Biofuels push for renewable fuel standard growth

Industry calls for balanced energy and market stability

The biofuels industry is calling on the government to strengthen policies under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and support the sector’s growth amid changing energy dynamics.

Sen. Pete Ricketts recently shared his positive outlook on Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator nominee, stating that Zeldin affirmed his support for biofuels. “He also reiterated that the government supports biofuels and that he is going to work on many things,” Ricketts said.

Key priorities for the industry include timely RFS volume announcements, expansion of E15 availability year-round, and a review of policies that favor electric vehicles over liquid biofuels.

Experts like Scott Irwin noted the potential for improved ethanol demand, though uncertainties around exemptions and climate-related policies remain concerns.

Farmers and biofuel advocates stress the importance of reducing small-refinery exemptions and increasing RFS volume targets to ensure compliance and foster growth.

Scott McPheeters highlighted that robust RFS volumes would benefit both producers and consumers by reducing costs and improving energy security.

Clean Fuels Alliance America emphasized the need for updated RFS volumes that account for advanced biofuels and co-products like renewable jet fuel. The organization is pushing for stronger policies to boost rural economies and domestic energy production.

The biofuels industry remains optimistic that the government will take steps to balance energy policies, promote sustainable practices, and drive growth in renewable fuels.