TOP STORY

Biofuels Can Kick-Start Climate Action

On Monday morning, the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a new report on extreme weather and the impacts of climate change that our planet is facing. Nations have delayed curbing their fossil-fuel emissions for so long that they can no longer stop global warming from intensifying over the next 30 years, though there is still a short window to prevent the such a future, the report concluded.

Climate change is already impacting all of our lives from extreme weather and flooding in the Heartland, to unprecedented wildfires in the West, and sea-levels rising on our coasts. This latest IPCC report shows us what's at stake for our planet and our way of life.

We need to accelerate our transition to a clean energy, net-zero economy, and low-carbon, renewable biofuels are ready to help power our transportation sector and America's businesses and families. Our message in Washington to policymakers and across the country to consumers is this: Growth Energy's 90+ members are working to help decarbonize our transportation sector by producing low carbon, renewable biofuels and investing in innovation to provide ever lower-carbon fuels.

Be sure to join in the conversation and spread the message today. 

IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Biofuel and Ag Leaders Call for Accountable Life Cycle Analysis for SAF Tax Credits

On Friday, Growth Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means outlining its recommendations for a sound and effective sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit.

In an effort to decarbonize transportation and reduce aviation emissions, Congress is considering new legislation to establish a tax credit to promote and develop robust domestic SAF production. To be successful, the ag and biofuels coalition notes in their letter, the tax credit must be based on accurate carbon accounting in life cycle analysis (LCA) led by the U.S. Department of Energy:

"Numerous members of our respective organizations are poised to produce SAF or sustainable feedstocks for SAF. Many others are looking to work toward participation in the full value chain in the relatively near future. We recognize the importance of decarbonizing the aviation sector with low carbon liquid fuels. Because biomass feedstocks are essential SAF sources, it is imperative that the tax credit properly account for the lifecycle emissions of these sources and the petroleum products these new fuels will replace.

"We urge you to make the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the lead agency in establishing a regularly updated LCA for any SAF credit. Across our federal government, DOE has the best resources, expertise, and current ability to assess lifecycle emissions fairly and scientifically."

The letter also pointed out that carbon intensity estimates under the International Civil Aviation Organization for some SAF sources are "wildly inaccurate and incorrectly penalized" and cannot be supported.

For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher.

IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT

E15 Boosts Your Bottom Line

In the competitive fuel sales business, retailers need every advantage they can get to generate maximum fuel sales volume, increase margins, and drive consumer traffic. In Convenience Store Decisions Magazine, Growth Energy is sharing with retailers how converting sites to E15 is an easy switch and Growth Energy has a team of experts that can guide retailers through the process. And don’t worry, E15 can still be sold in RFG markets with no interruption.

For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Market Development Mike Lorenz.

IN COMMUNICATIONS

Action Needed: Year-Round E15

We are full steam ahead in Washington, D.C., calling on policymakers to pass legislation to permanently lift outdated, seasonal restrictions on the sale of E15. The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S.2239) and the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act (H.R.4410) would remedy the recent setback from the D.C. Circuit Court that would prevent drivers from accessing affordable, available fuel blends like E15.

We're counting on you to help us spread the word and tell Congress to pass legislation to allow year-round sales of E15 once and for all. Share this call to action on your social media and hold Congress accountable!

For more information, please contact Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Elizabeth Funderburk.

IN OUR ASSOCIATION

Growth Energy Partners with IRFA During RAGBRAI

Growth Energy was proud to partner with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and Fed by Farmers for this year's RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). Growth Energy's Get Biofuel campaign was front and center of the annual week-long bicycle event. Over 1,000 ears of sweet corn were provided to riders as they learned about modern agriculture and biofuels. Congrats to all who participated!

For more information, please contact Vice President of Membership Kelly Manning.

EXTRA

MLB Field of Dreams

Tonight at 6PM, the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees are playing in Dyersville, Iowa, at the site of the beloved 1989 baseball movie, Field of Dreams. "MLB at Field of Dreams" will mark the first Major League game ever held at the fan-favorite movie location as well as in the State of Iowa. 

MLB has constructed an 8,000-seat ballpark on the Dyersville site. A pathway through a cornfield will take fans to the ballpark, which will overlook the famous movie location. The right field wall will include windows to show the cornfields beyond the ballpark. Aspects of the ballpark's design will pay homage to Chicago's Comiskey Park, home of the White Sox from 1910-1990, including the shape of the outfield and bullpens beyond the center field fence.

Be sure to tune in!

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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