Climate of Opportunity

A C C E L E R A T I N G I N D U S T R Y

2 0 1 2 E T H A N O L I N D U S T R Y O U T L O O K
RFA board of Directors

Chuck Woodside, Chairman

KAAPA Ethanol, LLC

www.kaapaethanol.com

Neill McKinstray, Vice Chairman

The Andersons Inc.

www.andersonsinc.com

Walter Wendland, Secretary

Golden Grain Energy, LLC

www.goldengrainenergy.com

Randall Doyal, Treasurer

Al-Corn Clean Fuel

www.al-corn.com

Bob Dinneen, President

Renewable Fuels Association

www.ethanolrfa.org

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp.

Chris Standlee

www.abengoabioenergy.com

ABE South Dakota, LLC

Richard Peterson

www.advancedbioenergy.com

Absolute Energy, LLC

Rick Schwarck

www.absenergy.org

Ace Ethanol, LLC

Bob Sather

www.aceethanol.com

Adkins Energy, LLC

Scott Trainum

www.adkinsenergy.com

Aemetis, Inc.

Eric McAfee

www.aemetis.com

Archer Daniels Midland Co.

Matt Bruns

www.admworld.com

Aventine Renewable Energy 

Holdings, LLC 

John Castle

www.aventinerei.com

Big River Resources West 

Burlington, LLC

Raymond Defenbaugh

www.bigriverresources.com

Central Indiana Ethanol, LLC

Gary Drook

www.cie.us

Central MN Ethanol Coop

Dana Persson

www.centralmnethanol.com 

Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.

Mike Jerke

www.cvec.com

Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC

Mick Henderson

www.commonwealthagrienergy.com

Coskata, Inc.

Loula Merkel

www.coskata.com

Dakota Ethanol, LLC 

Scott Mundt

www.dakotaethanol.com

Didion Ethanol, LLC

John Didion

www.didionmilling.com

East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC

Steven Gardner

www.ekaellc.com

GEVO 

Jack Huttner

www.gevo.com

Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC

Jim Seurer

www.glaciallakesenergy.com

Granite Falls Energy, LLC

Tracey Olson

www.granitefallsenergy.com

GTL Resources USA Inc.

Richard Ruebe

www.gtlresources.com

Guardian Energy, LLC

Don Gales

www.guardiannrg.com

Guardian Lima, LLC

Don Gales

www.guardianlima.com

Heartland Corn Products

Ben Brown

Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC

Jim Boeding

www.homelandenergysolutions.com

Lincolnland Agri-Energy, LLC

Eric Mosbey

www.lincolnlandagrienergy.com

Little Sioux Corn Processors, LP

Steve Roe

www.littlesiouxcornprocessors.com

Mascoma

Bill Brady

www.Mascoma.com

Merrick & Company 

Steven Wagner

www.merrick.com

Mid America Bio Energy and 

Commodities, LLC

Robert Lundeen

www.standard-ethanol.com

Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc.

Ryland Utlaut

www.midmissourienergy.com

New Energy Corp., Inc.

Todd Allsop

Pacific Ethanol Inc. 

Neil Koehler

www.pacificethanol.net

Parallel Products

Jim Rottman

www.parallelproducts.com

Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC

Gene Griffith

www.patriotrenewablefuels.com

Penford Products Co.

Kevin Keiser

www.penfordproducts.com

Platinum Ethanol, LLC

Nick Bowdish

www.platinumethanol.com

Plymouth Energy, LLC

Eamonn Byrne

www.plymouth-energy.com

Quad County Corn Processors

Delayne Johnson

www.quad-county.com

Reeve Agri Energy, Inc.

Lee Reeve

Siouxland Ethanol LLC

Chuck Hofland

www.siouxlandethanol.com

Tate & Lyle

Tim Meinhold

www.tateandlyle.com

Trenton Agri Products, LLC

Charles Wilson

www.trentonagriproducts.com

Western New York Energy, LLC

Michael Sawyer

www.wnyenergy.com
2010 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK 1

Friends, America is blessed with a bounty of resources that have allowed it to become the respected, leading force it is today. One of 

our greatest resources is the boundless reservoir of innovative, creative entrepreneurship that is changing the way the world works. A 

shining example of this resource in action is our continually growing and evolving domestic ethanol industry.

The emergence of the domestic ethanol industry as a force in the nation’s motor fuel market has never been more apparent than in 2011. 

With nearly 14 billion gallons of production, ethanol is now ten percent of America’s fuel supply and 25 percent of all the motor fuel produced from domestic resources.

The growth of the domestic industry is having concrete impacts on everyday Americans. It is helping more than 400,000 of our friends and 

neighbors find work or keep the job they have. It is a $43 billion industry that contributes more than $8 billion in taxes to state, federal, and 

local governments. And, it has lowered the price of gasoline by more than $0.25 per gallon on average over the past decade.

These benefits are impressive in their own right, but America’s ethanol industry has only just begun.

Driven by innovation, existing ethanol producers are improving the processes by which they make ethanol today. They are utilizing less 

energy and water to produce increasing amounts of ethanol from the same bushel of grain. Additionally, they are producing an ever-increasing and valuable supply of livestock feed that is feeding herds and flocks across the nation and around the world. Simultaneously, 

these incubators of innovation are discovering new bio-based co-products that can be used to supplant petroleum in the production of 

other products such as diesel fuel, plastics, chemicals, and lubricants.

The evolution of existing ethanol production is just part of the story. Dozens of companies are rapidly proving out new technologies that 

will turn America’s waste products – garbage, woodchips, ag residue, corn stover, and more – into renewable fuel and other bio-based 

products. Many of these innovators have pilot and demonstration level projects already producing fuel. And, a handful have commercial 

scale facilities under development and construction from Oregon to Iowa to Alabama to Massachusetts. 

As technologies evolve, so too must the marketplace for ethanol. New fuel blends, like E15, E20, and E30, together with more familiar 

blends like E85 must be made available. Through the expanded installation of blender pumps and a greater proliferation of flex fuel 

vehicles, higher level ethanol blends will give consumers a real choice at the pump while making America less vulnerable to the vagaries of 

the world oil market. 

While an expanded and growing domestic market is a clear priority for American ethanol producers, maximizing export opportunities for 

both fuel and feed will be important to the continued success and growth of domestic ethanol production. In 2011, American ethanol 

producers filled the global thirst for renewable fuels with more than one billion gallons of ethanol exports. Like domestic demand, export 

markets will ebb and flow. However, ensuring fair trade opportunities exist for America’s ethanol producers will be critical to our continued 

growth.

In order to achieve the kind of growth and the level of innovation of which this industry is capable, it will take our collective ability to 

dream big. We must unite around a vision for the industry in which all technologies and business models have a chance to succeed.

America’s ethanol industry has an opportunity to reshape the nation’s energy future and reestablish American leadership in the field of 

energy innovation. It is up to us to seize the day. I know that we will.

Sincerely,

Bob Dinneen, President & CEO
A Reliably Expanding Industry

For much of this century, America’s ethanol producers have 

expanded the supply of domestic renewable fuel by leaps and 

bounds to meet surging domestic demand. In 2011, many of those 

domestic markets are being saturated as the industry dutifully works 

to bring E15 ethanol blends into widespread use. Nevertheless, 

demand for American-made ethanol is strong – both at home and 

abroad. As it always has, the industry has responded.

Two-thousand eleven marked yet another production record for U.S. 

ethanol with an estimated 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol operating 

at 209 ethanol biorefineries located in 29 states. That is an increase 

from the 13.2 billion gallons of ethanol production in 2010 and up 

from 1.63 billion gallons in 2000. Annually, these biorefineries have 

the capacity for 14.9 billion gallons of production and that capacity 

is growing.

Encouragingly, a number of the ethanol biorefineries that were 

temporarily closed in the aftermath of the 2008 economic collapse 

have been brought back into operation. Also a harbinger of things 

to come, the vast majority of the 209 biorefineries operating are 

updating technologies that are improving ethanol production, 

energy efficiency, and the quality of the livestock feed they produce.

America’s Dynamic Energy Industry

In a year dominated by talk of 20th century technologies and failures of new energy sources, America’s ethanol industry is once

again making concrete, measurable progress in ending America’s addiction to imported oil. From consistent production capacity

expansion to the implementation of new technologies, American ethanol producers continue to supply America with a reliable, 

renewable source of fuel and livestock feed. Unlike more antiquated energy sources, America’s ethanol industry is really just

beginning to hit its stride.

The Race to the Next Generation

Existing ethanol production in the U.S. has been and will continue 

to be the foundation of America’s transition away from a fossil 

fuel economy. Many existing ethanol biorefineries are exploring 

technology upgrades that will allow for the production of ethanol 

from a broader range of feedstocks. These so-called bolt-on 

technologies will allow ethanol producers to increase ethanol 

production by converting both grain starch and cellulosic material 

into fuel at the same facility. Remember, the ethanol molecule is 

identical no matter the feedstock. Utilizing existing piping, storage, 

and loading infrastructure at existing facilities may help lower the 

cost for the first commercial production of cellulosic and advanced 

ethanol.

The market created by existing ethanol production is also helping 

pave the way for stand alone, or green field, advanced and cellulosic 

ethanol biorefineries. Scores of ethanol technology companies are 

already into the demonstration phase of production, proving that 

technologies that convert everything from corn stalks to grasses to 

garbage to algae into ethanol are viable. Importantly, many of these 

companies are beginning to break ground on commercial-scale 

biorefineries that will provide tens of millions of gallons of ethanol 

from a wider range of feedstocks.

All of these technological innovations, 

together with the development of other 

biofuel molecules, can break America’s 

addiction to oil, put hundreds of thousands 

of Americans to work, and help secure a 

healthier environment for future generations.

