No. 213 February 24, 2022
TOP STORY Growth Energy, EPA Reach Settlement on Deadline for Issuing 2021, 2022 RVOs Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a notice in the Federal Register yesterday seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to finalize the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) by no later than June 3, 2022. EPA's notice comes after Growth Energy filed multiple notices of intent to sue and a complaint in federal district court in response to the agency's extended delay in issuing the RVOs, a direct violation of the deadlines established by Congress for the RFS.
“This agreement is a significant milestone for the biofuels industry and reflects Growth Energy’s persistent efforts to hold EPA accountable to its responsibilities under the RFS to issue timely RVOs and provide market certainty,” stated Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We are pleased that EPA has agreed to take this action.”
“Furthermore, we are hopeful that EPA’s agreement to submit to judicial oversight of a binding RVO deadline gives credence to the agency’s commitment to get the RFS back on track and provide regulated parties and the biofuels industry with timely guideposts to enhance market certainty and incentivize innovation for the future of biofuels. This is particularly important as EPA moves to consider the blending obligations for the already-delayed RFS “Set” in the year ahead.,” Skor concluded. For more information, please contact General Counsel Joe Kakesh.
WORKING FOR YOU IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Happening Today: Skor to Participate in USDA Ag Outlook Forum IN OUR ASSOCIATION Pushing Back on the Misleading Anti-Ethanol Report
Celebrating National FFA Week
Fluid Quip Technologies Expands Patent Portfolio IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS Next Week: Iowa Biofuels Rally
Bliley Testifies on Emissions Benefits Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Biofuels Webinar Series: TSCA Requirements and the Premanufacture Notice Process IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT Growth Energy Attends Western Petroleum Marketers Association Show UPCOMING EVENTS
USDA’s 98th Agricultural Outlook Forum February 24 - 25, 2022
EPA/DOE Workshop on Biofuel GHG Modeling February 28 - March 1, 2022
National Ag Day on the National Mall March 21 - 22, 2022
M-Pact
May 2-4, 2022
IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Happening Today: Skor to Participate in USDA Ag Outlook Forum Today from 10:30AM to 12:30AM ET at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 98th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, CEO Emily Skor will participate in the plenary session titled, "Growing Opportunities for Climate Smart, Sustainable Agriculture Systems".
In her remarks, Skor will discuss the vital role biofuels play in driving progress toward our climate goals, supporting the productivity of farmers, and encouraging further adoption of sustainable farming practices across the agriculture sector.
WHO:
WHAT: 98th Annual USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum plenary session "Growing Opportunities for Climate Smart, Sustainable Agriculture Systems".
WHEN: Today, February 24th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM ET For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. IN OUR ASSOCIATION Pushing Back on the Misleading Anti-Ethanol Report As you may have seen in a recent Reuters piece, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by Tyler Lark and others contains wildly overstated and speculative claims about the environmental impact of biofuels, and specifically, the relationship between the RFS and greenhouse gas emissions. Most, if not all, of these claims were thoroughly rebutted – again – in our latest 2020-2022 RVO comment submission.
We are aware that there is a concerted effort to amplify these false claims, most likely driven by the oil industry and timed with the RVO rulemaking period, that culminated with a hit piece that aired last week on Fox’s “Gutfeld!” talk show, where the host shared his take on the study which claims ethanol is worse for the climate than gasoline. As you know, this is clearly absurd.
Since the Lark et al. study emerged, we’ve been working to make sure the sound science that counters these inaccuracies is amplified and to highlight just how far out of the mainstream its conclusions are. Last week, for example, Emily set the record straight before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works: “It’s really very concerning. When you look at the science and data, the unorthodox methodology, that leads to really fictitious and erroneous conclusions – in short, you have a piece of work that’s untethered from reality. You look at the totality of science and the consensus of EPA, Department of Energy’s Argonne National Labs, California Air and Resources Board, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, and of course, many academics and scientists – ethanol is lower carbon than gasoline and that advantage continues to increase." In parallel, we are working with the academics behind the large body of quality research showcased in our recent RVO comments and in additional research to ensure that media hear from academic experts who have soundly rebutted these claims.
