The 13th Annual Growth Energy Biofuel Summit in Washington D.C is more important than ever.
“This is our first fully in-person advocacy event since 2019, and it really could not arrive at a better time. With a run-up in oil prices and volatility in global markets, energy is center-stage in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers certainly don’t want to see a return to $5 fuel. And we all know that only biofuels can immediately deliver more clean energy that’s affordable, reliable, and made America. But to harness those benefits, Congress needs to ensure energy policies are designed to maximize the contribution of biofuel producers and retailers.”
That’s Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, who talks about the mission she’s giving Growth Energy members for their meetings with lawmakers.
“Our members have an incredible story to tell about the technological advancements, environmental benefits, and energy security only biofuel can provide. In 2021 alone, our industry purchased nearly $30 billion worth of U.S. corn. Those bushels aren’t just a feedstock for bioethanol. They provide the renewable building blocks for an ever-growing array of value-added products like high-protein animal feed, renewable chemicals, and corn oil. We’ve also pioneered to capture of carbon, delivering food-grade CO2 needed to make beverages, packaged meats, and safely refrigerate vaccines. Arming members of Congress with a deeper understanding of those contributions is the best way to advance policies that will drive growth, and no one can share our story better than the men and the women actually doing the work.”
She talks about the top policy priorities for this year’s fly-in.
“Over the past few months, American families have faced record-high gas prices at the pump. President Biden’s administration delivered some relief by temporarily allowing summer sales of E15, which let drivers save almost $1 per gallon compared to the standard E10 fuel in some areas of the country. But we need lawmakers to secure a permanent place at the pump for the lower-cost, Earth-friendly bioethanol blends. No one wants to see E15 vanish from their options next summer. And we need a stronger Renewable Fuel Standard.”
Biofuel advocacy is also more important than ever because the RFS is changing.
“2023 is the first year when required volumes of renewable fuels are not specified by Congress and must be set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Getting this process right will be vital to meeting our nation’s climate and energy challenges. EPA must also update its outdated lifecycle carbon models to reflect the best available science on low-carbon bioethanol. To get it all done, we’ll need to keep the pressure on. From our leaders in Congress and from voters at home, anyone looking to get involved should visit growthenergy.org, where you can get more information on E15, the RFS, or just stay in touch ahead of next year’s summit.”
Again, for more information, go to growthenergy.org.