U.S. Ethanol BIOrefinery locations

RI

VT

NJ

DE

DC

CT

NH

MA

MD

ID

AZ NM

CA

OR

NV

WA

MT ND

WI

LA TX

CO

UT

WY

SD

NE

KS

OK AR

MO

IA

FL

MI

NY

PA

WV

VA

NC

SC

AL GA

MS

IL IN OH

TN

ME

Biorefineries (209)

Biorefineries under construction (2)

Source: Renewable Fuels Association, 

January 2012 2
0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

19801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011

175

215

350

375

430

610

710

830

845

870

900

950

1,100

1,200

1,350

1,400

1,100

1,300

1,400

1,470

1,630

1,770

2,130

2,810

3,410

3,905

4,855

6,485

9,235

10,938

13,231

12,000

14,000

,

13,900*

HIstoric

U.S. fuel

Ethanol

production

U.S. Ethanol Production CAPACITY BY STATE

In Millions of Gallons, ordered by operating capacity

Source: Renewable Fuels Association, 

January 2012

Demand for American-made 

ethanol is strong – both at 

home and abroad

Source: U.S. Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration, January 2012 *Estimated

Millions of gallons

Nameplate Operating

Under 

Construction/ 

Expansion

Total

Iowa 3,625.0 3,625.0 115 3,740.0

Nebraska 2,108.0 1,973.0 0 2,108.0

Illinois 1,486.0 1,486.0 0 1,486.0

Minnesota 1,147.1 1,129.1 0 1,147.1

Indiana 1,147.0 1,147.0 0 1,147.0

South Dakota 1,009.0 1,009.0 0 1,009.0

Wisconsin 504.0 504.0 0 504.0

Ohio 538.0 478.0 0 538.0

Kansas 491.5 411.5 25 516.5

North Dakota 393.0 383.0 0 393.0

Texas 355.0 315.0 0 355.0

Michigan 268.0 268.0 0 268.0

Missouri 251.0 251.0 0 251.0

Tennessee 225.0 225.0 0 225.0

California 254.5 178.0 0 254.5

New York 164.0 164.0 0 164.0

Colorado 125.0 125.0 0 125.0

Georgia 100.4 100.4 0 100.4

Arizona 55.0 55.0 0 55.0

Idaho 54.0 54.0 0 54.0

Mississippi 54.0 54.0 0 54.0

Oregon 149.0 41.0 0 149.0

Kentucky 35.4 35.4 0 35.4

Wyoming 11.5 11.5 0 11.5

Louisiana 1.5 1.5 0 1.5

New Mexico 30.0 0 0 30.0

North Carolina 60 0 0 0

Pennsylvania 110.0 0 0 110.0

Virginia 65.0 0 0 65.0

Total 14,906.9 14,114.4 140 15,046.9

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 3
specifically, ethanol producers provided 35.7 million metric tons of 

distillers grains, 2.9 million tons of corn gluten feed, and 0.6 million 

tons of corn gluten meal. For perspective, that is considerably more 

feed production than the amount of grain used at all cattle feedlots 

across the country.

Interestingly, advances in ethanol production 

technologies are yielding additional co-products 

as well. According to RFA analysis, 40% of the 

nation’s ethanol biorefineries are capturing corn 

oil during the ethanol production process and 

selling that oil into the feed market, as well as 

biodiesel and other chemical markets. All told, 

U.S. ethanol producers supplied an estimated 1.5 

billion pounds of corn oil in 2011.

One Kernel, Endless Possibilities

The production of ethanol in the U.S. has become a multi-faceted 

endeavor. Capturing the headlines is the 13.9 billion gallons of 

ethanol production annually. But equally important, America’s 

ethanol producers are supplying 

increasing volumes of distillers grains and 

other livestock feed products.

Using industry averages for productivity 

and efficiency, U.S. ethanol biorefineries 

used 5 billion gross bushels of corn in 

2011. Those bushels yielded 13.9 billion 

gallons of ethanol and more than 39 

million metric tons of livestock feed. More 

From Farm to Feed and Fuel

Ethanol has become the most important value-added market for American farmers. In addition to leading the world in fuel

ethanol production, America’s ethanol industry is also one of the largest suppliers of feed in the world. From feedlots in Kansas

to hog farms in China, American ethanol livestock feed products – the largest of which is known as distillers grains – are

providing much needed protein, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients to livestock flocks and herds around the globe.

DISTILLERS GRAINS 

EXPORTS 1995 1996 1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011*

9,000,000

8,500,000

8,000,000

7,500,000

7,000,000

6,500,000

6,000,000

5,500,000

5,000,000

4,500,000

4,000,000

3,500,000

3,000,000

2,500,000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

Metric Tons

Source: USDA-FAS *Estimated 

Thousand Metric Tons

90-91

91-92

92-93

93-94

94-95

95-96

96-97

97-98

98-99

99-00

00-01

01-02

02-03

03-04

04-05

05-06

06-07

07-08

08-09

09-10

10-11

11-12*

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

Distillers Grains Corn Gluten Feed Corn Gluten Meal

PRODUCTION OF

U.s. Ethanol

Feed co-products

Source: RFA *Estimated

4 
DISTILLERS GRAINS CONSUMPTION 

BY SPECIES, 2011*

Source: CHS and RFA *Estimated 

Dairy 32%

Beef 48%

Swine

11%

Poultry

8%

Other

 1%

Net Corn Use, 2011*

Feed & Residual

4,600, 34%

Ethanol 

Feed 

Co-Products

1,562.5, 12%

Export

1,600, 12%

Non-Ethanol 

FSI, 1,405, 10%

Ending Stocks

848, 6%

Ethanol 

3,437.5, 26%

Net Total 

Feed Use

6,163 million 

bushels, 46%

Source: USDA/OCE *Estimated 

Ethanol and Corn: Beyond the Headlines

Ethanol’s growing importance to American farmers has other end users 

of corn crying foul, relying heavily on flawed assumptions and out-ofcontext statistics to denigrate ethanol production as part of America’s 

energy strategy. As is always the case with many of the arguments of 

ethanol’s critics, a careful examination of the ethanol and corn markets 

sheds light on the real relationship.

American farmers harvested a corn crop of 12.36 billion bushels in 2011, 

the fourth largest crop on record. During this time, gross demand for 

corn from ethanol production was 5.0 billion bushels, or 40% of the total 

supply. Importantly, ethanol producers supplied 39.4 million metric 

tons of livestock feed. When this feed production is factored back 

into the corn supply, the true measure of ethanol’s corn demand is 3.5 

billion bushels – 26% of the total supply. Importantly, a recent 

USDA report concluded that one metric ton of distillers grains 

displaced 1.2 metric tons of the traditional corn and soybean 

livestock feed ration.

Globally, U.S. ethanol production represents just a sliver of 

total grain demand. Using the same calculations, U.S. ethanol 

production utilizes just 3.2% of all grain supplies worldwide.

These facts indisputably refute the contention that ethanol 

production is utilizing unreasonable amounts of corn. Rather, 

without the demand for corn brought by ethanol production, 

it is unlikely farmers would be supplying record or 

near-record crops each and every year. 

FACT:One bushel of corn yields 2.8 gallons of ethanol 

and17.5 pounds of livestock feed in a dry mill. Dry mill 

plants extracting corn oil also produce about 0.5 pounds 

of corn oil per bushel, while wet mills produce 1.5 pounds 

of corn oil per bushel. Fully one-third of every bushel of 

corn is returned to livestock feed and other markets. 

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 5

(Million bushels, % of total use)
Driving Job Creation

The economic impact of domestic ethanol production is felt 

far outside the gates of the ethanol biorefinery. In hundreds of 

communities across the nation, ethanol production is creating well 

paying jobs in areas where jobs are too often few and far between.

According to analysis from economic research firm Cardno ENTRIX, 

the production of 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol supported 90,200 

direct jobs and 311,400 indirect jobs all across the country. These are 

quality jobs in fields like engineering, chemistry, and accounting that 

provide a good wage and important benefits.

Jobs in domestic renewable fuels production are just that – 

all-American jobs. Unlike outsourcing our oil needs to jobs in Saudi 

Arabia, Venezuela, or Canada, domestic ethanol production creates 

jobs that cannot be sent overseas.

America continues to struggle through an economic malaise that has gripped the globe. Millions of Americans remain

unemployed or underemployed. Yet, in many states with ethanol production facilities, economies have held their own. Many of

these states represent large, rural populations that are often the first to feel economic pain and the last to recover. In domestic

ethanol production, these states and communities have found an economic engine on which they, and the nation, can rely. 

Expanding Economic Opportunity

Ethanol production in the U.S. represents a true bright spot in the 

U.S. economy. According to the Cardno ENTRIX analysis, America’s 

ethanol industry added $42.4 billion to the national Gross 

Domestic Product, or GDP. 

This is no small feat, yet it is quite understandable. The production 

of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and other products at the 

nation’s ethanol biorefineries create tens of billions of dollars in 

value. Moreover, the value-added market for grains and other 

feedstocks helped strengthen those markets for farmers, providing 

a shot in the arm for Main Streets all across America.

Additionally, these products represent a growing export 

opportunity. More than one billion gallons of ethanol and 8 

million metric tons of livestock feed produced at American ethanol 

biorefineries found markets overseas. These exports represented 

billions of dollars in new economic opportunity and does not 

include the $49.7 billion saved in foreign oil imports as a result of 

our use of domestic ethanol.

Creating New Opportunities

The rapid rate of innovation and evolution within American 

ethanol production is bringing new technologies to the market 

that will increase efficiencies, create new markets for energy 

crops and waste materials, and employ hundreds of thousands 

of Americans in innovative new careers, creating a wide range of 

biofuels using a wide range of sources.

For example, the Abengoa Bioenergy cellulosic ethanol biorefinery 

under construction in Hutchinson, Kansas, will employ 300 people 

during construction and 65 full time employees once operational. 

Other projects and technologies are nearing commercialization 

that will add value to existing ethanol production and 

create exciting new economic and career opportunities 

in a broad spectrum of bio-based applications like 

fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. 

Jobs and Economic Opportunity

FACT: The production of 13.9 billion gallons 

of ethanol in 2011 created real, measurable 

economic opportunity, including:

- 90,200 direct jobs

- 311,400 indirect and induced jobs

- $42.4 billion contribution to GDP

- $29.9 billion in household income

(Source: Contribution of Ethanol to 

the Economy of the United States 

2011, Cardno ENTRIX, February 2012.)

