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With major developments in E15, RFS demand, and 45Z guidance, ACE members meet at a pivotal time for ethanol
By: ACE Staff
Photos by: Laura McNamara, ZimmComm
Each year, the American Coalition for Ethanol’s annual conference gathers ethanol producers, retailers, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners to connect with friends and colleagues for updates on ACE’s efforts, innovations in production, policy developments and opportunities to add value to today’s ethanol on the farm and at the plant.
This year’s theme at the 39th annual event, “Fueling Freedom,” was driven by America’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026 and highlighted how ethanol expands fuel choice, relieves pain at the pump, boosts rural economies, and strengthens U.S. energy security.
Highlights included a keynote from Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, an update from ACE leadership, and a panel with a USDA representative and tax experts addressing questions on the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z). Attendees also gained insights into global trade and market development, and ideas around advancing ethanol opportunities into new markets such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), maritime fuel, and heavy-duty equipment. State-focused initiatives were also a major part of the conversation, highlighting Minnesota’s efforts to advance E15 use, research, and marketing, as well as California’s progress with E15 and E85.
Breakouts ranged from ways to lower carbon intensity, 45Z requirements, management qualifications, and market opportunities, to AI-driven operations to board governance, profitability drivers, and succession planning.
“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,” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings. “As we reflect on America’s recent 250th anniversary, we know ethanol’s role in delivering affordable, reliable, and homegrown energy has never been more important.”
Read on for a recap of the event!
GENERAL SESSION PANELS & SPEAKERS – August 20
ACE Leadership Fireside Chat
The conference kicked off with a leadership “Fireside Chat,” setting the tone for the “Fueling Freedom” theme by exploring the key issues and opportunities shaping the industry. The discussion featured ACE CEO Brian Jennings, ACE CMO Ron Lamberty, ACE Washington, D.C. consultant Jonathon Lehman, and ACE Board President Troy Knecht, representing Redfield Energy.
L to R: Brian Jennings, Troy Knecht, Jonathon Lehman, Ron Lamberty
Energy Market Keynote: What Happens Next?
MARKET ANALYSIS: Tom Kloza, chief energy advisor with Gulf Oil, gave a keynote speech on the implications of recent Middle East turmoil on the oil industry, as well as updates on global refining, imports/exports, oil and gasoline prices, and more.
Congressional Keynote: Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach
HOPEFUL FOR E15: U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN) delivered a keynote address to ACE attendees, highlighting that the fight for nationwide, year-round E15 is not over and to remain hopeful. Fischbach also reminded attendees that ethanol plays a vital role in American energy. “The theme of this year’s conference, fueling freedom, could not be more fitting. When we talk about biofuels, we’re not just talking about energy or agriculture, we’re talking about economic freedom. For our farmers, energy freedom for our consumers, and national security for a country that should never have to depend on foreign oil.”
Unlocking New Markets for Ethanol
NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES: Moderated by ACE CMO Ron Lamberty and joined by Jeff Davidman with Delta Air Lines, Nate Green with John Deere, and Shai Sahay with Bracewell LLP, this panel explored emerging opportunities for ethanol across three key markets, examining ethanol’s potential as a lower-carbon maritime fuel, its role as a feedstock for SAF production, and the latest developments in ethanol-powered heavy-duty equipment. Attendees gained insight into the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping ethanol’s expansion into new markets.
GENERAL SESSION PANELS & SPEAKERS – August 21
Fueling Freedom: Retailer Panel
VALUE IN HIGHER BLENDS: ACE CMO Ron Lamberty moderated a panel with Brian Werner of Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association and Jeff Wilkerson of Person Fuels, highlighting how state initiatives are driving higher ethanol blends. The panelists provided real-world examples of what works to increase E15 and flex fuel availability and volume and explain how ethanol's value can change access into gallons through retail execution, consumer value, and strategic promotion of higher blends.
Ethanol's Growing Impact in Reducing Cancer Risk
INSIGHTS FROM THE HORMEL INSTITUTE: Brian Werner of Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association welcomed Gail Dennison and Luke Hoeppner with The Hormel Institute/University of Minnesota to speak on new research that has discovered links between cancer risk and exposure to carcinogens and aromatics from gasoline, and the groundbreaking work the researchers have been doing on the effects of BTEX compounds on human health.
