ACE’s 38th Annual Conference Kicks Off in Sioux Falls with ‘Homefield Advantage’ Theme

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomed attendees of its 38th Annual Conference to Sioux Falls this week, bringing together ethanol producers, farmers, retailers, researchers, policymakers, and other industry leaders to advance ethanol’s role in strengthening rural economies, cutting carbon emissions, and expanding market opportunities.

The conference launched with a leadership “Fireside Chat,” setting the stage for the Homefield Advantage theme by spotlighting the top issues and opportunities facing the industry. ACE CEO Brian Jennings, ACE CMO Ron Lamberty, and ACE Board President representing Golden Grain Energy, Dave Sovereign, who is also an Iowa farmer and fuel retailer, began with the implications of a projected record corn crop, underscoring the need for near-term demand drivers—like year-round E15, strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, and export growth—while also exploring longer-term opportunities through low-carbon farming practices and the 45Z tax credit.

“Year-round E15 is the single most impactful step Congress can take right now to strengthen the farm economy by driving greater demand for ethanol,” Jennings said. “At the same time, the Administration can do its part by finalizing robust RFS volumes and making sure those volumes aren’t undercut by excessive refinery exemptions—reallocating any that are granted. Expanding ethanol demand is a better long-term solution for managing a surplus corn crop than short-term government assistance.”

“From the RFS to expanding exports, we have the tools to keep American ethanol competitive at home and abroad,” Sovereign said. “As a grower and a plant board member, I see firsthand the difference these policies make in our communities.”

“Low-carbon farming and tax incentives like 45Z can transform ethanol’s long-term value,” Lamberty said. “We’re working to ensure both producers and farmers get full credit for the carbon reductions they deliver.”

Following the Fireside Chat, attendees listened to a series of general session panels covering:

• The Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit (45Z), what it means for ethanol producers, and what steps are needed now to position for eligibility and success.
• A global perspective on ethanol trade and market development, with a focus on overcoming tariff, policy, and regulatory hurdles to expand international demand.
• Advancing ethanol opportunities into new markets such as chemical value chains and ensuring farmer premiums and carbon intensity accountability endure past 45Z.

At Thursday’s luncheon, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) delivered a keynote address.

“We’ve been working together a long time on E15; it’s the biggest no-brainer policy in the history of American government,” Congressman Johnson said. “I’m proud to partner with you to unlock more opportunities for homegrown American fuel.”

The conference concludes tomorrow with an awards ceremony and sessions covering:

• State-led initiatives to expand ethanol use, including Nebraska’s E30 demonstration and South Dakota Corn Utilization Council’s latest E15 consumer campaign.
• Plant-level innovations improving efficiency and corn oil recovery.
• New research on ethanol’s potential role in reducing cancer risk.
  
  

Full agenda and conference coverage are available here.