TOP STORY

President Biden Delivers Waiver for Summertime E15

Tuesday in Menlo, Iowa, President Biden toured Growth Energy member plant POET Bioprocessing-Menlo, where he announced that his administration will lift outdated restrictions on E15 for the 2022 summer driving season.

"This is welcome news for all American drivers seeking lower cost options at the pump," said CEO Emily Skor, who was on the ground at the event in Menlo. "Lifting outdated and unnecessary summertime restrictions on E15 will ensure continued access to a fuel that has been saving drivers as much as 50 to 60 cents a gallon in recent weeks, offering working families relief at the pump at a time when they need it most.

"Not only is this decision a major win for American drivers and our nation's energy security, it means cleaner options at the pump and a stronger rural economy. American biofuels like ethanol reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent compared to regular gasoline and are key to achieving the nation's climate goals.

"We are grateful to President Biden and for the support of champions like Secretary Vilsack who have helped promote American biofuels as a solution to rising gasoline prices. We look forward to working with this administration and leaders in Congress to deliver a permanent fix to restore year-round access to E15 in the years ahead."

In addition to summertime E15, Biden's announcement yesterday included:

• $700 Million for Biofuels Producers: The announcement committed that producer awards would be made by the end of April

• $100 Million for Biofuels Infrastructure: USDA is announcing another round of funding for biofuels infrastructure similar to the previous HBIIP and BIP programs.

• Measures to Spur a New Market in Sustainable Aviation Fuels

• Proposed approval of a RFS pathway for advanced biofuels from canola oil

Tuesday's announcement follows months of engaging with our Congressional champions to call on President Biden and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deliver on an emergency RVP waiver for this upcoming summer driving season. Now, we'll turn our focus to making this a permanent fix. Our champions in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate have already introduced legislation to do just that, and we look forward to working with them to get legislation passed for permanent year-round E15. 

For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley.

IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Biofuel & Ag Leaders Respond to EPA Decision to Reverse Refinery Exemptions, Decry Lack of Real Market Impact

Top farm and biofuel leaders responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to reverse 31 controversial small refinery exemptions (SREs) granted in August 2019 and expressed disappointment with EPA’s decision to allow refineries with previously-granted SREs to not have to take additional actions to meet their obligations under the RFS by blending more biofuel or purchasing additional Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). Biofuel and farm advocates had challenged the exemptions in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, forcing the agency to reevaluate its approval for select oil refiners to avoid their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Leaders at Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, American Coalition for Ethanol, and National Farmers Union released the following statement on last Thursday’s decision from EPA:

“While this decision is an important step in reversing past abuse of refinery exemptions, the decision fails to remedy the economic harms the improperly granted 2018 SREs have already caused. Low-carbon biofuels are the single best tool to deliver immediate relief at the pump, strengthen U.S. energy security, and protect the climate. EPA’s move to hold refiners accountable to the law is a welcome step toward getting the RFS back on track that, when applied to pending and future SRE petitions, would improve certainty in the marketplace, and lead to more blending of American-made biofuels. However, EPA’s readiness to excuse individual refineries from their obligations to comply with 2018 blending requirements comes at the expense of our biofuels producers, farmers, and American consumers.”

Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley joined Agritalk radio for a deep dive on EPA's SRE decision last week and what it means for biofuels. Tune in!

Growth Energy Calls on Surface Transportation Board to Address Disruptions in Rail Supply Chain

Late last week, Growth Energy sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to voice concerns over the significant service delays – such as empty car arrivals and extreme delays in manifest and unit train traffic – in the rail supply chain impacting the biofuel industry. Growth Energy, whose members ship nearly 70 percent of ethanol by rail to key distribution points throughout North America, explains that this disruption affects not only business but American drivers as it can ultimately result in less biofuel blending.

“While we certainly understand that a variety of factors have contributed to these rail disruptions, it is imperative that all possible actions be taken by the nation’s railroads to ensure that these critical fuel supplies are immediately prioritized and reach markets as quickly as possible,” wrote Growth Energy. “Further delays could not only impact our industry but could ultimately increase fuel costs for American drivers.

“With ethanol trading 80 cents to a dollar per gallon less than wholesale gasoline, it is essential that ethanol reach its destination to benefit American drivers facing high gasoline prices.”

Read the full letter here.

STB has announced a hearing on urgent issues in freight rail service on April 26th - 27th. Growth Energy plans to submit a comment in response.

For more information, please contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley.

ON THE TRACK

Austin Dillon Places Third in the Get Bioethanol Chevy

On Saturday night in Martinsville, VA, Austin Dillon finished in third place in the Get Bioethanol #3 Chevy, his best career finish at Martinsville. In a post-race interview with Fox Sports, Dillon noted that the "Get Bioethanol Chevy was really fast". Saturday's third place finish is a testament to the performance benefits of bioethanol and E15, which every car on the track races on. Don't forget to follow along with the Get Bioethanol NASCAR team on Instagram and on Twitter. The next race is June 5, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. 

For more information, please contact Director of Sales and Marketing Ryan Welsh.

IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Cook Political Report: What to Expect for Election Day 2022

We're currently 7 months from Election Day 2022. At this year's Executive Leadership Conference, we were joined by Cook Political Report's Amy Walter who gave attendees an inside look at what to expect in November, including top races to watch, the future of a Midwest democrat, and what a shift in Congress means for climate policy. Tune in to learn more!

CEO Emily Skor Joins Senator Marshall's "Ag Talk with Doc"

During the Ag on the Mall celebration in March, CEO Emily Skor sat down with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of expanding E-15. Tune in below!

For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher.

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