No. 215 March 10, 2022
![]() TOP STORY Championing Biofuels' Role in Lowering Gas Prices Last week, Growth Energy sent a letter to President Biden urging his administration to use existing authority to allow for the year-round sale of E15 to provide relief at the pump in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
“As Russia’s harmful actions in Ukraine continue and further sanctions are potentially imposed against Russia, oil prices will likely continue to rise, creating still higher consumer costs and threatening U.S. energy and economic security," wrote Growth Energy and five other farm and biofuel organizations. "Expanding the volume of American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply can help alleviate these issues, as ethanol is currently priced 70-80 cents per gallon lower than gasoline. And, by displacing imported petroleum, increased ethanol use will enhance U.S. energy security and independence, while reducing emissions and supporting America’s farmers and rural economies.” Echoing this message, our bipartisan champions in Congress are also making it known to the Biden Administration that higher blends of biofuels have an essential role in reducing prices at the pump. Yesterday, Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced ![]() the Home Front Energy Independence Act. This legislation would make the sale of E15 year-round permanent, create a tax credit for higher biofuel blends, streamline E15 labeling, provide funding for E15 infrastructure, extend the biodiesel tax credit for three more years, and ban imports of Russian petroleum products. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) also cosponsored the legislation.
Also in the Senate, Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led a bipartisan letter to President Biden urging him to help curb rising domestic energy costs and displace Russian oil imports by increasing access to higher blends of biofuels.
"Higher blends of biofuels like E15, E30, and E85, as well as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, displace a greater share ![]() of imported oil each time they are chosen by consumers. The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). ![]() Additionally, Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa led a letter from the Iowa congressional delegation, which includes Rep. Hinson, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rep. Axne, Sen. Grassley, and Sen. Ernst in calling on President Biden to expand production and potential export of domestic ethanol and biodiesel to meet global energy needs. As a domestically produced renewable fuel source, ethanol and other biofuels strengthen our national security and achieves the Administration’s climate goals. On Bloomberg TV's Balance of Power, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) discussed the war in Ukraine, its impact on U.S. gas prices and the need to continue ethanol blending to keep gas prices down for consumers. “There’s always a political element when you look at inflation, and there’s nothing that is more in your face than gas prices. We all drive by the gas stations if you’re out and about every day," said Bustos. ![]() Our champions in Congress all agree that biofuels have a strong role to play in strengthening our nation's energy independence and lower prices at the pump. We will continue to work with them to make our biofuel voices heard! For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher.
WORKING FOR YOU IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS Growth Energy Submits Supplemental Comments to EPA on RVOs, SRE Denials
Growth Energy Comments on CARB on Air Quality Benefits of Higher Blends of Biofuels
Fuels Institute Life Cycle Analysis EV vs. ICE IN OUR ASSOCIATION Coming Up: Ag on the Mall IN COMMUNICATIONS Spread the Word: Gas Prices IN PERFORMANCE TEAM Get Bioethanol Car Debuts at NASCAR For the 2022 Season This Weekend UPCOMING EVENTS
National Ag Day on the National Mall March 21 - 22, 2022
M-Pact
May 2-4, 2022
Advanced Clean Transportation Expo IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS Growth Energy Submits Supplemental Comments to EPA on RVOs, SRE Denials Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments this week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA's proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) and on EPA's interpretation of its authority for denying 65 small refinery exemptions (SREs)
In the supplemental submission on RVOs, Growth Energy rebuts claims based on a recently published anti-ethanol study, whose conclusions about the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts of ethanol are wildly out of step with the established scientific consensus. Environmental experts and leading government agencies agree that ethanol reduces GHG emissions when compared to gasoline, which helps put our nation on a path toward net-zero emissions.
In its supplemental submission, Growth Energy reinforces EPA’s analysis of the economics of RFS compliance and supports the agency’s standard for showing disproportionate economic hardship under the RFS, which would require denial of the 65 SREs.
Growth Energy Comments on CARB on Air Quality Benefits of Higher Blends of Biofuels In response to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) consideration of its state implementation plan (SIP) strategy and focus on ways to meet its federal air quality standards for ozone, Growth Energy submitted comments on some of the key air quality benefits of higher blends. Specifically, Growth Energy encouraged approval of E15 across the state and continued to put pressure on CARB to move forward with the maximum use of ethanol blends.
"In order for California to meet the 70-ppb ozone standard and improve air quality, California must have rapid and deep emissions reductions from mobile sources," wrote Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. "Clean, renewable fuels like bioethanol can play a key role in achieving California’s air quality goals. Specifically, higher bioethanol blends that help to displace petroleum products in California’s vehicle fleet can deliver critical air pollution, climate change, and public health benefits."
Fuels Institute Life Cycle Analysis EV vs. ICE The Fuels Institute is hosting a free webinar next Thursday, March 17 from 1-2PM ET on how the market can decarbonize most effectively, leveraging EVs when and where they make sense while ensuring other options are deployed.
Based on the Fuels Institute's recent report, "Life Cycle Analysis Comparison -- Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles," this webinar takes a look at the carbon emissions from each phase in the life cycle of BEVs, ICEVs, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to help determine where opportunities exist, to most effectively take carbon out of transportation. For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. IN OUR ASSOCIATION Ag on the Mall ![]() On March 21 - 22, Growth Energy and ClearFlame Engine Technologies together are attending the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall. The event will take place outside of USDA headquarters between the Smithsonian Museums and will feature America's farmers, ranchers, and agriculture innovators on the cutting-edge of science and technology.
On display will be innovations in such product categories as: combines, seed traits, aerial application, data management, in-field conservation practices, creative chemistry, tractors big and small, and ClearFlame's one-of-a-kind Class 8 truck equipped with their innovative engine modification technology, enabling it to run on 100% ethanol without any petroleum fuel. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and ClearFlame CEO BJ Johnson and CTO Julie Blumreiter will be present to promote the environmental benefits of higher blends of biofuels. Stay tuned for more details! For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Development Kelly Manning. IN COMMUNICATIONS Spread the Word: Gas Prices ![]() As you know, homegrown, renewable biofuels can play a critical role in reducing prices at the pump. In fact, if our nation moved to an E15 standard, consumers would save over $12 billion in fuel costs every year. To spread this message, we are looking for your help in snapping and sharing photos of gas prices across the country. If you happen to be at a gas station over the next several days, be sure to snap a photo and send it to kwebster@growthenergy.org so we can continue to amplify on social media. We also encourage you to post on our own social media accounts and compiled a helpful sheet of talking points to assist. For more information, please contact Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Elizabeth Funderburk. IN PERFORMANCE TEAM Get Bioethanol Car Debuts at NASCAR for the 2022 Season This Weekend ![]() On Sunday, the Get Bioethanol car will make its 2022 NASCAR Cup Series debut! The car, driven by #3 Austin Dillon, showcases the performance benefits of racing with engine smart and earth kind bioethanol blended fuel, Sunoco Green E15. Whether it’s delivering cleaner and cooler high octane on the racetrack or a more affordable fuel for spring break road trips, plant-based bioethanol makes a positive impact on our planet. Follow along here and be sure to tune in on Sunday! For more information, please contact Director of Sales and Marketing Ryan Welsh.
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. You're receiving this newsletter because you've subscribed to Growth Energy's The Weekly Rundown. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Copyright © 2022 Growth Energy. |