Finally, our priority has also been to ensure that our congressional champions have the best and latest research, encouraging those on both sides of the aisle to help refute some of the Lark study’s inaccurate findings. Our work continues with media engagement, ensuring reporters are aware of both the study’s inaccuracies, as well as the lack of transparency on some of the claims Lark is making.
As we continue to push on this, we welcome your help within your networks to further amplify and help set the record straight. You can share our fact sheet and view our social media toolkit here.
In case you missed it, CEO Emily Skor and SVP Chris Bliley both spoke with media to set the record straight:
Celebrating National FFA Week 
The future of American agriculture is bright, as seen through the commitment and talent of National Future Farmers of America members and all state chapter members. We always enjoy connecting with our nation's future farmers and agriculture industry leaders every year. Happy National FFA Week!
Fluid Quip Technologies Expands Patent Portfolio On February 21st, Fluid Quip Technologies announced it has acquired a robust family of patents from AB Agri. The acquisition of these patents is joined by multiple additional patents that were recently issued to FQT to develop, acquire, and bring to market technologies which further enhance the base biofuels plant.
“As the leading technology provider to the biofuels industry, we have been focused on both developing and discovering great technologies to enhance the base ethanol facility,” said Neal Jakel, managing director at Fluid Quip Technologies. “Our deep intellectual property portfolio along with the latest issued patents combined with the suite of AB Agri patents, adds incredible breadth to our existing technology portfolio. We are focused on developing great solutions to offer to the industry that further diversify and solidify revenues and are open to working with partners around the world to bring them forward. We are equipped to execute on delivering high quality technology systems to our clients around the world.” For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Development Kelly Manning. 
IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS Next Week: Iowa Biofuels Rally Next week on March 2nd, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is hosting a biofuels rally at the Iowa state capitol to show support for the biofuels industry. The rally will also be to garner strong support for the Iowa Biofuels Access legislation that was approved overwhelmingly by the House and is awaiting action in the state Senate. This important legislation would provide increased consumer access to higher biofuel blends like E15 across the state.
WHO: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association WHAT: Iowa Biofuels Rally WHEN: Wednesday, March 2nd
Iowa RFA is welcoming any and all supporters to Des Moines to show their support for biofuels and the benefits they provide both Iowa and the nation.
Bliley Testifies on Emissions Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Last week, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed rulemaking for particulate matter (PM) emission standards for aircraft engines. Bliley took the opportunity to discuss fuel quality, development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and potential reduction of PM emissions with the agency.
"As the proposal and studies show, there are numerous negative health and environmental impacts from PM emissions from combustion in mobile sources," stated Bliley. "Low-carbon, plant-based biofuels are among the best and most cost-effective options for reducing both PM and greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.
"U.S.-based airlines used more than 18 billion gallons of jet fuel in 2019. Accessing the aviation market through ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel provides America's ethanol industry the opportunity to be utilized in more than just light-duty cars and trucks."
Biofuels Webinar Series: TSCA Requirements and the Premanufacture Notice Process In January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current, higher greenhouse gas emitting transportation fuels.
To support this effort, EPA is offering outreach and training to stakeholders interested in biofuels. The bi-weekly webinar series includes reviewing TSCA requirements, outlining the streamlined approaches for risk assessments and risk management actions, and providing information on how to navigate the new chemicals PMN process. The upcoming webinars are as follows:
The webinar series began yesterday on TSCA requirements and the premanufacture notice process. Those slides are available here. For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT Growth Energy Attends Western Petroleum Marketers Association Show 
Growth Energy Regional Sales Directors Will Beck and David Durling represented Growth Energy this week at the Western Petroleum Marketers Association (WPMA) trade show. The WPMA is comprised of eight states, including Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, and represents a region with tremendous potential for a higher biofuel blend market. At the show, the Growth Energy team met with retailers representing over 10,000 sites and shared the benefits E15 bring to the pump. For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Market Development Mike Lorenz.
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