Source: Renewable Fuels Association news release
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| Geoff Copper |
Omaha, NE — In keynote remarks today at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Omaha, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper laid out the importance of ethanol for energy independence and the rural farm economy.
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“If there was ever an energy sector that needs to be let off the leash and allowed to run free, it is today’s ethanol industry,” Cooper said. “For far too long, bureaucratic barriers, regulatory indecision, and policy uncertainty have been holding the U.S. ethanol industry back and preventing us from reaching our full potential. The industry could be doing so much more: More to deliver lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel to consumers around the world. More to expand into new markets like aviation and maritime and other heavy-duty uses. And more to stimulate demand for America’s farmers.”
Cooper spotlighted the association’s five-point plan for unleashing American ethanol, including the progress made to-date and the challenges that lay ahead for each:
1. Secure strong Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and beyond
2. Pass year-round E15 legislation and remove regulatory burdens that prevent E15 from being sold using existing equipment and infrastructure
3. Remove trade barriers and secure expanded market access for ethanol exports
4. Establish a level playing field for clean liquid-fueled vehicles, rather than simply forcing electric vehicles on consumers
5. Provide certainty and clarity regarding the implementation of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit
When it comes to the last point, Cooper stressed the long delays in finalizing the 45Z tax credit and the “desperate need for clarity and certainty on the path forward.” While the House included an extension and some improvements in the “One Big Beautiful” budget reconciliation act now before the Senate, there remains a lot to be sorted out.
“That’s why RFA will remain highly engaged with Congress and the administration in the weeks and months ahead, and we’ll continue to urge policymakers to bring clarity and stability to the 45Z program as quickly as possible,” Cooper said. “And RFA’s principles haven’t changed. We’ll continue to advocate for tax policies that create durability and certainty, provide fair opportunities for broad participation, offer market-based structures, and follow sound science.”
In his remarks, Cooper stressed the Trump administration’s Day One commitment that recognized ethanol as a key driver of energy independence. He reflected that, while the same event was taking place six years ago, in 2019, Trump himself was visiting RFA member producer Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy.
“A lot has changed since President Trump visited SIRE six years ago. But what hasn’t changed is the power of ethanol to reduce fuel costs for consumers, enhance energy security, and boost demand for hard-hit farmers. And President Trump and leaders in his administration seem to get it. They seem to understand that opening the marketplace to larger volumes of ethanol can help achieve our nation’s energy, agriculture, and economic goals. Now is the time to Unleash American Ethanol!”
Click Here for Cooper’s remarks as prepared; click here for his slides.
About the RFA
๏ปฟSince 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association has been the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry, working to drive expanded demand for American-made renewable fuels and bioproducts worldwide.
