The Ethanol Report: Recent Episodes
Cindy Zimmerman
Interviews and reports on issues of interest to the ethanol industry, sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper and RFA Communications Director Ken Colombini discuss Americans support for the Renewable Fuel Standard in a new poll celebrating energy independence as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, we hear from many of the RFA team members who helped to make FEW 2026 a home run, including Senior Vice President for Government and Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp; Senior Vice President for Industry Relations and Market Development Robert White; Vice President for Strategy and Innovation Tad Hapner; Director of Environment, Health and Safety Justin Schultz; as well as President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
The Renewable Fuels Association is partnering with the Kansas City Diamonds as the "Official Fuel" of the organization for the inaugural Professional Softball League season. This episode features Jeremy McDowell, President of the Kansas City Diamonds and Robert White, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Market Development for Renewable Fuels Association.
Troy Bredenkamp, Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs for the Renewable Fuels Association, discusses House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, and plans for getting it through the Senate and on to the president's desk to finally allow year-round, nationwide sales of E15.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down what happened to the E15 bill in Congress this past week.
The Trump administration hit two home runs for the ethanol industry during the last week of March amidst National Agriculture Month celebrations – announcing waivers to allow sales of E15 through the summer, in lieu of Congressional action to make it permanent, and finalizing the long-delayed renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.
In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the actions by the administration and why the industry is still pressing for permanent nationwide E15 to be passed by Congress yet this year.
The Renewable Fuels Association is a proud sponsor of Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) to expand ethanol education and outreach to a growing audience of women who are actively engaged in car buying, maintenance, and repair.
Founder Patrice Banks spoke at the recent National Ethanol Conference about her efforts to help women gain the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their automotive experiences and how her audience has been very receptive to information the benefits of higher ethanol blends. In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we hear from Banks and also from RFA Membership and Marketing Manager Kendra Coulson about how the RFA partnership with Girls Auto Clinic started and how its going.
Audio from the 2026 National Ethanol Conference
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper; RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White; RFA Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs, Troy Bredenkamp; U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Aaron Szabo; RFA General Counsel and VP, Government Affairs, Ed Hubbard; RFA Policy Counsel and Director, Government Affairs, Jared Mullendore; RFA VP, Strategy and Innovation, Tad Hepner; 2026 RFA Industry Award: LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis
Ethanol Report on Nationwide E15 in Congress
RFA CEO explains what happened and what's in store at the 2026 NEC
In this episode we hear from Ashley Viglione, RFA Government Affairs Associate, about her job in the Washington DC office and how she assists the organization. Specifically, we talk about what she learned at the recent Global Ethanol Summit and her impressions of ethanol's importance in both the nation and the world.
At this time last year, the ethanol industry was optimistic Congress would be passing a Continuing Resolution that included approval for nationwide, year-round E15, but no one thought California would ever allow sales of E15, despite being a huge seller of E85.
This year, this industry is grateful to have legislative approval for E15 sales in California, while Congressional approval once again remains elusive on the federal level. In this episode of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down where we are right now on E15, as well as other unfinished business in Congress, and why the industry has much to be thankful for in 2025.
The United States is on track to export a record amount of fuel ethanol for the second year in a row in 2025, driven by growing international demand.
That demand was evident at the recent Global Ethanol Summit, hosted by the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council and supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, which drew more than 450 international buyers and end-users of ethanol and its co-products from more than 40 countries.
In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast we hear from RFA's exports expert Ed Hubbard who discusses the summit, his participation in a recent trade mission to the UK, and what the new trade deals in Southeast Asia mean for the ethanol industry.
A new economic study released by the National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association shows that expanding year-round, nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend would provide a boon to the American economy, benefiting farmers, communities and consumers alike.
RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman provides the details in this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast.
Biofuels Buzz at Farm Progress Show - with comments from USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden; RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper; RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White; and RFA Policy Counsel and Director, Government Affairs, Jared Mullendore
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper talks about the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which was part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed by President George W. Bush on August 8 of that year at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Read RFA's report on the RFS at Twenty.
RFA Director of Environment, Health & Safety Justin Schultz upcoming food safety course for ethanol producers in Sioux Falls, SD.