6
Guardian Lima, LLC

Even with a national economy still sputtering, America’s 

ethanol industry continues to innovate and evolve. A 

perfect example is the resurrection of a failed ethanol 

facility in Lima, Ohio. This 54-million gallon per year 

facility was purchased, reconstructed, and is now open for 

business. More than 600 applications came in to fill the 

33 full time jobs at the biorefinery. For a town of nearly 

40,000 people, this means a great deal.

 

SP T

LIGHT

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 7
More Ethanol, Less Oil

It is simple enough to understand: With ethanol representing ten 

percent of the nation’s motor fuel supply, less petroleum must be 

refined to meet America’s fuel needs. Unfortunately, many do not fully 

appreciate the impact of domestic ethanol production.

With 13.9 billion gallons of domestic ethanol production, America 

required 485 million fewer barrels of imported oil. For perspective, 

that is a total greater than all the oil we import from Saudi Arabia. 

More importantly, ethanol is helping to permanently reduce 

America’s reliance on foreign oil. According to the Energy Information 

Administration (EIA), America’s net foreign petroleum dependence 

peaked in 2005 at just over 60% - the same year the federal renewable 

fuels standard was enacted. In the seven years since, the increased use 

of domestic, renewable fuels has been a major force in reducing our 

net foreign petroleum dependence to under 50%.

Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that ethanol now represents 

25% of all the fuel for gasoline engines that is refined and produced 

from domestic sources. This not only frees up American oil supplies 

for use in other markets, it also helps to relieve some pressure on the 

need to dangerously exploit every possible source of petroleum under 

American soil. 

As ethanol production innovates and evolves, greater supplies 

of increasingly sustainable renewable fuels will be available to 

displace hard to come by sources of petroleum with dangerous 

and not understood consequences.

It’s More than Energy Security

America’s addiction to foreign oil exposes very real dangers for 

our economy and our environment. Our continued reliance on 

hostile regions of the world for our energy also presents very real 

threats to our nation’s security.

Military leaders from all branches of the armed forces and all 

walks of life have recognized this fact. In a recent announcement 

on the importance of biofuels to U.S. military operations, 

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said, “There are great strategic 

reasons for moving away from fossil fuels. It’s costly. Every time 

the cost of a barrel of oil goes up a dollar, it costs the United 

States Navy $31 million in extra fuel costs. But it’s costly in more 

ways than just money. For every 50 convoys of gasoline we bring 

in, we lose a Marine. We lose a Marine, killed or wounded. That is 

too high a price to pay for fuel.”

FUEL FROM DOMESTIC SOURCES FOR USE IN GASOLINE VEHICLES

8

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011*

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

30 %

25 %

20 %

15 %

10 %

5 %

0 %

Billion Gallons

U.S. Ethanol Production (left axis) Gasoline from Domestic Oil Sources (left axis)

Ethanol Production, as % of Domestic Fuel Production for Gasoline Vehicles (right axis)

Source: EIA and RFA *Estimated 

 

Energy Security Through Ethanol

Few things unite American opinion these days. Yet, a strong majority of Americans understand the dangers of America’s

addiction to oil, foreign sources in particular, and want to see America take concrete steps to break that addiction. Americans

don’t want pie in the sky solutions, they want concrete action. This is where American ethanol production excels.
HISTORIC OIL IMPORT DISPLACEMENT 

BY ETHANOL

0

 100

200

300

400

500

20042005200620072008200920102011

143

170

206

 228

321

364

459

485*

Source: Cardno ENTRIX *Estimated

Millions of barrels annually

There are great strategic reasons for moving away from 

fossil fuels. It’s costly. Every time the cost of a barrel of 

oil goes up a dollar, it costs the United States Navy $31 

million in extra fuel costs. But it’s costly in more ways 

than just money. For every 50 convoys of gasoline we 

bring in, we lose a Marine. We lose a Marine, killed or 

wounded. That is too high a price to pay for fuel.

—Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy

“

”

[The current energy policy] is to buy from a cartel 

who drives the price and go to war every few 

years to maintain that privilege. It is outrageous. 

The good news is that there is an alternative. The 

good old fashion American idea of introducing 

competition into the fuel market.

—Robert McFarlane, National Security Advisor 

under President Ronald Reagan

“

”

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 9
Fuel Market Snapshot

America consumes approximately 135-140 billion gallons of gasoline 

a year. More than 95% of those gallons were blended with ethanol, 

predominantly at the E10 (ten percent ethanol) level. RFA’s efforts to 

update state fuel regulations helped create ethanol’s irreplaceable 

position in the fuel market. 

The saturation of the E10 marketplace has led to the need for new 

domestic market opportunities. A new fuel, E15 (15 percent ethanol), 

will be coming to pumps all across America in the months and years 

ahead. As it was with E10, achieving significant market penetration 

with E15 will take time and effort at both the federal and state level, 

but it must be done. A nationwide E15 market would represent 

nearly 20 billion gallons of annual ethanol demand.

Accelerating Market Evolution

Long gone are the days of “gasohol” and the marginal role ethanol once played in America’s motor fuel market. Today, ethanol

is ten percent of the nation’s gasoline supply and growing. Realizing the full potential of domestic ethanol production requires

opening up new markets for ethanol through higher ethanol blends and modernized fueling infrastructure with blender pumps. 

The market must evolve and the RFA is helping lead the way. 

Source: RFA 

While efforts to successfully introduce E15 to consumers are 

ongoing, the industry remains committed to expanding the use 

of all ethanol blends. Through joint industry efforts like the Blend 

Your Own (BYO) Ethanol campaign by RFA and the American 

Coalition for Ethanol, fuel marketers and retailers are being 

provided the necessary information to gain comfort with and 

ultimately install blender pumps that can dispense a wide range 

of ethanol blends – E10 to E30 to E85. 

Simultaneously, more vehicles capable of utilizing these mid- and 

higher level ethanol blends are needed. Flex fuel vehicles, or FFVs, 

represent more than 9 million vehicles out of the national vehicle 

fleet of some 240 million automobiles. The Big Three American 

automakers – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler – have pledged 

to make half of all their new vehicles in 2012 as FFVs. Based upon 

RFA analysis, they will meet these targets. This production will put 

more than one million new FFVs into the market. 

90% 

Oregon

90% Washington75% 

Montana

65% 

Idaho

92% 

Nevada

65% 

Utah

80% 

Arizona

70% 

Alaska

95% New Mexico

95% 

Texas

80% 

Oklahoma

90% 

Kansas

90% 

Missouri

95% 

Illinois

95% 

Indiana

90% 

Ohio

80% West Virginia

90% 

Virginia

95% 

Kentucky

80% 

Arkansas

85% 

Tennessee

95% 

Mississippi

95% 

Alabama

85% 

Georgia

100% 

Florida

85% North Carolina

85% 

South

Carolina

95% 

Louisiana

90% Pennsylvania

100% 

New York

80% 

Maine

90% 

Vermont

95% New Hampshire

100% Massachusetts

100% Rhode Island

100% Washington DC

100% 

Maryland

100% 

Delaware

100% 

New Jersey

100% 

Connecticut

80% 

Nebraska

85%

Colorado

100% 

California

70% 

Wyoming

95% North Dakota 100% 

Minnesota

95% 

Wisconsin

90% 

Michigan

78% 

Iowa

95% South Dakota

90% 

Hawaii

E10 market estimation, 2011

76-100%

51-75%

10
The Path to E15

Introducing E15 into the market is a process that is fairly clear and 

well understood, but it is not easy or expedient. It will require a 

consistent and long-term commitment. 

Hurdles to E15?

As if the process of introducing a new fuel were not complicated 

enough, pending lawsuits and threats of Congressional action to stall 

EPA’s implementation of E15 continue to provide challenges above 

and beyond the known steps to introduce a new fuel.

The lawsuit filed by industries opposed to E15 will move forward in 

2012 and the RFA will remain engaged in the fight, defending EPA’s 

decision to approve E15. The RFA will also vigorously defend E15 on 

Capitol Hill against members of Congress seeking to slow, stall, or 

suffocate American renewable fuel production. 

3E15 Label – The EPA has finalized the label to be used on all gasoline pumps dispensing E15 ethanol blends.

3E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan – The RFA has submitted a Misfueling Mitigation plan to EPA. In order for 

any retailer to offer E15, they must comply with a misfueling mitigation strategy like the one submitted by RFA.

3EPA Fuel Registration – All new fuels must register with EPA, including the submission of health effects 

testing. The RFA has worked with industry partners to compile the information necessary and will be submitting 

to EPA in early 2012. 

3State Regulations – As it was with E10 blends, the RFA is working with state regulators to properly adjust 

various fuel regulations to allow for the legal sale of E15 blends. Some states, like Iowa and Illinois, are ready to 

allow E15 sales once all federal requirements are met.

3Point-of-Sale –The RFA is working with retailers to address concerns over misfueling, E15 storage and other 

issues. Namely, the RFA is leading a group of stakeholders in developing information for retailers and others 

on the proper use of E15 fuel blends. This group consists of ethanol interests as well as fuel marketers, engine 

manufacturers, and state regulators. 

