FEW general session panelists discuss the future of ethanol
Summary
The panel discussed a wide range of issues, including the importance of lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling that accurately reflects the carbon intensity (CI) of ethanol, the ways in which that modeling impacts markets, and access to tax credits, including the 45Z clean fuel production credit created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The panel also discussed how across-the-board electrification is not a practical solution to reducing GHG emissions, particularly in the transportation sector, and the importance of building support for the Next Generation Fuel Act, which Jennings called a “more intelligent energy transition.” That legislation, which has been introduced in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, includes several provisions that would benefit the U.S. ethanol industry, including the establishment of a high-octane, low-carbon fuel standard. It would also establish a minimum research octane number (RON) standard of 98 for gasoline and require automobile manufacturers to design and warrant their vehicles to allow fuels containing higher levels of ethanol. Bliley announced that Growth Energy today filed an extension, giving EPA one more week to promulgate the final renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023, 2024 and 2025, requiring the agency to issued the rule by June 21. “We’ve had a lot of critics, but we’ haven’t run into any problems.” Also during the general session, BBI International and Ethanol Producer Magazine presented Mick Henderson, general manager at Commonwealth Agri-Energy LLC, with the 2023 High Octane Award, and Keli Davis, vice president of New Energy Blue, with the 2023 Award of Excellence.