Why haven't biofuels, such as ethanol, gained the same level of public attention as electric vehicles?
It’s true that electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered much of the attention, but decarbonizing the transportation sector requires multiple solutions. While electrification is part of the future, bioethanol offers a powerful solution for reducing emissions in legacy vehicles with internal combustion engines. By 2050, even under the most aggressive forecasts, around 40% of new vehicle sales will still involve internal combustion engines. Currently, bioethanol is already blended into the majority of gasoline used in the U.S.—about 10% of the gasoline that most drivers use today contains bioethanol.
Bioethanol is a renewable, low-carbon fuel that’s already reducing the carbon intensity of millions of vehicles. In fact, bioethanol is about 50% less carbon-intensive than gasoline. We’re pushing for higher bioethanol blends, such as E15, which would increase bioethanol in gasoline to 15%, further reducing emissions and saving consumers money.
What initiatives is Growth Energy pursuing to expand the use of ethanol, especially E15?
Our efforts focus on education, advocacy, and collaborating with fuel retailers to increase the availability of E15 across the U.S. On the advocacy side, we work to ensure policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) remain strong and that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets blending obligations high enough to drive change. One challenge we’re addressing is an outdated regulation that prevents the sale of E15 in many regions during the summer months due to concerns about air quality—despite the fact that bioethanol is cleaner-burning and reduces emissions. We’re working with lawmakers to update this regulation and allow year-round access to E15, which offers environmental and economic benefits.
We’re also working directly with fuel retailers to help them offer E15 at their stations, ensuring it’s readily available to consumers across the country. When consumers have access to E15, they tend to come back because it’s more affordable, better for the environment, and improves engine performance.
What environmental challenges are associated with ethanol production, and how is the industry addressing them?
The bioethanol industry is undergoing tremendous innovation, with a focus on making bioethanol a net-zero fuel. In terms of land use, we’ve been using the same amount of farmland to grow corn for over 100 years, but yields have increased sevenfold. We’ve also reduced water use in bioethanol production by 50%. At bioethanol plants, innovations include using renewable natural gas and biomass for heat and power, as well as capturing carbon emissions during fermentation. This captured carbon can be stored underground, reducing emissions even further.
Farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture practices like no-till farming, cover crops, and precision agriculture to reduce the carbon intensity of growing corn, which serves as the feedstock for bioethanol. These innovations are helping to decarbonize both the production and farming processes.
Do you feel that bioethanol is supported by U.S. policy frameworks, and what challenges remain?
Bioethanol has always enjoyed bipartisan support in the U.S., largely because of its multiple benefits—it contributes to energy independence, provides a low-carbon fuel alternative, and strengthens rural economies.
Bioethanol supports about 30-40% of U.S. corn sales, which helps sustain farming communities across the country. In addition to support from lawmakers in traditional farming states, we’re seeing growing enthusiasm from lawmakers on the coasts, who are seeking affordable clean energy for their constituents.
However, the industry faces challenges related to market access and regulatory red tape. Outdated regulations still hinder the widespread adoption of E15, for example, and we’re working to remove these barriers so that more consumers can access cleaner, more affordable fuel options.
What opportunities exist for bioethanol beyond traditional automotive fuels, especially in areas like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)?
As gasoline demand declines due to electrification and improved fuel efficiency, bioethanol has a significant opportunity in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The U.S. has set ambitious targets for SAF, including President Biden’s goal of producing 3 billion gallons by 2030 and flying entirely on SAF by 2050. This will require about 35 billion gallons of jet fuel to become sustainable, and bioethanol is one of the most viable feedstocks to help achieve this.
While the opportunity is enormous, the investments required to convert bioethanol into SAF are capital-intensive, and we need clear guidance from Washington on tax credits to make these projects feasible. We’re excited about the potential for bioethanol to play a major role in decarbonizing aviation, but we need policy support to unlock that potential.
What do you love most about working in the bioethanol industry, and can you share a defining moment that highlights the impact of the industry?
For me, the heart of this industry is the people. Many of those involved in bioethanol come from farming backgrounds or small communities, and they understand how vital the industry is to the strength of rural America. I’ve had the privilege of traveling across the Midwest, seeing firsthand the economic benefits and jobs created by bioethanol production. There’s a real sense of pride in what we’re doing—not just in terms of supporting rural communities but also in contributing to the global effort to decarbonize and move toward a low-carbon economy.
One of the most exciting things is how relevant bioethanol has become in today’s conversation about climate change. As we look to the future, our industry is galvanized around the opportunity to be an even greater contributor to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, not just in the U.S., but globally.
What are the logistical challenges of expanding E15, and how do you overcome them?
The main challenge is consumer access. In order for consumers to choose E15, it has to be available at the pump. That’s why it’s so important to fix the regulatory hurdles that prevent E15 from being sold year-round in certain regions. Another challenge is getting retailers to offer E15. While many are beginning to see its economic benefits—such as increased consumer loyalty and higher profitability—some still hesitate due to concerns about infrastructure compatibility or regulatory uncertainty.
We’re working to streamline regulations, making it easier for retailers to offer E15. Additionally, we’re focused on educating both retailers and consumers. Growth Energy runs consumer education campaigns, like Get BioFuel, targeting drivers when they’re most likely to be thinking about their fuel choices. By educating consumers on the benefits of E15, such as cost savings and better performance, we’re inviting them to make the switch.
How do you see the bioethanol industry evolving by 2050, and what role will Growth Energy play?
By 2050, we know that gasoline demand will decline due to electrification and fuel efficiency improvements. In the short term, we’re focused on getting as many drivers as possible using E15—it’s better for the environment, it saves consumers money, and it’s good for rural America. In the longer term, the big opportunity for bioethanol lies in SAF. As the U.S. and global markets shift toward SAF, bioethanol will play a key role as a feedstock. However, achieving these goals will require significant investment, and we’re looking to policymakers in Washington for support through tax credits and clear guidance.
The bioethanol industry has an exciting future ahead, and Growth Energy will continue to advocate for policies that support the industry's role in decarbonizing both ground and air transportation.