E15 CHECKLIST

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 17
Company Location Feedstock Nameplate Capacity 

(mgy)

Operating 

Production (mgy)

Under Construction/ 

Expansion Capacity 

(mgy)

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. (Total)

323 323

Colwich, KS corn/milo

Hugoton, KS crop residue and 

cellulosic energy crops

25

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Madison, IL corn

Ravenna, NE corn

York, NE corn

Portales, NM corn

Absolute Energy, LLC* St. Ansgar, IA corn 115 115

ACE Ethanol, LLC Stanley, WI corn 41 41

Adkins Energy, LLC* Lena, IL corn 45 45

Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Total)

182 182

Fairmont, NE corn

Aberdeen, SD corn

Huron, SD corn

Aemetis Keyes, CA corn 55 55

AGP* Hastings, NE corn 52 52

Al-Corn Clean Fuel* Claremont, MN corn 45 45

Alchem Ltd. LLP Grafton, ND corn 10 0

AltraBiofuels Coshocton Ethanol, LLC Coshocton, OH corn 60 0

AltraBiofuels Phoenix Bio Industries, LLC Goshen, CA corn 31.5 0

Amaizing Energy, LLC* Denison, IA corn 55 55

Archer Daniels Midland (Total)

1,750 1,750

Cedar Rapids, IA corn

Clinton, IA corn

Decatur, IL corn

Peoria, IL corn

Marshall, MN corn

Wallhalla, ND corn/barley

Columbus, NE corn

Arkalon Energy, LLC Liberal, KS 110 110

Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC

464 354

Pekin, IL corn

Canton, IL corn

Aurora East, NE corn

Aurora West, NE corn

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Badger State Ethanol, LLC* Monroe, WI corn 50 50

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC Boyceville, WI corn 40 40

Big River Resources Galva, LLC Galva, IL corn 100 100

Big River Resources West Burlington, LLC* West Burlington, IA corn 100 100

Big River United Energy Dyersville, IA corn 110 110

BioFuel Energy - Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC Fairmont, MN corn 115 115

BioFuel Energy - Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC Wood River, NE corn 115 115

Bionol Clearfield Clearfield, PA corn 110 0

Blue Flint Ethanol Underwood, ND corn 50 50

Bonanza Energy, LLC Garden City, KS corn/milo 55 55

BP Biofuels North America Jennings, LA sugar cane bagasse 1.5 1.5

Bridgeport Ethanol Bridgeport, NE corn 54 54

Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS corn 54 54

Bushmills Ethanol, Inc.* Atwater, MN corn 50 50

U.S. Fuel Ethanol Industry Biorefineries and Capacity 
Company Location Feedstock Nameplate Capacity 

(mgy)

Operating 

Production (mgy)

Under Construction/ 

Expansion Capacity 

(mgy)

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. (Total)

323 323

Colwich, KS corn/milo

Hugoton, KS crop residue and 

cellulosic energy crops

25

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Madison, IL corn

Ravenna, NE corn

York, NE corn

Portales, NM corn

Absolute Energy, LLC* St. Ansgar, IA corn 115 115

ACE Ethanol, LLC Stanley, WI corn 41 41

Adkins Energy, LLC* Lena, IL corn 45 45

Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Total)

182 182

Fairmont, NE corn

Aberdeen, SD corn

Huron, SD corn

Aemetis Keyes, CA corn 55 55

AGP* Hastings, NE corn 52 52

Al-Corn Clean Fuel* Claremont, MN corn 45 45

Alchem Ltd. LLP Grafton, ND corn 10 0

AltraBiofuels Coshocton Ethanol, LLC Coshocton, OH corn 60 0

AltraBiofuels Phoenix Bio Industries, LLC Goshen, CA corn 31.5 0

Amaizing Energy, LLC* Denison, IA corn 55 55

Archer Daniels Midland (Total)

1,750 1,750

Cedar Rapids, IA corn

Clinton, IA corn

Decatur, IL corn

Peoria, IL corn

Marshall, MN corn

Wallhalla, ND corn/barley

Columbus, NE corn

Arkalon Energy, LLC Liberal, KS 110 110

Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC

464 354

Pekin, IL corn

Canton, IL corn

Aurora East, NE corn

Aurora West, NE corn

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Badger State Ethanol, LLC* Monroe, WI corn 50 50

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC Boyceville, WI corn 40 40

Big River Resources Galva, LLC Galva, IL corn 100 100

Big River Resources West Burlington, LLC* West Burlington, IA corn 100 100

Big River United Energy Dyersville, IA corn 110 110

BioFuel Energy - Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC Fairmont, MN corn 115 115

BioFuel Energy - Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC Wood River, NE corn 115 115

Bionol Clearfield Clearfield, PA corn 110 0

Blue Flint Ethanol Underwood, ND corn 50 50

Bonanza Energy, LLC Garden City, KS corn/milo 55 55

BP Biofuels North America Jennings, LA sugar cane bagasse 1.5 1.5

Bridgeport Ethanol Bridgeport, NE corn 54 54

Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS corn 54 54

Bushmills Ethanol, Inc.* Atwater, MN corn 50 50

U.S. Fuel Ethanol Industry Biorefineries and Capacity 
Company Location Feedstock Nameplate Capacity 

(mgy)

Operating 

Production (mgy)

Under Construction/ 

Expansion Capacity 

(mgy)

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. (Total)

323 323

Colwich, KS corn/milo

Hugoton, KS crop residue and 

cellulosic energy crops

25

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Madison, IL corn

Ravenna, NE corn

York, NE corn

Portales, NM corn

Absolute Energy, LLC* St. Ansgar, IA corn 115 115

ACE Ethanol, LLC Stanley, WI corn 41 41

Adkins Energy, LLC* Lena, IL corn 45 45

Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Total)

182 182

Fairmont, NE corn

Aberdeen, SD corn

Huron, SD corn

Aemetis Keyes, CA corn 55 55

AGP* Hastings, NE corn 52 52

Al-Corn Clean Fuel* Claremont, MN corn 45 45

Alchem Ltd. LLP Grafton, ND corn 10 0

AltraBiofuels Coshocton Ethanol, LLC Coshocton, OH corn 60 0

AltraBiofuels Phoenix Bio Industries, LLC Goshen, CA corn 31.5 0

Amaizing Energy, LLC* Denison, IA corn 55 55

Archer Daniels Midland (Total)

1,750 1,750

Cedar Rapids, IA corn

Clinton, IA corn

Decatur, IL corn

Peoria, IL corn

Marshall, MN corn

Wallhalla, ND corn/barley

Columbus, NE corn

Arkalon Energy, LLC Liberal, KS 110 110

Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC

464 354

Pekin, IL corn

Canton, IL corn

Aurora East, NE corn

Aurora West, NE corn

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Badger State Ethanol, LLC* Monroe, WI corn 50 50

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC Boyceville, WI corn 40 40

Big River Resources Galva, LLC Galva, IL corn 100 100

Big River Resources West Burlington, LLC* West Burlington, IA corn 100 100

Big River United Energy Dyersville, IA corn 110 110

BioFuel Energy - Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC Fairmont, MN corn 115 115

BioFuel Energy - Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC Wood River, NE corn 115 115

Bionol Clearfield Clearfield, PA corn 110 0

Blue Flint Ethanol Underwood, ND corn 50 50

Bonanza Energy, LLC Garden City, KS corn/milo 55 55

BP Biofuels North America Jennings, LA sugar cane bagasse 1.5 1.5

Bridgeport Ethanol Bridgeport, NE corn 54 54

Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS corn 54 54

Bushmills Ethanol, Inc.* Atwater, MN corn 50 50

U.S. Fuel Ethanol Industry Biorefineries and Capacity 
Company Location Feedstock Nameplate Capacity 

(mgy)

Operating 

Production (mgy)

Under Construction/ 

Expansion Capacity 

(mgy)

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. (Total)

323 323

Colwich, KS corn/milo

Hugoton, KS crop residue and 

cellulosic energy crops

25

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Madison, IL corn

Ravenna, NE corn

York, NE corn

Portales, NM corn

Absolute Energy, LLC* St. Ansgar, IA corn 115 115

ACE Ethanol, LLC Stanley, WI corn 41 41

Adkins Energy, LLC* Lena, IL corn 45 45

Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Total)

182 182

Fairmont, NE corn

Aberdeen, SD corn

Huron, SD corn

Aemetis Keyes, CA corn 55 55

AGP* Hastings, NE corn 52 52

Al-Corn Clean Fuel* Claremont, MN corn 45 45

Alchem Ltd. LLP Grafton, ND corn 10 0

AltraBiofuels Coshocton Ethanol, LLC Coshocton, OH corn 60 0

AltraBiofuels Phoenix Bio Industries, LLC Goshen, CA corn 31.5 0

Amaizing Energy, LLC* Denison, IA corn 55 55

Archer Daniels Midland (Total)

1,750 1,750

Cedar Rapids, IA corn

Clinton, IA corn

Decatur, IL corn

Peoria, IL corn

Marshall, MN corn

Wallhalla, ND corn/barley

Columbus, NE corn

Arkalon Energy, LLC Liberal, KS 110 110

Aventine Renewable Energy, LLC

464 354

Pekin, IL corn

Canton, IL corn

Aurora East, NE corn

Aurora West, NE corn

Mt. Vernon, IN corn

Badger State Ethanol, LLC* Monroe, WI corn 50 50

Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC Boyceville, WI corn 40 40

Big River Resources Galva, LLC Galva, IL corn 100 100

Big River Resources West Burlington, LLC* West Burlington, IA corn 100 100

Big River United Energy Dyersville, IA corn 110 110

BioFuel Energy - Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC Fairmont, MN corn 115 115

BioFuel Energy - Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC Wood River, NE corn 115 115

Bionol Clearfield Clearfield, PA corn 110 0

Blue Flint Ethanol Underwood, ND corn 50 50

Bonanza Energy, LLC Garden City, KS corn/milo 55 55

BP Biofuels North America Jennings, LA sugar cane bagasse 1.5 1.5

Bridgeport Ethanol Bridgeport, NE corn 54 54

Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS corn 54 54

Bushmills Ethanol, Inc.* Atwater, MN corn 50 50

U.S. Fuel Ethanol Industry Biorefineries and Capacity 
The Path to E15

Introducing E15 into the market is a process that is fairly clear and 

well understood, but it is not easy or expedient. It will require a 

consistent and long-term commitment. 

Hurdles to E15?

As if the process of introducing a new fuel were not complicated 

enough, pending lawsuits and threats of Congressional action to stall 

EPA’s implementation of E15 continue to provide challenges above 

and beyond the known steps to introduce a new fuel.

The lawsuit filed by industries opposed to E15 will move forward in 

2012 and the RFA will remain engaged in the fight, defending EPA’s 

decision to approve E15. The RFA will also vigorously defend E15 on 

Capitol Hill against members of Congress seeking to slow, stall, or 

suffocate American renewable fuel production. 

3E15 Label – The EPA has finalized the label to be used on all gasoline pumps dispensing E15 ethanol blends.

