Ethanol
EPA’s said its decision underscores its commitment to maintaining consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for refiners and fuel suppliers. Administrator Zeldin highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with all stakeholders to maintain an affordable and stable fuel supply.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins kicked off the 2025 Top Producer Summit on Tuesday morning, detailing her plan to advocate for trade. ‘We want to find market access for all our products,’ Rollins said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
Concerns expressed by traders center on a potential shift in demand from biodiesel to ethanol due to year-round E15 sales. That is a questionable conclusion.
The stopgap deal to avoid a government shutdown includes $10 billion in direct payments for farmers, $21 bllion in ag disaster aid, a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill and year-round E15.
The House of Representatives released its Continuing Resolution text, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, $10 billion in farmer economic aid, $21 billion in ag disaster funding for 2023 and 2024 and year-round E15 sales.
The shift to climate-smart farming emphasizes low-carbon crop yields for biofuels, with 45Z tax credits starting Jan. 1, 2025. Farmers should consider profitable changes while documenting their existing sustainable practices.
There is still uncertainty about whether the guidance for the 45Z credit will be available before the credit takes effect. This could potentially create challenges for producers planning to claim the credit in early 2025.
The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act has been introduced in both the Senate and the House. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed extending the 45Z tax credit through 2034.