![]() No. 111, January 16, 2020 ![]() TOP STORY U.S. signs Phase One trade agreement with China
Yesterday, President Donald Trump and Chinese officials signed a Phase One trade deal with China, marking the first step in cooling trade tensions between the two nations and re-opening major export markets for U.S. producers.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed the news, expressing confidence in the opportunities it could provide U.S. ethanol producers:
“The signing of the Phase One trade agreement with China today is another positive step towards restoring market confidence for U.S. biofuel producers. We’re grateful to U.S administration officials for their continued work on securing this trade agreement at such a pivotal time for our nation’s agriculture and renewable energy industries. Breaking down trade barriers between our nations will provide a valuable opportunity to restore demand for American biofuel, and we hope to soon see biofuels and DDG exports back on the Chinese market.”
We will continue to keep you updated on the details of the trade agreement as we learn more. For more details, contact Senior Vice President of Global Markets Craig Willis.
WORKING FOR YOU IN REGULATIONS IN POLICY AROUND THE GLOBE IN OUR ASSOCIATION UPCOMING EVENTS
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Feb. 5-8, Key Biscayne, Fla.
IN REGULATIONS USDA requests feedback on biofuel infrastructure plan
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a request for information from key stakeholders on biofuel infrastructure priorities, as the agency begins work to fulfill the president's promise to expand markets for higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor praised the announcement and highlighted the critical need for infrastructure advancements for higher blends of ethanol fuel:
State updates
Washington State LCFS goes to state's Senate committee
Growth Energy has retained an on-the-ground consultant to provide testimony in support of the role that biofuels can play in reducing emissions in transportation fuels. Biofuels like ethanol are an important part of achieving a low-carbon future for transportation fuels, and Growth Energy will continue to promote ethanol's benefits at the state, national, and global levels. ![]() ![]() West Virginia introduces anti-ethanol labeling legislation For more details, contact Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. IN POLICY GAO to review administration use of SREs
Following calls from a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by U.S. Representative Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-1), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced last week that it would investigate the administration's handout of small refinery exemptions to oil refineries.
Zach Martin joins Growth Energy as Director of Government Affairs
We are excited to announce the addition of Zach Martin as Growth Energy's director of government affairs. Zach will play a central role in working with our nation's lawmakers to promote the benefits of biofuels in Congress and ensure a strong RFS.
To help you get to know him a bit better, we asked Zach a few questions about his background and interest in ethanol: ![]() I spent the 2014 campaign cycle working as political director for the successful Peterson for Congress campaign and began my career with Senator Amy Klobuchar's office in 2012. I am a Wisconsin native, graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a Bachelor's degree, and graduated from the George Washington University with a Master’s degree in Political Management. For more details, contact Vice President of Government Affairs John Fuher. AROUND THE GLOBE Biofuels provide energy security and stability against volatile oil prices Historically, there has been a direct impact on gas prices for consumers as a result of tensions in the Middle East affecting oil prices. To protect consumers from rising gas prices, the United States needs to continue investing in homegrown biofuels to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Now more than ever, we need to revisit ways that the U.S. can improve its energy security. A key component to protecting consumers and the U.S. economy from instability overseas is to increase the availability of homegrown biofuels, which save consumers money even when oil prices are stable. Since 2005, net oil imports have dropped by more than 70 percent in part due to the increased production of renewable fuels like ethanol.
That’s why biofuels provide the most value and savings for consumers at the pump. On average, higher ethanol blends like E15 save consumers up to 10 cents per gallon. That savings isn’t as vulnerable to conflict in the Middle East because we produce homegrown biofuels from local crops at 200 biofuels plants across the heartland. For more details, contact Senior Vice President of Global Markets Craig Willis. IN OUR ASSOCIATION Working together to bring higher ethanol blends to every state in the nation
![]() This week, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to meet with the National Corn Growers Association's Ethanol Action Team to build support for bringing cleaner burning biofuels to every state in the nation. Bliley, who was joined by Kelly Davis from the Renewable Fuels Association, touted the benefits that expanding market access for higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15 can bring our nation's farmers and producers.
We will continue to keep you updated on our efforts to expand the domestic market availability of higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15. For more details, contact Vice President of Development Kelly Manning.
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