3E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan – The RFA has submitted a Misfueling Mitigation plan to EPA. In order for 

any retailer to offer E15, they must comply with a misfueling mitigation strategy like the one submitted by RFA.

3EPA Fuel Registration – All new fuels must register with EPA, including the submission of health effects 

testing. The RFA has worked with industry partners to compile the information necessary and will be submitting 

to EPA in early 2012. 

3State Regulations – As it was with E10 blends, the RFA is working with state regulators to properly adjust 

various fuel regulations to allow for the legal sale of E15 blends. Some states, like Iowa and Illinois, are ready to 

allow E15 sales once all federal requirements are met.

3Point-of-Sale –The RFA is working with retailers to address concerns over misfueling, E15 storage and other 

issues. Namely, the RFA is leading a group of stakeholders in developing information for retailers and others 

on the proper use of E15 fuel blends. This group consists of ethanol interests as well as fuel marketers, engine 

manufacturers, and state regulators. 

E15 CHECKLIST

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 17
The Path to E15

Introducing E15 into the market is a process that is fairly clear and 

well understood, but it is not easy or expedient. It will require a 

consistent and long-term commitment. 

Hurdles to E15?

As if the process of introducing a new fuel were not complicated 

enough, pending lawsuits and threats of Congressional action to stall 

EPA’s implementation of E15 continue to provide challenges above 

and beyond the known steps to introduce a new fuel.

The lawsuit filed by industries opposed to E15 will move forward in 

2012 and the RFA will remain engaged in the fight, defending EPA’s 

decision to approve E15. The RFA will also vigorously defend E15 on 

Capitol Hill against members of Congress seeking to slow, stall, or 

suffocate American renewable fuel production. 

3E15 Label – The EPA has finalized the label to be used on all gasoline pumps dispensing E15 ethanol blends.

3E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan – The RFA has submitted a Misfueling Mitigation plan to EPA. In order for 

any retailer to offer E15, they must comply with a misfueling mitigation strategy like the one submitted by RFA.

3EPA Fuel Registration – All new fuels must register with EPA, including the submission of health effects 

testing. The RFA has worked with industry partners to compile the information necessary and will be submitting 

to EPA in early 2012. 

3State Regulations – As it was with E10 blends, the RFA is working with state regulators to properly adjust 

various fuel regulations to allow for the legal sale of E15 blends. Some states, like Iowa and Illinois, are ready to 

allow E15 sales once all federal requirements are met.

3Point-of-Sale –The RFA is working with retailers to address concerns over misfueling, E15 storage and other 

issues. Namely, the RFA is leading a group of stakeholders in developing information for retailers and others 

on the proper use of E15 fuel blends. This group consists of ethanol interests as well as fuel marketers, engine 

manufacturers, and state regulators. 

E15 CHECKLIST

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 17
The Path to E15

Introducing E15 into the market is a process that is fairly clear and 

well understood, but it is not easy or expedient. It will require a 

consistent and long-term commitment. 

Hurdles to E15?

As if the process of introducing a new fuel were not complicated 

enough, pending lawsuits and threats of Congressional action to stall 

EPA’s implementation of E15 continue to provide challenges above 

and beyond the known steps to introduce a new fuel.

The lawsuit filed by industries opposed to E15 will move forward in 

2012 and the RFA will remain engaged in the fight, defending EPA’s 

decision to approve E15. The RFA will also vigorously defend E15 on 

Capitol Hill against members of Congress seeking to slow, stall, or 

suffocate American renewable fuel production. 

3E15 Label – The EPA has finalized the label to be used on all gasoline pumps dispensing E15 ethanol blends.

3E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan – The RFA has submitted a Misfueling Mitigation plan to EPA. In order for 

any retailer to offer E15, they must comply with a misfueling mitigation strategy like the one submitted by RFA.

3EPA Fuel Registration – All new fuels must register with EPA, including the submission of health effects 

testing. The RFA has worked with industry partners to compile the information necessary and will be submitting 

to EPA in early 2012. 

3State Regulations – As it was with E10 blends, the RFA is working with state regulators to properly adjust 

various fuel regulations to allow for the legal sale of E15 blends. Some states, like Iowa and Illinois, are ready to 

allow E15 sales once all federal requirements are met.

3Point-of-Sale –The RFA is working with retailers to address concerns over misfueling, E15 storage and other 

issues. Namely, the RFA is leading a group of stakeholders in developing information for retailers and others 

on the proper use of E15 fuel blends. This group consists of ethanol interests as well as fuel marketers, engine 

manufacturers, and state regulators. 

E15 CHECKLIST

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 17
2011 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK 19

A Binding RFS

The federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) serves as the catalyst 

for the continued growth and innovation within the domestic 

ethanol industry. As such, it remains the key pillar of federal policy 

to create market share for renewable alternatives to oil in the 

nation’s motor fuel market.

With the expiration of VEETC, critics of ethanol have focused their 

vitriol on the RFS and efforts to rewrite, reduce, and repeal abound 

in Congress. Such proposals cannot be allowed to succeed. The 

RFS provides assurance to investors, farmers, and the fuel market 

that renewable fuels will be part of the mix. For new technologies 

and ethanol companies, the RFS is a critical policy to attract 

investment and commercialize new ethanol production processes. 

Regulation and the Market

The need for increased market access has intensified the focus 

of the American ethanol industry on federal and state regulatory 

agencies that have direct control over how much ethanol can and 

will be used. Crucial regulatory and market expansion issues like the 

implementation of E15 ethanol blends at the state and federal level 

must be addressed correctly to ensure the smooth adoption of this 

new fuel option.

Other regulatory issues, such as greenhouse gas reduction 

regulations, transportation concerns, and employee and community 

safety priorities must be closely monitored. Regulations of 

these types are important but, if implemented incorrectly, can 

be unnecessarily burdensome and economically suffocating for 

ethanol producers across the nation.

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Renewable Biofuel 9.0 10.5 12.0 12.6 13.2 13.8 14.4 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0

Advanced Biofuel 0.6 0.95 1.35 2.0 2.75 3.75 5.5 7.25 9.0 11.0 13.0 15.0 18.0 21.0

Cellulosic Biofuel 0.1 0.25 0.5 1.0 1.75 3.0 4.25 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.5 13.5 16.0

Biomass-based Diesel 0.5 0.65 0.8 1.0

Undifferentiated 

Advanced Biofuel 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.75 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 5.0

Total RFS 9.0 11.1 12.95 13.95 15.2 16.55 18.15 20.5 22.25 24.0 26.0 28.0 30.0 33.0 36.0

renewable fuel standard schedule (Billion Gallons Per Year)

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

O & G, 1918-2009 Nuclear, 1947-1999 Biofuels, 1980-2009 Renewables, 1994-2009

$4.86

$3.50

$1.08

$0.37

2010$, 

billions

Eye on the States

Legislative and regulatory action in state capitals 

across the nation relating to ethanol have picked up 

in both intensity and importance. From efforts to 

ban ethanol in New Hampshire to labeling concerns 

in Nebraska to a repeal threat of the Florida 

Renewable Fuel Standard, anti-ethanol interests 

are motivating their state affiliates in an effort to 

dismantle domestic ethanol production from the 

ground up. The RFA has and will continue to work 

with our members and the industry to address antiethanol state initiatives and look for opportunities 

to expand ethanol markets in all 50 states.

Historical Average of Annual Energy Subsidies: 

A Century of Federal SuppoRT

Source: “What would Jefferson do?”, DBL Investors, September 2011

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 19
Building the Biorefinery Model

American ethanol producers are about far more than just fuel and 

feed today. Technologies are being developed and deployed that 

not only improve the efficiency of ethanol and distillers grains 

production, but are producing new bio-based products and 

chemicals that will further displace America’s thirst for oil.

The largest example of these new technologies is corn oil 

extraction. An estimated 40-50 percent of ethanol dry mills across 

the country are extracting corn oil today. Corn oil can be used in 

various applications including biodiesel production, feed markets, 

and as the building blocks for a variety of industrial applications. 

The RFA estimates that U.S. ethanol producers supplied 175 million 

gallons of corn oil in 2011.

Beyond corn oil, new technologies are also creating a wide range 

of bio-based chemicals and other products that will displace crude 

oil and transform the ethanol industry into a larger player in the 

fuel, feed, food, and chemical markets. 

Innovation at Work

Innovative is the word that best describes America’s ethanol industry today. Whether it is new efficiencies and products being

developed at existing ethanol biorefineries or the evolutionary technologies that will turn agricultural residues, grasses, garbage, 

and other feedstocks into ethanol, domestic ethanol production is on the move to help answer 21st century challenges with 21st

century American ingenuity.

New technologies, new opportunities

Existing ethanol production is building a strong foundation from 

which new technologies and new fuel will be launched. Advanced 

and cellulosic ethanol companies are making the transition from 

the laboratory to the market with technologies that will greatly 

expand the basket of feedstocks from which ethanol is made. 

These technologies are being deployed as both enhancements 

to existing ethanol production (so-called bolt-on facilities) and as 

stand alone ethanol biorefineries.

Right now, more than two dozen companies are aggressively 

deploying demonstration or commercial scale projects all across 

the nation. Abengoa Bioenergy, one of the nation’s largest 

producers of ethanol from grain, is currently constructing a joint 

grain and switchgrass ethanol biorefinery in Hutchinson, Kansas, 

that will produce 25 million gallons a year once completed. Other 

companies such as Coskata, Mascoma, and Inbicon are also 

preparing commercial and demonstration biorefineries that will 

accelerate the evolution of domestic ethanol production.

20
2010 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK

Existing ethanol production 

is building a strong 

foundation from which 

new technologies and new 

fuel will be launched.

What is advanced and cellulosic ethanol?

Cellulose refers to the material comprising the cell walls of any 

green plant and is the most common organic compound found 

on Earth. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol produced by turning 

the sugars in cellulose into alcohol fuel. Advanced ethanol, 

by comparison, is sourced from non-cellulosic feedstocks 

including sugars and starches other than corn starch. All 

sources for ethanol will be required to provide the nation with 

the kind of energy choices we need.