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper comments on the recent EPA RVO proposal and SCOTUS ruling on small refinery waiver challenges
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper addresses a number of current ethanol industry issues, starting with RFA's participating in the upcoming Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Omaha and including comments on the One Big Beautiful Bill, E15 legislation in California, and the status of EPA's RVO proposal.
RFA's Robert White talks about ethanol education on the water with boaters and anglers at the Big Crappie Challenge in Missouri
Professor Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, PhD, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is the author of a paper appearing in the scientific journal iScience titled “Aromatics from fossil fuels and breast cancer.” In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, she discusses her research and we also hear from biofuels research economist Steffan Mueller, and Gail Dennison, Director of Development and External Relations for The Hormel Institute.
Karol King, Board Chairman, SIRE Rodney Jorgenson, Board Member, Al-Corn Clean Fuel Todd Brown, Board Member, Dakota Ethanol, LLC Rod Gangwish, Board Member, KAAPA Ethanol Holdings LLC
Dave VanderGriend, CEO, ICM, Inc.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper comments on some of the actions President Trump has taken and where ethanol's priorities stand in both the new administration and the new Congress.
As a record number of travelers are hitting the road this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, the ethanol industry is feeling grateful for a good year so far and optimistic for the year ahead.
For one, as AAA projects a record 71.7 million people will travel by car over Thanksgiving, an analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) indicates that the use of ethanol in the nation’s gasoline is expected to save travelers $217 million just this week.
In this edition of The Ethanol Report, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses reaction to President-elect Trump’s pick for Secretary of Agriculture, what’s left to do this year, optimism for the next Congress, and what might happen in the new administration with EPA tailpipe emissions standards.
RFA Economist Scott Richman discusses proposed California LCFS regulations, and the supply/demand situation for ethanol right now
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper discusses board meeting in DC and ethanol indusry priorities this election year
Study: Allowing E15 Fuel Blend Could Save California Drivers $2.7 Billion at the Pump Annually
RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman and RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the recently filed lawsuit against EPA over emissions standards that mandate electric vehicles and how ethanol is already able to help clean up the air.
RFA economist Scott Richman and Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White
U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Release Guidance RFA Welcomes 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel Guidance, But Says Additional Work Needed
This edition of the Ethanol Report podcast features comments from US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, RFA Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp, and Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag.
EPA approves E15 sales for summer 2024 - reaction and details from Renewable Fuels Association Senior VP for Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp and Chief Economist Scott Richman
Decision on the GREET model continues to be delayed with audio from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, RFA economist Scott Richman, and RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper
National Ethanol Conference wrap up
The Renewable Fuels Association was pleased to welcome USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to the NEC this year, as well as Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative. This edition of the Ethanol Report includes comments from both of them, as well as RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Chairman Erik Huschitt of Badger State Ethanol, Dr. Michael Wang with Argonne National Laboratory, and RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White.
RFA Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Market Development Robert White from the Washington DC Auto Show
RFA announces Veterans for Renewable Fuels (VRF)
Comments from RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Board Vice Chair Jeff Oestmann, RFA board member Tony Leiding, RFA Director of Environment, Health and Safety Justin Schultz, and Robert White, RFA’s Senior VP of Industry Relations and Market Development.
Renewable Fuels Association at Farm Progress Show RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses RFA Efforts Seek Fair Treatment for Ethanol as SAF Feedstock RFA VP of Industry Relations Robert White talks about RFA’s Flex Fuel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle project Jared Mullendore, RFA Policy Counsel and Director, Government Affairs
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper provides an update on the latest issues including the Midwest governor's petition for E15, the Flex Fuel Fairness act, EPA's proposed tailpipe emissions standards and defining SAF.
RFA chairman Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol, discusses highlights of the organization board meeting in Washington DC
In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, RFA Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp discusses the final rule from EPA, as well as new legislation proposed for sustainable aviation fuel, and the current status of the Midwest Governors’ Year-Round E15 petition.
The Renewable Fuels Association recently created two new positions in the organization with the future of the ethanol in mind and hired a couple of talented young industry experienced individuals to round out a team ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Tad Hapner is the organization’s new Vice President of Strategy and Innovation and Justin Schultz is RFA’s new Director of Environment, Health & Safety. Both have unique backgrounds in the ethanol industry that are especially suited to their new roles.
