| No. 243, September 22, 2022 |
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Biofuels Summit 2022: Advocating for a Strong RFS and Year-Round Access to E15 |
The 2022 Growth Energy Biofuels Summit (GEBS) returned to in-person hill meetings at a critical moment for the biofuels industry, as lawmakers are focused on affordable and accessible fuel, energy independence, and a thriving middle America.
Meeting attendees discussed our industry’s renewed push for a stronger Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – one that ensures ethanol continues to play a growing role in meeting our nation’s climate needs and energy demands.
GEBS also coincided with the end of the 2022 summer driving season, which allowed attendees in over 150 Capitol Hill meetings promote the meaningful cost-savings higher blends offer consumers – with an ask that Congress provide a permanent, federal fix so drivers can access lower-cost E15 year-round, nationwide, and in the summers to come. |
At our Biofuels Summit, we were honored to welcome U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh to give in-person remarks to our attendees. This was the first in-person biofuels event for both members of the Biden Administration and both had helpful insights to share with GEBS participants:
EPA Administrator Regan said:
"The 2022 RVO is the largest volume ever finalized by the EPA and will place the RFS program back on a trajectory of responsible growth. In addition, this year EPA denied more than 100 small refinery exemptions that were pending before our agency. By denying the SREs, we have signaled a significant shift from the prior administration, all while remaining transparent and allowing all of our stakeholders the ability to review our technical and legal analysis. Together, these actions reflect this administration's commitment to resetting and strengthening the RFS programs while supporting domestic low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels."
"Looking beyond 2022, EPA is actively engaging with several Midwest governors who have requested that the agency take action to allow year-round E15 sales on a permanent basis. We will continue to engage with these states and will act in accordance with our authority under the law...We intend to finalize this action in time for the 2022 summer driving season." "Last but not least, President Biden has been clear that addressing the climate crisis is a key priority that requires a while of government approach. Biofuels play an essential role in helping the United States meet our long-term climate goal, and meeting the greenhouse gas emissions threshold is fundamental in underpinning the implementation of the RFS program." "This is an exciting time for the clean energy sector and for our country. I'm committed to working with everyone in this room to meet the moment. Renewable fuels offer climate benefits, rural economic opportunity, and a key source of domestic energy. During the uncertain global times, we will continue to lean on the biofuels industry to help us achieve our goals."
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Deputy Secretary Bronaugh said: “Biofuels are going to play a crucial role in increasing American energy independence going forward.” “The E15 emergency waiver gave consumers more choices to get lower prices and put money back in their families’ pockets. Even at current prices, E15 is saving families at least $0.10 per gallon, and many stores sell E15 at an even greater discount, so this is very beneficial for working families who are eager to travel to visit their loved ones as the holiday season approaches. This adds up to real savings.”
“Allowing higher levels of blending will reduce our dependence on foreign fuels because it opens the door for us to rely more heavily on homegrown biofuels. And as our country continues its leadership when it comes to protecting our planet, it means all of you are at the forefront of increasing our energy independence. It’s because of your efforts in the biofuels industry that countries across the globe are looking to America as a model of what can and will be the future of energy."
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For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. |
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Growth Energy Testifies Before Michigan State House Committee in Support of Bill Boosting Biofuel Blends Growth Energy Submits Comments to NHTSA in Support of Biofuels Coming Up: EPA Workshop on Biointermediates Compliance and the RFS Coming Up: RI Canada Clean Fuel Regulation Workshop |
Today: U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture to Consider Nomination of Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs |
| NACS Show October 1 - 4, 2022 Las Vegas, Nev. Export Exchange 2022
October 12 - 14, 2022 Minneapolis, Minn. Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers Association (SIGMA) November 8-10, 2022 Hollywood, Calif. NAFB Trade Talk
November 16-17 Kansas City, Mo. |
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Growth Energy Testifies Before Michigan State House Committee in Support of Bill Boosting Biofuel Blends |
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Yesterday, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley testified before the Michigan State House Committee on Tax Policy in support of SB814, legislation that would establish a retailer tax incentive for higher ethanol blends, specifically a tax credit of $0. 05 per gallon on sales of E15 and $0.085 per gallon on sales of E85. SB814 was introduced by Sen. Kevin Daley.