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 21
Global Trade Strengthens

The emergence of American ethanol on the world market stems 

from the cost-efficient nature of U.S. ethanol and the rising world 

sugar price. Forecasts for 2012 and beyond strongly suggest this 

dynamic will continue.

In 2011, the U.S. exported a record of more than 1 billion gallons 

of denatured and undenatured ethanol. These are gallons not 

blended with gasoline, and thus not eligible for any federal tax 

incentive. These exports represent an increase of some 600 

million gallons over 2010, the previous record year. 

Top destinations for U.S. ethanol were Brazil, Europe, and Canada 

with American product also finding its way to the Middle East 

and Asia.

 In addition to ethanol, the U.S. also exported nearly 8 million 

metric tons of distillers grains to growing markets in North 

America, Asia and Europe. 

An interesting shift in ethanol trade is also occurring. Deemed 

“The Ethanol Shuffle,” carbon footprint calculations in both the 

federal Renewable Fuel Standard and the California Low Carbon 

Fuel Standard (LCFS) encourage the import of Brazilian ethanol 

even as the Brazilian industry falls short in meeting its own 

domestic demand. As a result, America has been importing 

ethanol from Brazil while simultaneously exporting ethanol to 

Brazil to backfill its market. All the while, a doubling of carbon 

emissions from transporting these ethanol shipments will occur, 

partly undermining the carbon reduction goals of both policies. 

American Ethanol in the Global Market

After putting their toe in the water in 2010, U.S. ethanol producers entered the world market in a big way in 2011. With

record production, use, and now exports, America’s ethanol industry is the largest and most efficient in the world. As new

opportunities for domestic producers open overseas, new challenges and growing pains associated with an increased global

footprint will also emerge.

Issues, Opportunities Emerge on the 

Global Stage

The growing presence of U.S. ethanol in the global fuel supply is 

expectedly creating new challenges and opportunities. As the 

low-cost producer of ethanol, and with excess supply, American 

ethanol producers have emerged as the world’s most reliable and 

cost-effective source of ethanol. This is creating both friction and 

opportunity in other nations.

22
European Union Trade Complaint

The most pressing trade issue for U.S. ethanol producers and marketers is the antidumping and countervailing 

duties investigations initiated by the European Commission (EC). The basis of the claim is that American ethanol 

exporters were shipping ethanol and ethanol blends to Europe after first taking advantage of the now expired 

tax credit for ethanol blending for retail. The result, according to European complaints, was an undercutting 

of European ethanol prices and “harm” to European ethanol producers. This is an important issue for 

U.S. ethanol producers as export markets have emerged as welcomed opportunities for domestically 

produced ethanol.

The RFA is confident that, as the investigations proceed and the true facts are revealed about U.S. 

ethanol trading practices and the workings of domestic tax incentives, the industry will succeed in 

pushing back on the claims of illegal dumping and subsidies concerning U.S. ethanol exports. And, 

the RFA is leading efforts on behalf of the U.S. ethanol industry to cooperate with the investigation, 

and present the U.S. ethanol industry position before the Commission in Brussels.

Renewable Fuels Policies Around the Globe 

Renewable energy initiatives in other nations are seeking to reduce the use of petroleum, clean 

the environment, and create economic opportunity. Many of these, such as Canada’s Renewable 

Fuel Standard and the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, are similar to the U.S. 

Renewable Fuel Standard in requiring the use of cleaner renewable alternatives to petroleumbased fuels. These policies, including air pollution concerns in large cities in the Middle East, are 

creating opportunities for U.S ethanol producers as the largest supplier of ethanol today. 

Source: International Trade Commission, RFA *Estimated 

Historic U.S. Ethanol EXports

(Denatured and Undenatured, Non-Beverage)

Source: F.O. Lichts 

Continent Africa Asia Australia Europe North and Central America South America

 2011 38.31 889.7 87.2 1,167.64 14,401.34 5,771.9

Nation Brazil Canada China European Union

 2011 5,573.24 462.3 554.76 1,199.31

*Estimated

 

Global ethanol production (millions of gallons)*

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

435.2

10.0

Millions 

of 

Gallons

600.0

193.7

160.0*

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

150.2 157.7

396.0

Millions 

of 

Gallons

1,100.0*

113.3

Historic U.S. Ethanol Imports

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 23
Tomorrow’s Technologies Today

Ethanol producers are among the most likely to adopt new 

technologies that improve efficiencies, increase yields, and reduce 

carbon footprints. Today, roughly 90% of the nation’s ethanol is 

produced using the dry mill process, with the remainder using 

wet mill technology. Also, slightly more than 90% of the energy 

needed to run the nation’s 200+ ethanol biorefineries comes from 

natural gas—a plentiful domestic energy resource. Finally, nearly a 

quarter of these facilities are using Combined Heat and Power (CHP) 

technologies, also known as co-generation.

According to the latest research, the average dry mill ethanol plant in 

2008 used 28% less thermal energy per gallon than it did just seven 

years earlier in 2001. Electricity demand per gallon of production 

fell 32% from 2001 to 2008 and water use fell by 47%. All the while, 

ethanol producers are increasing the amount of ethanol they can 

produce from the same bushel of corn. At 2.8 gallons per bushel, 

ethanol yields per bushel are up 5% since 2001.

Energetically Going Green-er 

Over the past 30 years, and in particular in the past decade, ethanol production has quietly become increasingly efficient. 

From improvements in corn production to greater efficiencies at ethanol biorefineries, America’s leading renewable fuel is providing

more with less. These improvements have dramatically reduced the environmental impacts of producing ethanol.

On the Farm

American farmers are the most productive and efficient the world 

has ever known. And, only America’s farmers can match ethanol 

producers’ willingness to rapidly put new technologies to work. 

American corn growers are producing twice as much grain today 

as they were in 1980 on virtually the same amount of land. In 

1980, farmers averaged a yield of 91 bushels of corn per acre and 

produced a crop of 6.6 billion bushels. In 2009, just a generation 

later, farmers produced an average yield of 164.7 bushels per acre 

and harvested 13.1 billion bushels. This doubling of the American 

corn crop was achieved by planting just 3% more corn acres in 

2009 than was planted in 1980. This dramatic increase in output 

has come without needing to increase the amount of fertilizer, 

pesticide, or water use per bushel of production. In fact, input use 

per unit of output has dropped considerably.

FACT: Ethanol use in 2011 reduced tailpipe 

CO2-equivalent emissions by 25.3 million metric tons. 

That’s equal to the emissions of 4 million vehicles. 

(Source: GREET Model)

24
Cleaner Air, Cleaner Environment

All of these improvements mean the total energy and environmental 

impacts of producing ethanol continue to decrease dramatically. 

Most recent studies have concluded that corn ethanol reduces 

GHG emissions by 30-50% compared to average gasoline. Even 

when hypothetical land use change emissions are included, today’s 

average corn ethanol is 25% better than gasoline, according to the 

latest research from Argonne National Lab and Purdue University. In 

fact, the continued refinement of theories about ethanol’s carbon 

intensity are showing fewer and fewer emissions from ethanol and 

greater GHG benefits compared to increasingly environmentally 

dangerous sources of oil, like Canadian tar sands. 

Moreover, ethanol’s chemical composition – the ethanol molecule 

is 35% oxygen – means it helps create a more complete, cleaner 

burn of fuel in vehicle engines. Increasing ethanol use in gasoline is 

directly leading to cleaner air and fewer toxic tailpipe emissions of 

dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide and benzene.

FACT: Energetic Ethanol: The most current 

measurement of ethanol’s energy balance shows a 

positive 1.7-2.3 score, meaning ethanol is providing twice 

the energy it took to produce. 

Getting More Out than What Goes In

Improving ethanol production efficiencies in concert with new 

farming technologies means that the energy benefits of ethanol 

continue to grow. In the most recent research, the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture determined ethanol’s energy balance to be 1.7-2.3. 

That is to say, today’s ethanol production yields nearly twice as 

much energy as it took to create the gallon.

The bottom line is fossil fuel producers are going farther and 

deeper—and using more energy and emitting more GHGs—to 

extract new sources of oil. These are the marginal sources of 

oil against which ethanol should be compared, since both 

unconventional oil and ethanol are the newest entrants into the 

fuel pool. While new sources of crude oil require more energy 

for extraction and refining and are increasingly carbon intensive, 

ethanol’s energy and environmental track record continues 

to shine.

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 25
Opening the Domestic Fuel Market 

to Ethanol

Expanding America’s use of domestic renewable fuel like ethanol 

will again be the top priority for the industry in 2012. Realizing 

meaningful growth in the market will require the successful 

completion of a number of tasks, not all of which can be done in the 

year to come.

E15 and Higher Ethanol Blends: E15 provides the most 

immediate opportunity to grow the domestic ethanol market 

and achieve the goals of the RFS. Seeing widespread use and 

meaningful market share will take time. Simultaneously, efforts 

to introduce and expand the offers of other ethanol blends like 

E20, E30, and E85 will be a focus.

Infrastructure Investments and Modernization: Like 

much of American infrastructure, the nation’s petro-centric 

fueling system is in need of an upgrade. The installation of 

blender pumps to replace older gasoline-only models provides 

retailers and consumers the same opportunity to pick the fuel 

blends that are right for them. Through initiatives like the Blend 

Your Own Ethanol campaign, the industry will be aggressively 

pushing the adoption of this technology.

Regulation as Opportunity?

Industries of all shapes and sizes typically believe more regulations 

means more challenges and more cost. Too often, that may indeed 

be the case. But a few new regulations on the horizon may present 

opportunities for domestic ethanol as well.

Meeting Fuel Economy Standards with Ethanol: New 

federal fuel economy and tailpipe GHG emissions standards 

set to go into effect in 2017 present an opportunity for 

ethanol blends above E15. Ethanol’s high octane rating (113 

for pure ethanol) will be a valuable asset to automakers as 

engines are designed to utilize octane to increase efficiency. 

Ethanol’s ability to burn cleaner will help automakers meet 

the emissions standards too.

The Right Carbon Regulations: Properly constructed 

and science-based carbon regulations would provide an 

opportunity for ethanol blends as more and more tar sands 

oil and other marginal sources flood the petroleum market. 