EPA Approves Summertime Waiver for E15 - Again
Renewble Fuels Association Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp
With audio from EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Rep. Rusty Johnson (R-SD)
Summertime E15 Sales in Limbo
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper and RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman
RFA’s VP for Industry Relations Robert White discusses flex fuel EV
Jeff Wilkerson, Pearson Fuels
Phillip Morris of the Locust Street Group
This edition of the Ethanol Report podcast includes highlights from the NEC, including remarks from RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper; Ben Hengst, EPA Deputy Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality; Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds; Former Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL); RFA Director, Government Affairs Jared Mullendore; Dana Jackson, Partner with RSM US; Former RFA chair Randall Doyal; and current RFA chair Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol.
Preview of 2023 National Ethanol Conference with RFA staff members Jared Mullendore, Scott Richman, Ken Colombini, and Robert White
New pipeline projects in the Midwest utilizing Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration (CCUS), also called Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), technology offer the opportunity for the ethanol industry to lead the way to a net zero energy future and the Renewable Fuels Association is supporting that pathway for its members.
In this episode of the Ethanol Report podcast we hear from a number of stakeholders in the carbon pipeline space:
RFA chairman Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol, RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper, Summit Carbon Solutions Chief Commercial Officer Jim Pirolli, Navigator CO2 vice president of government and public affairs Elizabeth Burns Thompson, Wolf Carbon Solutions senior vice president for corporate development Nick Noppinger, South Dakota farmer and ethanol plant founder Ron Alverson, and Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation president Mark McHargue.
Export Exchange 2022
Comments from RFA's Kelly Davis and Ann Lewis; Neal Kemmet with ACE Ethanol; and Matt Fitzthum, CHS
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper and National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett discuss The Set - what EPA has to do regarding the RFS for 2023
Ethanol Report from Farm Progress Show with RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, Director of Government Affairs Jared Mullendore, and VP of Industry Relations Robert White
RFA VP Technical & Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis and US Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand discuss exports and the upcoming Export Exchange
RFA VP of Government and Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp breaks down what the Inflation Reduction Act contains for ethanol industry
Jackie Hayes, Director of Business Development and Client Relations with the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in Illinois, discusses the Renewable Fuels Association Young Professionals Network
In this edition of the Renewable Fuels Association Ethanol Report podcast, we take a look at the legislation and hear from its supporters, including Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Then we talk with RFA senior vice president of government and public affairs Troy Bredenkamp about the importance of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act for the ethanol industry and what it's chances are in the Senate.
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses Memorial Day gas prices and E15. He also talks about the pending RVO release June 3, preventing bias in RFS review, and what needs to be done to address rail challenges.
RFA's Missy Ruff then tells us about ethanol safety and an industry safety milestone
In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, we talk with RFA Vice President of Industry Relations about the governors' move and the latest on increasing availability of higher blends. Then RFA chief economist Scott Richman discusses how today's corn ethanol now provides nearly three times the energy used to produce it and it keeps improving.
President Joe Biden at Iowa ethanol plant and interview with RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) discusses Home Front Energy Independence Act
RFA's Troy Bradenkamp talks about how ethanol works to lower gas prices
RFA Celebrates Partnership with NCGA
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, NCGA chairman John Linder, NCGA president Chris Edgington, and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack
This edition of The Ethanol Report includes some of the highlights of the 2022 NEC. Hear from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper, Chairperson Jeanne McCaherty of Guardian Energy, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality Director Sarah Dunham, lifecycle analysis expert Isaac Emery, Volkswagen Latin America's Pablo Di Si, author and energy consultant Bob McNally, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Lanzajet CEO Jimmy Samartzis, GEVO Chief Commercial Officer Tim Cesarek, and National Corn Growers Association president Chris Edgington.
Ethanol Goes Off Road Again with new Hauk Designs Project RFA Vice President for Industry Relations Robert White, designer Kenny Hauk, and Missouri Corn CEO Bradley Schad
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper talks about some of the challenges the ethanol industry has faced in 2021, as well as the opportunities opening up in the net-zero future and excitement about the upcoming NEC.
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down this week's announcements from USDA and EPA and what they mean for ethanol producers
Chuck Zimmerman talked with Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper about how ethanol is an immediate solution for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation worldwide.