Trade Keynote: Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
EXPORT MARKET UPDATE: Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, gave insights on trade and export trends, global demand, and other key factors shaping the export market.
The 45Z Playbook: Policy, Modeling, and Compliance for Biofuel Producers
IMPLEMENTING 45Z: The conference closed out with an information-packed panel, moderated by ACE CEO Brian Jennings, attendees heard from Kate Zook with USDA, as well as Kari Buttenhoff and Jamey Cline with Christianson PLLP on a panel that took a deep dive into the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, what it means for ethanol producers, and what steps are needed now to position for eligibility and success.
AWARDS
Merle Anderson Award Recipient: Mike Jerke
Jerke retired in 2025 – after many years of heavy involvement the industry. Jerke served as CEO of Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP), Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC), Guardian Energy, Corn Plus, and Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). He provided active, thoughtful, and smart leadership to the industry and understood the importance of grassroots advocacy, having participated in several ACE DC fly-ins and other efforts to promote the legislative and regulatory priorities for ethanol.
Grassroots Award Recipient: Kenton Johnson
ACE CMO Ron Lamberty presented the Grassroots Award to Kenton Johnson in recognition of his longstanding dedication to ACE, the ethanol industry, and rural America. As a farmer, founding member, and board member of several ethanol plants, Johnson has consistently supported ACE and the broader industry through his passion, leadership, and commitment to strengthening rural communities and the domestic ethanol industry. Johnson has been a steadfast advocate for the ethanol industry’s grassroots movement for many years. His active participation in ACE and other industry leaders’ conferences, fly-ins, and board meetings reflects his continued commitment to advancing the industry and ensuring the voices of rural America are heard.
Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award Recipient: Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
Lamberty presented the Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association for its sustained leadership in expanding ethanol demand and increasing consumer access to higher ethanol blends. Through its work on infrastructure grants and other program funding, Unleaded 88 fuel pump promotions, consumer education through studies that highlight E15 benefits and use, advocacy for pro-biofuel policies, and coordination of congressional visits with ethanol plants, the Association has played a pivotal role in market development. These efforts have helped fuel retailers successfully offer higher ethanol blends and contributed to Minnesota achieving five consecutive years of record E15 sales.
Policy and Legislative Leadership Award: U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN)
U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN) has been a strong leader on biofuel issues, including her recent leadership in the House Rules Committee and on the House floor, which was instrumental in securing passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346) to ensure nationwide and permanent access to low-cost E15. The Congresswoman joined ACE to speak to attendees and accept her award during the Thursday morning general session.
For more details about this year’s event, visit ethanol.org/events/conference. Look back on social media by searching the event hashtags #FuelingFreedom and #TheACE26.
“Another great year at the ACE annual conference. ACE covers all the relevant topics but also provides the best atmosphere for closer connections and spending more quality time with peers in the industry.” – Faith Larson, Mickelson & Company, 2026 ACE Conference Attendee
“I always leave the ACE Conference with a more cohesive understanding of how current trade policy impacts the ethanol industry, and what I personally can do to make things better.” – Connie Lindstrom, Benchmark Insights, 2026 ACE Conference Attendee
“The ACE Conference was full of valuable information and it’s always great to catch up with everyone! Thank you to the ACE team for putting on another fantastic conference!” – Kim Herzog, Encore Energy Services, 2026 ACE Conference Attendee
“Once again, the ACE team delivered. The 2026 conference provided invaluable insight on 45Z and low CI corn progress while offering a great opportunity to network with industry peers.” – Chris Wilson, Mid-Missouri Energy, 2026 ACE Conference Attendee
“The ACE Conference provides the most comprehensive real life education on benefits of Regenerative Ag practices, impact on the 45Z Production Tax Credit, and the future of Agriculture. Excellent content and opportunities to meet with the ethanol industry leaders.” – John Christianson, Beyond Agribusiness Solutions, 2026 ACE Conference Attendee
