The Renewable Fuels Association’s committees are the premier location for peer-to-peer collaboration on important ethanol industry topics. Each committee is designed to bring forth timely information that educates the committee members while providing a forum for discussion and the ability to collectively respond to issues. Accurate and reliable information regarding the production, blending, distribution, and performance of renewable fuels is essential to the success of our industry.
Some of the ethanol industry’s most significant developments began as topics in the RFA’s committees. Current committee participants are engaged in new developments that improve ethanol production efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. They’re also involved in monitoring and responding to federal/state regulatory changes, pursuing new and novel uses of the ethanol molecule, researching and expanding use of ethanol coproducts, and finding ways to foster industry-wide growth.
Participation in committees is an exclusive RFA member benefit. Interested in learning more or want to sign up? Contact Senior Analyst Ann Lewis via email or call (636) 594-2285.
Accurate and reliable information regarding the production, blending, distribution, and performance of renewable fuels is essential for the success of our industry. The RFA Technical Committee focuses heavily on fuel specifications and standards such as ASTM International, National Conference of Weights and Measures, ISO, Canadian General Standards Board, and other international fuel requirements. RFA members and staff continue to be recognized for their meaningful contributions within these standards development organizations.
Technical committee members can, without hesitation, count on the RFA committee chairs and staff to properly inform and answer fuel quality, storage, and handling concerns that impact operations of ethanol facilities. Fuel quality concerns, engine research projects, international blending practices, and state and regional regulations are just a sampling of the topics this committee monitors.
The renewable fuels industry produces more than just ethanol. Renewable fuel facilities across the country also produce distillers grains, corn distillers oil, corn gluten, CO2, and other products. The RFA Co-Products Committee focuses on issues relevant to all ethanol co-products, from research and educational programs to regulatory issues and trade. Members are involved daily in the production and marketing of co-products, making this committee an excellent forum for exchanging ideas and information.
The RFA New Uses Committee focuses on expanded uses for our ethanol, carbon dioxide, co-products, and processes. Research and development projects like utilizing ethanol in heavy-duty engines or ethanol and carbon dioxide to greener chemicals are explored. The committee will work to support R&D, technical and regulatory issues that arise from new uses.
Part of the industry’s environmental record is helping to ensure ethanol production facilities are meeting or exceeding the environmental regulations they face. The EH&S Committee is focused on making sure our member company facilities are protecting the environment while providing a forum for navigating the complex regulations imposed on this industry. This committee’s highly technical discussions help familiarize renewable fuel producers with relevant environmental regulations and ensure their facilities remain compliant. More information.
Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who work in the renewable fuel industry and the consumers we serve. The safety of ethanol production, transportation, consumer use, and emergency response is a priority for this Committee. This RFA committee has been extraordinarily proactive by working with federal, state, and local governments as well as industry partners, to bring much-needed attention to hazardous materials regulations and other safety requirements. Members are kept up to date on DOT regulations, OSHA compliance standards, and continuous education opportunities. Members support the development of nationwide ethanol safety seminars; these learning opportunities are offered free of charge to emergency responders through RFA and the TRANSCAER initiatives. As renewable fuel like ethanol is transported by truck, railcar, barge, ship, and pipeline, evaluating the entire distribution chain for improvements to safety and handling are a high priority for RFA members. For more information, visit our Plant Safety Information page.
