No. 173 April 29, 2021 Programming Note: There will be no Rundown next week due to Growth Energy's Executive Leadership Conference. The Rundown will resume on May 13. 
TOP STORY Indiana Governor Defends Farmers, Biofuel Producers 
On Monday night, Indiana Governor Holcomb vetoed SEA 303, legislation that would have stalled sales of homegrown biofuels by mandating confusing labels on E15 fuel dispensers and muddying key regulations for retailers seeking to offer the lower-cost blend. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement applauding the governor’s veto:
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Holcomb and Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch for listening to the concerns of Hoosier biofuel producers and standing up for rural families,” said Skor. “From the very start, SEA 303 was fueled by a wave of misinformation. Hoosiers already enjoy legal access to lower-carbon, lower-cost E15 at 79 locations, and this veto is an important step toward ensuring greater competition at the pump, lower prices for drivers, and stronger markets for Indiana farmers.”
Earlier this month, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor wrote to Governor Holcomb asking that he veto this legislation, joining the chorus of ag and biofuel leaders in the state in opposition.
WORKING FOR YOU IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Growth Energy Supports U.S. Senate's Growing Climate Solutions Act
EPA Administrator Regan Testifies at Senate Committee IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS State Update: Iowa
State Update: Washington IN OUR ASSOCIATION Growth Energy Welcomes P&E Solutions LLC IN COMMUNICATIONS Next Week: Follow Along with #ELC2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference May 5 - 8
IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Growth Energy Supports U.S. Senate’s Growing Climate Solutions Act 
CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in support of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which was passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry last week. The Growing Climate Solutions Act would break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets.
“We applaud Senators Stabenow, Braun, Graham, and Whitehouse and the broad and bipartisan list of co-sponsors for their leadership on the Growing Climate Solutions Act. Our ag communities are already eager to play a large role in reducing emissions nationwide and soil carbon sequestration expands this participation in our nation’s climate change strategy. The Growing Climate Solutions Act rightly rewards farmers for climate-smart practices and provides important guidelines for success.”
EPA Administrator Regan Testifies at Senate Committee EPA Administrator Michael Regan testified in front of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee yesterday to discuss and answer questions on EPA’s budget request for FY2022. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) asked Secretary Regan specifically about where biofuels stand in EPA's plans:
Sen. Stabenow (D-MI): “How can the EPA address the backlog of pathways that qualified various feedstocks for biofuel used to fuel vehicles?"
Administrator Regan: “We know that there's a backlog in establishing the volumes for the years 2019 and 2020, and we've got to set volumes for 2021 and 2022. We're working on that backlog but there's a lot of time that we've got to make up. We’re focused on ensuring that the intent of the RFS is met and that EPA does its part.”
Sen. Ernst (R-Iowa): "Can you please set the record straight on where the administration is with their commitment to ethanol and biodiesel usage in the transportation fleet of today and in the future?”
Administrator Regan: “I think that's an excellent question and I'll say that the President has indicated from day one that agriculture is at the table. Secretary Vilsack and I are having these conversations. There is no intent in terms of exclusion when we talk about the promising future of electric vehicles, or when we talk about the promise and future of advanced biofuels.
“The reality is that as we talk about these promising futures we have to deal with here and now and a glide path to get to these promising futures. What we know is that ethanol plays a significant role in providing those resources here and now today and will evolve as we start to look as the at the new futures for advanced biofuels and electric vehicles.”
For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher.
IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS State Update: Iowa 
The situation with H.F. 859, legislation to ensure all Iowans can benefit from access to E15 at the pump by 2028, remains fluid. Last week, we saw an updated amendment in the House that would ensure more than 50% of stations in Iowa will offer E15 by 2026 and any necessary upgrades could be covered by grants. We are continuing to work hard to garner enough votes for passage through grassroots efforts on the ground in Iowa. You can make your voice heard in support of H.F. 859 by clicking the link below.
State Update: Washington 
On April 25th, the Washington Legislature adopted the conference report on its low carbon or clean fuel standard, sending the bill to Governor Inslee for his consideration. The Governor has been a strong proponent and will sign, making Washington the final state on the Pacific Coast to enact a statewide low carbon fuel standard. The legislation will require a 20% reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 2035 with 2017 acting as the baseline. There are a variety of exemptions for marine, rail, and aircraft and delayed start of the program for fuels related to agriculture and timber. We will be engaging in the regulatory process as the program is developed to ensure a strong role of higher ethanol blends in meeting the state's climate goals. For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. 
IN OUR ASSOCIATION Growth Energy Welcomes P&E Solutions LLC 
We are pleased to announce the addition of P&E Solutions LLC to Growth Energy. P&E Solutions specializes in construction management, engineering and procurement, and integrated project delivery.
“As a long time member, I am excited to bring P&E Solutions into Growth Energy,” said Bernie Hoffman, Vice President, P&E Solutions LLC.” P&E shares our passion for the ethanol industry and my mission to make plants more competitive and sustainable. P&E also brings the horsepower, experience and track record to execute that mission.”
Please join the us in giving P&E Solutions a warm welcome! Learn more about their company at https://pe-solutionsllc.com. For more information, please contact Vice President of Membership Kelly Manning.
IN COMMUNICATIONS Next Week: Follow Along With #ELC2021 
Next week, Team Growth Energy and our top ethanol industry leaders and innovators will be in Scottsdale, Arizona for our annual Executive Leadership Conference. At the conference, we'll be discussing everything from the future of the auto fleet to co-product opportunities to what a post-COVID world looks like for ethanol.
Ideas shared at ELC make an impact on our next steps forward as an industry. We encourage you to follow along using #ELC2021 on social media for an inside look at the panels, discussions, and events. For those attending, we looking forward to seeing you there!
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 © 2020 Growth Energy. |