On a level playing field, there’s no question that ethanol 

outperforms oil in terms of environmental and climate 

impacts. Simple, common sense changes to policies at the 

federal and state level could present market opportunities. 

These changes will not come easily or overnight.

An Ethanol Crystal Ball

Speculating about what may yet be to come is never an exact science. When it comes to America’s

ethanol industry, however, there is a very clear list of challenges and opportunities in 2012 and beyond.

Simple, common sense changes 

to policies at the federal and

state level could present 

market opportunities. 

26
The Yeas and Nays

The end of VEETC and the secondary tariff on imported ethanol 

does not mean that the industry work on legislative issues is over. 

In many instances, it is just beginning.

Defending the RFS: Maintaining the integrity and 

achieving the goals of the RFS will be a top priority for the 

domestic industry. Efforts to alter the RFS will be numerous 

as anti-ethanol voices seek to eliminate the only domestic 

renewable fuel having an impact in the market today.

Tax Policy for the 21st Century: Extending key 

incentives for advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers, 

along with a continued push to end handouts to the 

petroleum industry and level the playing field for all fuels will 

be important. Ending the tax incentive for ethanol does not 

end the tax debate for the industry.

Opening the Market to All: The RFA has and will 

continue to support the policies, including the Open Fuel 

Standard (OFS), that will put flexible fuel vehicles on the 

road, blender pumps in the ground, and give consumers the 

real choice they deserve.

The Global Puzzle

The increasingly robust global trade in ethanol has emerged as a vital 

new market for domestic ethanol producers.

European Access: European markets have been a strong 

growth opportunity for US ethanol producers, particularly as 

European ethanol producers are unable to meet their own 

renewable energy standards. Ensuring a sensible outcome in the 

ongoing trade investigation will be essential.

Fair Trade for All: Many of the US ethanol trading partners, 

and Brazil in particular, have in place prohibitive and variable 

trade protections that limit US ethanol’s access to the market. 

With the US tariff now expired, other nations should follow suit 

to ensure a fair market is developed. Similar issues also exist for 

ethanol co-products, such as distillers grains.

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 27
Myth-Busting

The perception of ethanol, ethanol producers, and farmers has been intentionally sullied by industries which seek a status quo

approach. These myths, perpetuated and propagated with millions of dollars of public relations activities, are easily rejected with a

simple analysis of the facts.

8	 Ethanol uses too much corn.

4 Ethanol uses just 26 percent of the 

nation’s corn crop on a net basis. 

(Source: USDA, RFA)

4 Global corn supplies are the largest 

in history. (Source: USDA)

4 Ethanol production requires just 

2/3 of each bushel of corn. The 

remaining 1/3 is fed to livestock in 

the form of distillers grains. (Source: 

RFA)

4 The U.S corn harvest in 2011 

was the fourth-largest in history. 

(Source: RFA)

Myth: 

Facts:

8	 Ethanol production raises the price of 

corn and food.

4 Experts from USDA, the World Bank, 

academia, and other nongovermental 

organizations all note that a range 

of factors influence food prices 

including oil prices, commodity 

speculation, weather, and monetary 

policies.

4 According to USDA, American 

farmers receive just 12.6 cents of 

every dollar spent on food. 

(Source: USDA)

Myth: 

Facts:

8	 Ethanol uses more energy than it yields.

4 Ethanol production yields 1.7-2.3 units 

of energy for every unit of energy used 

in the entire lifecycle process. (Source: 

USDA)

4 A gallon of ethanol requires 19 times less 

oil to produce than a gallon of gasoline. 

(Source: Univ. of California-Berkeley, 2006)

Myth: 

Facts:

28
2010 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK

8	 Ethanol production uses too much water.

4 Since 2001, ethanol producers have 

lowered their water requirements by 47 

percent. (Source: S. Mueller, U. of IL-Chicago)

4 Only 15 percent of all corn grown in the 

U.S. is irrigated. The rest in rainfed.

4 Production of marginal oil sources, like 

Canadian tar sands, requires up to 8 barrels 

of water for each barrel of oil produced. 

(Source: Pembina Institute, Canada)

Myth: 

Facts:

8	 Ethanol ruins engines.

4 Virtually every engine 

maker – car, truck, boat, 

lawnmower – provides 

warranty coverage for E10 

ethanol blends.

4 Ethanol has been a fuel 

source used safely in 

America since 1978.

Myth: 

Facts:

8	 Ethanol emits more greenhouse gases 

than gasoline.

4 Research from the EPA, the University 

of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other 

respected academics show current 

ethanol production provides 

greenhouse gas reductions between 

30 and 49 percent compared to 

gasoline.

4 Marginal oil sources, like Canadian tar 

sands, with which ethanol competes 

emit three times the greenhouse gases 

to extract as more traditional 

oil sources.

4 Ethanol use in 2011 reduced 

greenhouse gas emissions from 

vehicles by 25.3 million tons – the 

equivalent emissions from 4 million 

vehicles. 

Myth: 

Facts:

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 29
Ethanol is a high-octane, cleaner-burning, and cheaper alternative to imported oil for fueling America’s vehicle fleet. The 

production of ethanol is providing economic opportunity for tens of thousands of Americans, particularly those living 

in rural areas. Telling consumers the benefits of ethanol, and more importantly where they can buy it, is vital to ensuring 

the policies enacted are successful. 

RFA at Your Service

Since 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been the authoritative voice of the ethanol industry. Our members are

committed to helping our country become cleaner, safer, and more energy independent. In creating a forum for ethanol producers

and industry stakeholders, RFA has achieved an unequaled record of results through action, advocacy, and analysis.

With the most experienced staff in the industry, RFA is able to 

provide timely, comprehensive industry information to our members, 

Congress, federal and state government agencies, strategic partners, 

the media and other opinion-leader audiences. 

RFA has been the industry’s most forceful advocate in expanding the 

market for ethanol. Just as important, we’ve worked to beat back 

challenges to ethanol progress from special interests seeking to 

maintain the fossil fuel status quo.

Members Make the Difference

The success the RFA has been able to achieve on behalf of American 

ethanol producers is due to the unparalleled support it has received 

from its member companies. Large and small, publicly-traded 

and family-owned, the diverse group of RFA members provides 

unequaled expertise in developing policy positions and pushing 

market initiatives that thoughtfully and meaningfully expand the 

production and use of ethanol domestically and abroad.

It is the unique structure of the RFA Board of Directors, where 

each member is given a vote, and its committees that help foster 

a climate of dialogue and ultimately lead to the positions and 

practices of the RFA that open markets for our members.

30
2010 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK 2011 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK 31

Participation Sets RFA Apart

Since its inception, the RFA has recognized that successful 

advocacy for the American ethanol industry must be more 

than Washington influence and flashy public relations. 

Implementing the meaningful policies that have helped 

create the industry today and will lead to its evolution in the 

future require the engagement of industry participants and 

a willingness to address hard issues that often escape the 

public eye.

That is why the RFA offers industry-leading opportunities for 

ethanol companies and related businesses to engage with 

their colleageus in setting the course for the future. Through 

its extensive and experienced committee structure, the RFA 

is able to address all issues facing ethanol producers from 

international trade to quality control to market access.

Technical Committee

Accurate and reliable information regarding the production, 

blending, distribution, and performance of ethanol fuels 

can mean the difference between success and failure. The 

RFA Technical Committee is the industry’s leading voice in 

developing industry standards in coordination with ASTM 

to ensure the seamless integration of ethanol fuels into the 

marketplace.

Co-Products Committee

Ethanol production is about more than just ethanol. 

Distillers grains, corn oil, and a host of other products 

are routinely part of an ethanol biorefineries’ operations. 

The RFA Co-Products Committee pursues issues relevant 

to ethanol co-products, including research, educational 

programs and regulations. Members of this committee 

provide reliable data regarding the production, distribution, 

trade and performance of co-products.

Plant & Employee Safety Committee

Safety comes first. The RFA Safety Committee has been 

extraordinarily proactive, leading efforts to provide ethanol 

producers, transporters and first responders with the 

information and tools they need to protect their employees 

and the communities they serve. Working with federal, 

state and local governments as well as industry partners, 

this committee has brought much needed attention to 

hazardous materials regulations and other safety regulations 

through programs such as the Ethanol Emergency Response 

Coalition (EERC) and the TRANSCAER® initiative.

Environmental Compliance Committee

Existing to examine and provide guidance on the myriad 

of environmental regulations ethanol production facilities 

face, the priority of the RFA Environmental Compliance 

Committee is to protect the environment while providing a 

forum for navigating the complex regulations imposed on 

this industry. Topics frequently leading the agenda include 

EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule, Mandatory Greenhouse 

Gas Reporting Requirements and Industrial Wastewater 

regulations. This guidance is extraordinarily valuable in 

helping familiarize producers with environmental regulations 

relevant to the ethanol industry.

RFA has been the industry’s most 

forceful advocate in expanding 

the market for ethanol.

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 31
RFA in Action

The RFAis consistently bringing to bear the expertise and resources of its membership and staff in order to expand markets, 

educate a multitude of audiences, and create an environment conducive to the industry’s continued growth and evolution.

Beltway Blitz

The ethanol industry remains underfunded compared to the wealth 

of the petroleum interests and other energy sectors. But that doesn’t 

mean we cannot strategically and effectively communicate our 

message.

Most noticeably, the RFA ran a highly visible, widely discussed 

ad campaign in the Washington, D.C. metro area that focused on 

grabbing the attention of lawmakers, regulators, and influencers 

alike. The ads, focusing on the economic benefit of ethanol at 

the pump, were seen in Metro trains, on city buses, and in key 

publications read by D.C. opinion leaders. This campaign, running 

concurrently with discussions about the ethanol tax incentive in the 

spring and summer of 2011, was also complemented by television 

and online advertising on shows and websites frequented by policy 

makers. The RFA was the only renewable fuel group pressing its case 

before lawmakers while key discussions and votes were taking place.

Expanding Ethanol Constituencies

As ethanol becomes ubiquitous in America’s gasoline supply, new 

groups of engine operators are running on ethanol blends. From 

boaters to motorcycle enthusiasts to classic car owners, more 

Americans are driving more miles and more hours on ethanol 

blends than ever before.

