Speaking to attendees at the 31st annual National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper celebrated a record-breaking year for the U.S. ethanol industry while urging Congress and the Trump administration to fully unleash American ethanol to boost the farm economy, reduce consumer fuel prices, and strengthen domestic energy security.
Framing the industry’s current moment through the story of college football underdog Fernando Mendoza, Cooper compared ethanol’s untapped potential to the quarterback’s improbable rise to a national championship and Heisman Trophy. Mendoza’s journey—from overlooked recruit to national champion at Indiana University—underscored the theme of the conference: America’s ethanol industry is poised for even greater success if given the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.
“We saw glimpses of our industry’s potential last year, and 2025 was another good year for the U.S. ethanol industry,” Cooper said. “But we could have done so much more, if simply given the opportunity. More to lower fuel prices for consumers. More to reduce reliance on imported petroleum. More to clean up the air and reduce emissions. And more to create jobs and boost the farm economy.”
That opportunity, RFA emphasized, begins with eliminating outdated federal regulations that restrict E15 sales during the summer driving season. Despite bipartisan support and a broad coalition agreement that included the American Petroleum Institute, legislative efforts to secure permanent, nationwide year-round E15 sales narrowly failed in late 2024 and again in early 2026. And instead of adopting year-round E15, the House formed the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council” to continue working on the issue.
House lawmakers serving on the council had pledged legislative action on year-round E15 by today, but as of this morning, no bill had been introduced. Cooper called on members of Congress to act swiftly, stressing that year-round E15 would lower fuel costs, strengthen U.S. energy security, and provide critical economic relief to farmers and working families. Cooper noted that a small handful of mid-sized refining companies is holding up progress on E15 and reform of the RFS program’s small refinery exemption (SRE) program. He said lawmakers are finding out “that there is simply no way to appease mid-sized refiners who continue to game the RFS system with SREs. Those refiners either want to maintain the status quo, or they want to blow up the RFS entirely—neither of those options is acceptable to the majority of liquid fuel and agriculture stakeholders.”
“Our message to the Council—and to every member of Congress—is clear: Year-round, nationwide E15 is an urgent priority for America’s farmers, energy sector, and working families—and it can't wait any longer. Unleash E15! Let’s get it done,” Cooper said.
The urgency comes amid record industry performance. In 2025, U.S. ethanol producers manufactured a record 16.4 billion gallons of renewable fuel. Domestic consumption reached 14.3 billion gallons—the highest level in six years—while exports surged to an all-time high of 2.2 billion gallons, representing one out of every eight gallons produced. The industry supported 317,000 jobs, generated $28 billion in income, and contributed more than $50 billion to U.S. GDP.
While federal E15 legislation remains stalled, the industry achieved a breakthrough in California, the final state to approve E15 as a motor fuel. Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation legalizing E15 sales, though implementation is temporarily delayed by regulatory certification requirements involving vapor recovery equipment.
Cooper expressed optimism regarding proposed RFS volume obligations for 2026 and 2027 under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The proposed rule includes the highest-ever renewable volume targets and maintains the 15-billion-gallon conventional biofuel requirement. RFA urged full reallocation of SREs to preserve the integrity of the RFS program.
According to Cooper, the industry is also closely monitoring implementation of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which could spur renewed investment and innovation—provided final modeling and regulatory details offer clarity and fairness for ethanol producers.
Looking ahead, RFA highlighted expanding global export opportunities and emerging markets in maritime and sustainable aviation fuel, emphasizing ethanol’s potential to reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors. “Ethanol is well-positioned as a broadly available, low-cost, low-carbon, and scalable alternative fuel for these markets,” Cooper said. “Expanding ethanol into these supply chains would provide new demand for our industry, generate new revenue streams for farmers, bolster rural economies, and strengthen American energy leadership.”
Concluding the address, Cooper called on policymakers to “fully unleash ethanol” and unlock the full potential of American biofuels—just as Mendoza’s hidden talents, overlooked potential, and relentless determination were finally unleashed during Indiana’s historic perfect season.
Click here for Cooper’s remarks as prepared, and here for his presentation.
