PHOTO: Office of Sen. Chuck Grassley
September 12, 2019
BY Office of Sen. Chuck Grassley
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was presented with Growth Energy’s 2019 “Fueling Growth” Award. Growth Energy represents producers and supporters of ethanol and biodiesel. According to Growth Energy, its mission is to feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans.
“Ethanol and biodiesel are an important piece of America’s energy strategy. They’re great sources of sustainable, clean energy that is good for the rural economy and America’s energy independence. Environmentally-friendly alternative energy creates jobs for American workers and gives consumers a choice. I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Grassley said.
“Senator Grassley has fought and won more battles for Iowa farmers and biofuels producers than anyone in Washington. We’re deeply grateful for his tireless dedication to protecting the role of biofuels in America’s fuel mix and opening new opportunities for the agricultural economy. He understands the incredible challenges facing America’s farm families, and he works every day to ensure their voices are heard,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said.
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Grassley has been a steadfast advocate for ethanol and environmentally-friendly alternative energy throughout his time as a U.S. Senator. Last year, Grassley joined a bipartisan group of 35 other senators urging EPA to increase volume obligations for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel and ensure any small refiner economic hardship exemptions are appropriately accounted for in its final rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard. Grassley is also an original co-sponsor of the RFS Integrity Act of 2019, which would ensure the EPA properly accounts for exempted gallons in the annual renewable volume obligations it sets each November.
Grassley has also been a leader in working with the Trump administration to approve E15 for year-round sales, and continued fighting for increased market access through trade to help farmers.
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The U.S. EPA on Sept. 18 released data showing 1.79 million RINs were generated under the RFS in August, down from 2.16 billion generated during the same month of 2024. Total RIN generation for the first eight months of 2025 reached 15.1 billion
The U.S. EPA on Sept. 18 published updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that 10 new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard in the past month. A total of 23 SRE petitions are currently pending.
The EU on Sept. 17 announced it will allocate approximately €100 million ($117.88 million) of EU Emissions Trading Systems emissions allowances to 53 aircraft operators to help offset costs of SAF used in 2024.
EFT licensee Highbury Energy Inc. and WBCEC are advancing a CAD$210M Indigenous-led biomass-to-fuels project in Fort Frances, Ontario. The facility will use woody biomass to produce SAF and renewable diesel.
The government of Australia on Sept. 17 announced plans to invest AU$1.1 billion ($731.84 million) to support the domestic production of drop-in, low-carbon liquid fuels, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).