Taking ethanol’s positive message of performance, job creation, 

and energy security to these new audiences, the RFA continued 

its support of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the Buffalo Chip in 

Sturgis, South Dakota. This event, the third in which the RFA has 

been a major sponsor, brings ethanol straight to the motorcycle 

community that is increasingly operating on ethanol blends. The 

event and partnership with the rally have been widely successful.

The RFA is also expanding its advocacy to the boating community. 

In 2011, the RFA was the official sponsor of the National Boat Racing 

Association. This premiere boat racing association ran on E10 

ethanol blends. Racers competed at high speeds with great engine 

performance and saw no adverse impacts of ethanol blends. 

Efforts like these and others underway at the RFA are critical to 

educating new ethanol users and countering the misinformation 

perpetuated from those interests that stand in our way.

32
Safety First

Nothing surpasses safety as a priority for the RFA and its members. 

Whether it is employees at ethanol biorefineries or our neighbors 

in the communities we serve, the ethanol industry takes its 

safety responsibility seriously. The RFA has been leading the 

industry’s efforts to educate the nation’s first responders on the 

characteristics of ethanol-related incidents and providing them 

with the information, tools, and training they need to respond 

swiftly and effectively in the unlikely event of an incident. More 

information is available at www.ethanolresponse.com

In Your Community

No advocacy is stronger than individual, neighbor to neighbor 

outreach. More and more ethanol producers are taking this to 

heart. Whether it is the increased presence of industry op-eds 

and letters to the editor, more ethanol-related billboards and 

advertising, or creative solutions such as advertising before 

movies in local theaters, RFA member companies are utilizing the 

advocacy tools developed by the RFA and tailoring to meet the 

needs of their local communities. 

Old-fashioned Shoe Leather and Elbow 

Grease

Long the trademark of the association, the RFA continues to be the 

leading voice for ethanol producers in Washington and around 

the world by basing its arguments on sound, well-researched 

advocacy. Through congressional and executive branch meetings 

and testimony, the RFA works tirelessly to create the best possible 

policy framework for American ethanol producers to thrive. 

Outside Washington, the RFA is increasing its presence in other 

nations as trade issues gain importance to the industry. All of this 

is buttressed by the RFA’s industry-leading research and analysis on 

everything from ethanol production technologies to environmental 

regulations and scorekeeping to marketplace dynamics.

Advanced Ethanol Council In Action

Formed with RFA in 2011, the Advanced Ethanol Council 

(AEC) has quickly become the leading voice for next 

generation ethanol in Washington, in the marketplace, and 

around the globe.

The AEC represents worldwide leaders in the effort to 

develop and commercialize advanced ethanol fuels, ranging 

from cellulosic ethanol made from dedicated energy crops, 

forest residues and agricultural waste to advanced ethanol 

made from municipal solid waste, algae and other feedstocks.

The AEC is the only advanced biofuel advocacy group with 

the singular purpose of promoting advanced ethanol fuels 

and technologies. 

The companies making up the AEC include:

 Abengoa Bioenergy

 Beta Renewables

 BlueFire Renewables

 Coskata

 Enerkem

 Fulcrum Bioenergy

 Inbicon

 Iogen Corporation

 Mascoma

 Osage Bioenergy

 Qteros

 ZeaChem

With Singular Focus

The AEC is laser-focused on accelerating the 

commercialization of advanced ethanol fuels and 

technologies by promoting forward-looking and consistent 

public policy and a more open marketplace for renewable 

fuels.

The AEC is committed to extending tax policies and other 

incentives that are critical to the development of the 

industry – such as the Cellulosic Ethanol Producer Tax Credit 

and the Accelerated Depreciation for Cellulosic Biorefineries 

- for a length of time that provides investors and producers 

with the confidence they need to build first-of-kind facilities. 

The AEC is also committed to maintaining the integrity 

and structure of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as it 

establishes core market demand for cellulosic and advanced 

ethanol. The AEC also supports accelerating the proliferation 

of ethanol fuel infrastructure and increasing the number of 

flex fuel vehicles on the road – provisions that are critical to 

the long term success of American ethanol production.

Advanced Ethanol Council

Officers:

Chairman William Brady, CEO, Mascoma

Vice Chairman Christopher Standlee, Executive Vice 

 President, Abengoa Bioenergy

Executive Director Brooke Coleman

2012 Ethanol Industry OUTLOOK > < 33
D.C. Office

Bob Dinneen President & CEO

Anne Rhine Office Administrator

Cara Barrett Project Manager

Christopher Findlay Administrative Assistant

Mary Giglio Director, Special Projects and Events

Matt Hartwig Chief of Staff

Edward S. Hubbard, Jr., Esq. Legislative Counsel

Christina Martin Executive Vice President

Kristy Moore Vice President, Technical Services

Taryn Morgan Communications Specialist

Alex Obuchowski Chief Financial Officer

Samantha Slater Vice President, Government Affairs

Matt Stuckey IT Director

St. Louis Office

Geoff Cooper Vice President, Research and Analysis

Ann Lewis Project Manager

Omaha Office

Jen Kracher Administrative Assistant

Lindsey Bierman Marketing Coordinator

Missy Ruff Market Development Manager

Robert White Director of Market Development

Randy Klein Director of Membership

The Renewable Fuels Foundation is dedicated to 

meeting the education, research and strategic 

planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry.

The goal is to assure a growing and healthy 

renewable fuels industry well into the future. The 

focus of the RFF is toward academia, industry and 

public policy makers as we address issues related 

to new uses, new feedstocks and new technologies 

that will impact the future of ethanol.

RFF Officers

Mike Jerke 

Chairman

Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company

Bob Sather

Vice Chairman

Ace Ethanol, LLC

Mick Henderson 

Treasurer

Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC

Steve Gardner 

Secretary

East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC

34
RFA board of Directors

Chuck Woodside, Chairman

KAAPA Ethanol, LLC

www.kaapaethanol.com

Neill McKinstray, Vice Chairman

The Andersons Inc.

www.andersonsinc.com

Walter Wendland, Secretary

Golden Grain Energy, LLC

www.goldengrainenergy.com

Randall Doyal, Treasurer

Al-Corn Clean Fuel

www.al-corn.com

Bob Dinneen, President

Renewable Fuels Association

www.ethanolrfa.org

Abengoa Bioenergy Corp.

Chris Standlee

www.abengoabioenergy.com

ABE South Dakota, LLC

Richard Peterson

www.advancedbioenergy.com

Absolute Energy, LLC

Rick Schwarck

www.absenergy.org

Ace Ethanol, LLC

Bob Sather

www.aceethanol.com

Adkins Energy, LLC

Scott Trainum

www.adkinsenergy.com

Aemetis, Inc.

Eric McAfee

www.aemetis.com

Archer Daniels Midland Co.

Matt Bruns

www.admworld.com

Aventine Renewable Energy 

Holdings, LLC 

John Castle

www.aventinerei.com

Big River Resources West 

Burlington, LLC

Raymond Defenbaugh

www.bigriverresources.com

Central Indiana Ethanol, LLC

Gary Drook

www.cie.us

Central MN Ethanol Coop

Dana Persson

www.centralmnethanol.com 

Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.

Mike Jerke

www.cvec.com

Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC

Mick Henderson

www.commonwealthagrienergy.com

Coskata, Inc.

Loula Merkel

www.coskata.com

Dakota Ethanol, LLC 

Scott Mundt

www.dakotaethanol.com

Didion Ethanol, LLC

John Didion

www.didionmilling.com

East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC

Steven Gardner

www.ekaellc.com

GEVO 

Jack Huttner

www.gevo.com

Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC

Jim Seurer

www.glaciallakesenergy.com

Granite Falls Energy, LLC

Tracey Olson

www.granitefallsenergy.com

GTL Resources USA Inc.

Richard Ruebe

www.gtlresources.com

Guardian Energy, LLC

Don Gales

www.guardiannrg.com

Guardian Lima, LLC

Don Gales

www.guardianlima.com

Heartland Corn Products

Ben Brown

Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC

Jim Boeding

www.homelandenergysolutions.com

Lincolnland Agri-Energy, LLC

Eric Mosbey

www.lincolnlandagrienergy.com

Little Sioux Corn Processors, LP

Steve Roe

www.littlesiouxcornprocessors.com

Mascoma

Bill Brady

www.Mascoma.com

Merrick & Company 

Steven Wagner

www.merrick.com

Mid America Bio Energy and 

Commodities, LLC

Robert Lundeen

www.standard-ethanol.com

Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc.

Ryland Utlaut

www.midmissourienergy.com

New Energy Corp., Inc.

Todd Allsop

Pacific Ethanol Inc. 

Neil Koehler

www.pacificethanol.net

Parallel Products

Jim Rottman

www.parallelproducts.com

Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC

Gene Griffith

www.patriotrenewablefuels.com

Penford Products Co.

Kevin Keiser

www.penfordproducts.com

Platinum Ethanol, LLC

Nick Bowdish

www.platinumethanol.com

Plymouth Energy, LLC

Eamonn Byrne

www.plymouth-energy.com

Quad County Corn Processors

Delayne Johnson

www.quad-county.com

Reeve Agri Energy, Inc.

Lee Reeve

Siouxland Ethanol LLC

Chuck Hofland

www.siouxlandethanol.com

Tate & Lyle

Tim Meinhold

www.tateandlyle.com

Trenton Agri Products, LLC

Charles Wilson

www.trentonagriproducts.com

Western New York Energy, LLC

Michael Sawyer

www.wnyenergy.com
Washington, DC Office

425 Third Street, SW, Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20024

TEL: 202-289-3835

FAX: 202-289-7519 

email: info@ethanolrfa.org

St. Louis Office

16024 Manchester Rd.

Suite 223

Ellisville, MO 63011

TEL: 636-594-2284

FAX: 636-594-2222

Omaha Office

17310 Wright Street

Suite 104

Omaha, NE 68130

TEL: 402-391-1930

FAX: 402-939-0590

www.EthanolRFA.org