It was one year ago today that President Donald Trump made a victorious visit to Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE) ethanol plant in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to celebrate regulatory changes that would finally allow year-round retail sales of 15% ethanol (E15). At the event, the President also heard from farmers and ethanol industry leaders about the devastating impact of RFS compliance exemptions being granted to small refineries.

In an open letter to President Trump on today’s anniversary, the Renewable Fuels Association called on him to reject attempts to grant the oil industry more waivers from renewable fuel obligations.

“Mr. President, we need your help,” wrote RFA CEO Geoff Cooper. “We ask that you stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard. Please direct your EPA to abide by the January court ruling and end the abuse of the refinery waiver loophole. You stood by us, farmers, and consumers when you directed EPA to allow year-round E15. Now, we humbly ask that you stand with us again and ensure ethanol demand is not eroded by illegal refinery waivers.”

In a press call today, Cooper was joined by SIRE CEO Mike Jerke, and National Corn Growers Association president and Iowa farmer Kevin Ross to reflect on the past 12 months and where the industry is now.

Along with RFA economist Scott Richman, they discuss the successful increase in sales of the E15 blend, along with the continuing demand destruction from small refinery waivers despite successful court challenges, continued attacks against the Renewable Fuel Standard and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ethanol industry.

Trump ethanol plant visit anniversary press call 37:26