RFA VP of Industry Relations Robert White talks about 13 years of promoting ethanol at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Robert White, Geoff Cooper, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Reps. Mike Bost, Darin LaHood, Rodney Smith
Audio with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, Senior VP for government and public affairs Troy Bredenkamp, Past RFA Chair Mick Henderson with Commonwealth Agri-Energy in Kentucky, and RFA board member Walt Wendland, CEO of Ringneck Energy in South Dakota
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, Biofuels Coalition counsel Matt Morrison, DOJ attorney Chris Michel
The report includes remarks from David MacIntosh, Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.; Stefan Unnasch with Life Cycle Associates; and Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation, who all spoke at the 2021 NEC. In addition, we have comments from Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper, Chief Economist Scott Richman, and VP of Industry Relations Robert White.
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper
Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)
Former House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson
RFA Director of Market Development Cassie Mullen
Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper provides an update on the latest developments and RFA chief economist Scott Richman talks about what President-elect Joe Biden could do on Day One in office to reduce carbon emissions by 12 million metric tons.
Comments come from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, Senior Strategic Advisor Bob Dinneen, Vice President of Industry Affairs Robert White, Director Of Market Development Cassie Mullen, RFA board members Jeanne McCaherty with Guardian Energy, Randy Doyal with Al-Corn Clean Fuel, Neil Koehler with Pacific Ethanol, and Chuck Woodside of KAAPA Ethanol.
Audio with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, NCGA president Kevin Ross, NFU Biofuels Advisor Anne Steckel; ACE CEO Brian Jennings; Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN); USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue
Comments on EPA denying retroactive refinery waivers, Brazil extending TRQ for 90 days, and actions that could make E15 more available
RFA General Counsel Ed Hubbard
RFA Manager of Member Relations Jackie Pohlman
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper
Audio with Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Cindy Axne (D-IA), National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, and RFA CEO Geoff Cooper
President Donald Trump
National Corn Growers Association president Kevin Ross
SIRE CEO Mike Jerke
RFA chief economist Scott Richman
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper
Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
Neil Koehler, Chairman, RFA; Co-Founder and CEO of Pacific Ethanol
Tim Winters, President and CEO of Western New York Energy
Neil Koehler, Chairman, RFA; Co-Founder and CEO of Pacific Ethanol
Mike Jerke, CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Mick Henderson, General Manager, Commonwealth Agri-Energy
Scott Richman, Chief Economist, Renewable Fuels Association
Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
With remarks from:
RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman
Jeanne McCaherty, CEO, Guardian Energy Management
Randy Doyal, CEO, Al-Corn Clean Fuel
Chad Friese, General Manager, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.
Geoff Cooper, RFA President and CEO
SRE case update from Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol; Kevin Ross, National Corn Growers; and Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, RFA counsel Matt Morrison, RFA Senior Strategic Advisor Bob Dinneen
Interviews with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, South Dakota farmer Ron Alverson, and RFA VP of Industry Relations Robert White
Audio with -
Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper
President Donald Trump
USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
USDA Under Secretary for Trade Ted McKinney
Participants:
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper
Iowa farmer and ethanol plant president Kelly Nieuwenhuis
Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
Show Me Ethanol general manager Brian Pasbrig
Interviews with:
Rod "Woody" Woodruff, Buffalo Chip owner
Robert White, RFA Director of Industry Relations
Dee Snider, Twisted Sister lead singer
Craig Ammann, Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits
Various bikers getting free E10
Remarks from-
President Donald Trump
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper
SIRE CEO Mike Jerke
NCGA 1st VP Kevin Ross
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, former Sen. Tom Daschle, USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky, RFA's Robert White, Paul Teutul Jr., RFA senior strategic advisor Bob Dinneen
Interviews with Robert White, RFA; Bradley Schad, MO Corn; Mike Vallentine and Brian Sowers, Crappie Masters; Scholarship winner Ethan Shields; RFA team Kent Williams, Arkansas, and Terry Richards, Louisiana.
Includes audio from:
Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen
RFA chairman Mick Henderson
Industry award winner Ron Alverson, SD farmer and ethanol plant founder
RFA VP of industry affairs Robert White
RFA Senior VP Geoff Cooper
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Acting Associate Administrator Daniel Whitely