No. 79, May 02, 2019 
IN REGULATIONS Growth Energy Comments Urge EPA to Finalize E15 Year-Round Rule by June 1 This week, Growth Energy filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency in support of their proposed rule allowing year-round sales of E15. Our comments highlighted the benefits that allowing year-round sales of E15 would bring consumers, while also opposing intervention by EPA into the Renewable Identification Number market. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor had the following to say about the proposed rule:
“Unless the EPA acts quickly, the summer market for E15 will be lost, which means higher fuel prices for consumers and another devastating blow to America’s rural workforce,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We cannot afford to let anything derail this opportunity to help revitalize growth in the heartland, and urge regulators to get this rule over the finish line by June 1, just as President Trump directed. Our submission today provides clear guidance on how the agency can strengthen the final rule, open new markets for American biofuels, and protect investments that are working to deliver cleaner, more affordable fuel options to consumers.”
Skor spoke with reporters to continue urging EPA to meet the June 1 deadline, including AgriPulse and Successful Farming. Additionally, the audio recording of Skor’s statement was aired on key radio networks in the Midwest, including Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and Brownfield Ag Radio Network.
Read the executive summary of Growth Energy’s comments here. Read Growth Energy’s comments submitted to EPA here. Learn more about the environmental and economic benefits of E15 year-round here. For more details, contact Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Chris Bliley.
WORKING FOR YOU IN REGULATIONS IN COMMUNICATIONS American Ethanol Magazine Preview: Paul Dana Tribute IN POLICY AT THE PUMP IN OUR ASSOCIATION Letter for Automakers on Flex Fuel VehiclesUPCOMING EVENTS
American Ethanol Paint Out
May 11, Kansas Speedway, KS Fuel Ethanol Workshop
June 10-12, Indianapolis, IN IN REGULATIONS State-Level Update 
Maine Anti-Ethanol Legislation
Both the Maine House and Senate recently passed a bill, LD 822, that would ban the sale of ethanol fuel blends over 10 percent within the state. However, after going to the desk of the Governor, the bill is now expected to be recalled to the state's house of representatives to be amended to simply study the impact of higher ethanol blends rather than ban them. It is also unclear whether the Senate will even further consider the recalled legislation at all. For more details, contact Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Chris Bliley.
IN COMMUNICATIONS Skor Represents American Ethanol at White House NASCAR Celebration 
Above: Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor pictured with Tim Lust, CEO of National Sorghum, and Chip Bowling, former President of NCGA (left) and Skor with U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) (right). On Tuesday, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor attended the White House celebration for 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Joey Logano. Currently, all NASCAR vehicles run on Sonoco Green E15 and Skor attended as a represented of American Ethanol.
Skor was joined at the White House by Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL), NASCAR representatives - including John Dodson of the Universal Technical Institute, Logano team members and sponsors, and a Ford Motor Company representative. Learn more about American Ethanol's partnership with NASCAR here. American Ethanol Magazine Preview: Paul Dana Tribute The 10th issue of the American Ethanol Magazine will be released this month with a special tribute to IndyCar and American Ethanol legend Paul Dana. A pioneer for ethanol in the motorsports world, Dana was responsible for bringing cooler-burning, high-octane ethanol fuel to IndyCar.
In addition to spotlighting the story and career of Dana, the latest issue of American Ethanol Magazine will also include some key updates on the state and affairs for the biofuels industry. Included within are an interview with Congressman David Loebsack (D-IA) on the importance of biofuels education, a retailer spotlight on Cumberland Farms, and a member highlight on DuPont from our annual Executive Leadership Conference.
You can read all of the above and more by downloading the latest issue of the magazine on our website here. 
For more details, contact Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Elizabeth Funderburk.
IN POLICY Growth Energy Members to Visit Hill Next Week Next week, Growth Energy members and staff will head to Capitol Hill for over 80 meetings with lawmakers to discuss the legislative priorities for the biofuels industry. With a number of pressing issues facing our industry and a bevy of new representatives in office, the need for members and their staff to hear directly from folks in the ethanol industry has never been more critical. In particular, ensuring the timely completion of the rulemaking process for year-round sales of E15, resolving ongoing trade discussions, and addressing concerns around the upcoming RFS reset will be top priorities for our advocates. Stay tuned for pictures of our advocates in action! For more details, contact Vice President of Government Affairs, John Fuher.
AT THE PUMP CSP Top 50 Fuel Retailers: E15 Retailers Driving Industry Change
Growth Energy sponsored CSP Magazine's April issue, which featured leading fuel retailers representing the convenience store (c-store) brands who are ahead of the curve and among retailers selling E15 and E85. CSP’s April issue highlighted the top 50 of those fuel retailers and the various tracks they employ to acquire more ethanol gallons. The methodology used to rank the top 50 fuel brands (with 15 or more stores) relied on measuring their market efficiency, a metric OPIS determines by dividing a brand’s market share by its outlet share.
Remaining competitive in the c-store industry, during a time of decreasing fuel use and diminishing margins, takes incredible knowledge and expertise. The top retailers are among an innovative group who take advantage of loyalty programs and biofuels options to grow their sales nationwide. Growth Energy is committed to working with these retailers to help grow consumer access to higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15 across the country.
Learn more about the nation's most innovative fuel retailers on their website: For more details, contact Vice President of Market Development, Mike O'Brien. 
IN OUR ASSOCIATION Letter for Automakers on Flex Fuel Vehicles
A new petition has been started by industry stakeholders to gather signatures for a letter to the CEO's of global automakers to increase the number of flex fuel vehicles on the road. The letter advocates for the manufacture of "cars and trucks of all models, engines and trim levels that will allow the use of higher ethanol blends such as E15, E20, E30 and E85."
Read the full letter and become a co-signer by visiting the iPetition website here. For more details, contact Vice President of Development, Kelly Manning.
The Weekly Rundown is the weekly newsletter for Growth Energy's members. It is published 51 times a year 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 © 2019 Growth Energy. |
