E15, Ethanol, and the Future of Agriculture: What’s Next, Why It Matters, and How Congress Can Help

Whole Grain

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Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, joins Jim Lenz, Director of Education and Training at GEAPS, to share a powerful vision for expanding ethanol markets through permanent E15 access — and the tremendous impact it would have on the grain industry.

The recent EPA summer waiver for E15 marks a significant victory, but Emily explains why congressional action is essential to make year-round E15 sales permanent. Full E15 adoption could drive demand for 2 billion more bushels of corn annually and strengthen America’s rural economy. Key Takeaways:

• Growth Energy’s Reach
  Represents biofuel producers and the ethanol value chain across 16 states, purchasing 20% of U.S. corn annually.
• E15 Brings Real Benefits
  This 15% ethanol blend saves drivers 10–30 cents per gallon and more and offers improved engine performance.
• Economic Powerhouse
  Full E15 adoption could create 188,000 new U.S. jobs and deliver an enduring boost to rural economies.
• All-American Industry
  Ethanol is produced entirely on U.S. soil and employs more military veterans than any other energy sector.
• Policy Urgency
  Temporary summer waivers create market uncertainty. Only Congress can secure permanent, year-round E15 access. Bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate.
• How You Can Help
  Grain professionals can contact their representatives using growthenergy.org/e15now to advocate for E15.
• Unity Makes an Impact
  Success will come when farmers, grain handlers and processers, and others in agriculture unite their voices and support legislation that builds ethanol demand.

Stable Markets in Uncertain Times
Ethanol provides a reliable domestic market for grain, especially when international trade is unstable. Resources & Links:

• Growth Energy Website
• Support Year-Round E15 – Take Action
• Growth Energy Policy Roadmap: Revitalizing Rural America
• Latest News from Growth Energy

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• What role does ethanol play in the grain supply chain where you work?
• How would permanent E15 legislation affect your business, co-op, or community?
• What actions can you or your organization take to support biofuels advocacy?

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Chapters

1. E15, Ethanol, and the Future of Agriculture: What’s Next, Why It Matters, and How Congress Can Help (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Growth Energy (00:00:05)

3. America's Homegrown Energy Industry (00:02:58)

4. E15 Benefits and Summer Waiver (00:07:02)

5. Path to Permanent E15 Access (00:15:03)

6. Impact on Grain Markets (00:18:37)

7. Advocacy and Leadership Lessons (00:22:01)

8. Episode Wrap-up and Call to Action (00:25:26)