Renewable Fuels Association
October 31, 2018
BY Renewable Fuels Association
The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce that John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon, cohosts of Showtime’s popular political documentary series The Circus, are scheduled to speak together at the 24th annual National Ethanol Conference, Feb. 11-13, 2019, in Orlando.
Heilemann and McKinnon will be the featured luncheon speakers on Tuesday, Feb. 12 for a lively discussion on the 2018 mid-term elections, the 2020 presidential race, and many other political topics.
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Heilemann has covered the intersection of politics and business for nearly three decades. He is a creator, executive producer, and host of The Circus, which chronicled the 2016 presidential campaign and the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency. Heilemann is also a national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. He is the coauthor of The New York Times No. 1 best sellers Game Change and Double Down, which chronicled the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, respectively. HBO Films adapted Game Change into a film of the same name that debuted in March 2012 and was one of the network’s most-watched original movies ever. It went on to win five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award.
McKinnon is a political advisor, reform advocate, media columnist, and television producer. He is the creator, executive producer and cohost of The Circus. He was the chief media advisor to five successful presidential primary and general election campaigns, and is cofounder of No Labels, an organization dedicated to bipartisanship, civil dialogue and political problem solving. He has worked for many causes, companies and candidates, including former President George W. Bush, the late Sen. John McCain, the late former Gov. Ann Richards, and Bono. For 20 years, he worked at Public Strategies Inc., where he was an owner and vice chair. An award-winning communications strategist and media producer, McKinnon has been awarded more than 30 Pollie and Telly awards honoring the nation’s best political and public affairs advertising. McKinnon has been a regular columnist for The Daily Beast and The Daily Telegraph (U.K.) and a consultant to Aaron Sorkin’s HBO show The Newsroom and Netflix’s House of Cards.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have John and Mark joining us at the National Ethanol Conference to share their unique political insights and experiences,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The Circus has been called the ‘wildest political show on earth,’ and its fast-paced, behind-the-scenes approach has quickly earned the show a loyal and growing audience. We’re certain this will be one of the most entertaining and provocative luncheons we’ve had in the NEC’s 23-year history.”
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The NEC is the ethanol industry’s most widely attended annual conference, drawing energy executives, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from around the globe. For more information, visit: www.NationalEthanolConference.com.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.
XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.