One year ago on June 11, 2019, 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 a press call today, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff 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 37:26Additional resources: