Growth Energy Outlines 2021 Biofuel Policy Priorities

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November 20, 2020

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(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options to fuel their cars.

“Biofuels, including plant-based ethanol, are critical tools for decarbonizing America’s existing transportation fleet and supporting our nation’s farmers and rural communities. Solvable challenges in this area await leaders in Congress and the next administration,” said Skor.

“As a climate solution,” Skor added, “biofuels will be key to meeting the nation’s goals for the transportation sector, America’s largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

“To maximize the value of America’s low-carbon biofuels, it’s vital that officials address outstanding issues that are hindering our industry’s ability to access markets, promote innovation, and create rural jobs,” she said.

Specifically, Skor highlighted the association’s key priorities and opportunities where elected leaders can help reverse setbacks experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, promote better fuel choices, and protect the environment. These include:

Restoring integrity to the Renewable Fuels Standard

•eject outstanding small refinery exemptions (SREs) and apply the 10th Circuit court ruling nationwide moving forward

•Finalize strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2021 and restore the 500 million gallons remanded by the courts in 2017

•Set forward-leaning biofuel targets for 2023 and beyond

•Approve applications for the production of advanced, corn kernel fiber ethanol

Eliminating barriers to higher blends to accelerate market access

•Clarify rules around the use of existing fuel storage and dispensing equipment for E15

•Remove outdated labeling at the fuel pump

•Expand infrastructure for higher biofuel blends, including USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program

Expanding the role of biofuels in a clean energy future at home and abroad

•Promote innovation in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture

•Update and modernize federal GHG emissions modeling on biofuels based on the most up- to date science

•Utilize opportunities to decarbonize our nation’s transportation sector through the use of high octane, low-low carbon fuels

•Break down trade barriers to low-carbon ethanol in markets like Brazil, Mexico and China

•Leverage benefits of biofuels in the Paris Climate Accord

“Addressing these issues, in addition to continued support to stabilize the industry from the impacts of COVID-19, can bring significant economic benefits for rural communities across the country and bolster the incoming administration’s plans to Build Back Better. We look forward to working with leaders in Congress and the next administration to advance these important initiatives in renewable energy,” said Skor. READ MORE

A New Alliance for Farming’s Climate Impact (Our Daily Planet)

Ag And Food Groups Unveil Climate Policy Platform (Farm Journal Ag Web)

Trump EPA could kick biofuel blending to Biden (Politico's Morning Energy)

Hoping for a Clean Slate at EPA (Red River Farm Network)

Excerpt from Farm Journal Ag Web: Policy recommendations include:

Provide voluntary, incentive-based tools and additional technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize the sequestration of carbon and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions, and increase climate resilience.
Foster the development of private sector GHG markets. The public sector should ensure that verifiable reductions occur and provide farmers and forest owners with the technical support needed to participate.
Use an array of public and private sector tools to incentivize agricultural and forestry producers to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices.
Incentivize farmers to reduce energy consumption and increase on-farm renewable energy production, and make continued progress toward reducing the lifecycle GHG emissions of agriculture- and forestry-based renewable energy.
Reduce the GHG impact of food waste and loss by streamlining confusing consumer-facing packaging and implementing a public-private partnership to achieve a meaningful and workable food date-labeling program.
Increase federal investment in agriculture, forestry and food-related research substantially and continuously.

The full policy recommendations covering soil health, livestock and dairy, forest and wood products, energy, research and food loss and waste are available at www.agclimatealliance.com. READ MORE

Excerpt from Red River Farm Network: Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper would like to see the next EPA administrator acknowledge the value of renewable fuels. “Especially when it comes to emissions reductions and reducing carbon from transportation fuels. We haven’t had that with the last few EPA administrators and we’re looking to start fresh and have a clean slate with one who understands who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish. They should understand the role renewable fuels like ethanol can play in meeting some of these objectives.” A Biden administration is expected to place a high priority on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. READ MORE

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