ACE’s annual conference, scheduled for August 20-21 in Minneapolis, is right around the corner and this year’s theme, “Fueling Freedom,” builds on America’s 250th anniversary to highlight how ethanol expands fuel choice, boosts rural economies, and strengthens U.S. energy security.
With progress on nationwide, year-round E15, record RFS volumes, and key 45Z guidance taking shape, this is a pivotal moment for the industry to come together, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate growth. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, ethanol’s role in delivering affordable and homegrown energy has never been more important.
Our industry has made tremendous progress recently, evidenced by these key achievements:
- U.S. ethanol exports have been our most important demand-driver, with consecutive years of record-setting volumes exported. It is clear the rest of the world wants and needs the low-carbon, low-cost, high-octane benefits of U.S. ethanol, and ACE will continue working with our partners to keep developing these markets. Ryan LaGrand, the CEO of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, will address our conference attendees to cover the latest developments on the trade and export front.
- EPA set the highest ever blending volumes under the RFS for 2026 and 2027, and ACE is already engaging Agency officials about setting even more ambitious blending targets for 2028 and beyond. For this year and next, seven out of every 10 gallons that were exempt from blending due to small refinery exemptions (SREs) during the 2023 to 2025 RFS compliance years will be reallocated to the final 2026 and 2027 volumes. While this is better than what refiners wanted, it’s still not 100% so we must remain vigilant on the issue of SRE reallocation.
- Ambitious RFS volumes have super-charged RIN credit values, which, coupled with ethanol prices trading at a steep discount to gasoline, makes blending E15, E30 and E85 more affordable than ever. Ron Lamberty, ACE’s Chief Marketing Officer, will host a fireside chat to explore the factors helping boost demand for higher blends during our conference.
- Thanks to the grassroots leadership of ACE members and others, the House of Representatives adopted bipartisan legislation in May to allow retailers to offer sales of low-cost E15 in all parts of the country. ACE is now working to build on the momentum from the House vote to ensure the Senate also takes action to allow E15 year-round. Our conference will feature a keynote address from a member of Congress who was instrumental in getting E15 over the finish line in the House, Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN).
- Investments ACE members have made over the years to become more efficient and reduce carbon intensity are paying serious dividends through the new 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, and ACE is leading the way to ensure plants and farmers can also monetize low-carbon farming practices through the credit.
In addition to these topics, our conference will also discuss efforts to create demand for ethanol beyond a car’s fuel tank to the shipping, aviation, and biochemical markets, and give producers the information they need to continue innovating and fueling freedom for America.