“This credit is important as retailers in Michigan continue to build out the market and invest in additional infrastructure to install these ethanol blends,” testified Bliley. “Ethanol blends such as E15 and E85 provide environmental benefits, boost Michigan’s farmers and biofuel producers, and give consumers more affordable choices at the pump. With the summer’s high gas prices, we saw E15 sell for up to nearly a dollar less per gallon than regular gasoline and E85 at a discount of 2 to 3 dollars per gallon.”
“As noted, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 percent compared to gasoline and we continue to push toward net-zero emissions with readily available technologies. In fact, moving to E15 across the state would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 580,000 tons per year in Michigan alone.” |
Growth Energy Submits Comments to NHTSA in Support of Biofuels |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put out a notice of intent to draft an environmental impact statement for corporate average fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles for model year 2027 and beyond corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE). In response, last week Growth Energy submitted comments to NHTSA highlighting the role that biofuels play in decarbonizing cars on the road today.
"We appreciate NHTSA's work to prepare a draft environmental impact statement and request for comments," wrote Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. "Fuels and vehicles together form a system, and it is crucial for NHTSA and other agencies to consider the important role of fuel in addressing future fuel economy standards and reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, liquid fuels will continue to play a vital role in the transportation sector for decades to come, even as alternative technologies flourish. As such, it is imperative to consider the vital role that environmentally sustainable fuel options such as bioethanol will play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving engine performance, improving energy security, promoting environmental justice, and cutting consumer costs from the current and future vehicle fleet."
We will continue to monitor NHTSA's progress on its impact statement. |
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Coming Up: EPA Workshop on Biointermediates Compliance and the RFS |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual workshop on September 29th from 1-4PM ET on the new biointermediates provisions of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The RFS final rule for years 2020, 2021, and 2022 contained new provisions for the use of certain biointermediates to produce qualifying renewable fuels and specified requirements that apply when renewable fuel is produced through sequential operations at more than one facility. Additionally, the new provisions cover the production, transfer, and use of biointermediates and new regulatory requirements related to registration, recordkeeping, and reporting for facilities producing or using a biointermediate for renewable fuel production.
The virtual public workshop will provide the opportunity for EPA to update stakeholders on how to register and comply with the new requirements and generate RINs. |
Coming Up: RICanada Session on Clean Fuel Regulations |
On Wednesday, September 28 at 1PM ET, RI Canada is hosting a webinar on the Canadian Clean Fuel Regulation credit generation and land use and biodiversity criteria. More information on how to access the information session is available below: Topic: RICanada Clean Fuel Regulation Technical Working Group II Time: September 28, 2022 1PM ET
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81198487468?pwd=bE9YeDRuQWI3K2VrRVpLWnNvblRKQT09 |
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For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. |
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Today: U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture to Consider Nomination of Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs |
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Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture is holding a hearing to consider the nomination of Alexis Taylor to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Growth Energy strongly support Taylor's nomination to this position. When she was first nominated by President Biden, CEO Emily Skor released the following statement:
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“We are pleased to see progress in filling the critical role of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA, and we hope that Alexis Taylor, who is more than qualified for the position, will be swiftly confirmed. Through her years as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services under President Obama, Taylor has recognized the tremendous benefits of international trade for American agriculture and the importance of a level global playing field for biofuels and all commodities. Having grown up on an Iowa farm herself, Taylor has a firm understanding of the biofuels industry and the role it plays not only in the U.S. and global economy, but in revitalizing rural communities. Having strong leaders at USDA who understand the economic role biofuels play is vital to our industry and rural America, and we have faith that Taylor will bring this knowledge to the position.
“We support Alexis Taylor’s nomination and look forward to her confirmation and working with her directly on issues facing the biofuels industry in the future.” |
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For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. |
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Next week, Growth Energy is heading to the National Association of Convenience Store Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The NACS Show is the most comprehensive representation of products and services for the convenience and fuel retail industry. We're excited to join our retail partners next week -- if you are attending the NACS Show, be sure to stop by booth #7051! |
For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Market Development Mike Lorenz. |
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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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