org or visit our website GrowthEnergy.org.
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