More than 400 people from 60 countries attended the first Global Ethanol Summit held in Washington, D.C., this week.
Attendees focused on the increased use of ethanol, access to free trade in biofuels and global collaboration.
In a joint statement, leaders of the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy and Renewable Fuels Association said, “From Mexico to Brazil, from Canada to the Philippines, the countries here today are taking the next steps in developing biofuels policies with a role for trade. The enormity of the moment is obvious. This Summit united us in the common cause to make measurable societal change – to decarbonize transport, to reduce particulate matter emissions, to make positive impacts today that will bear opportunity for future generations.”
Other highlights:
- Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Censky said the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule will ensure that “15 billion gallons means 15 billion gallons.” USDA, he said, is in the early stages of developing programs to support building ethanol infrastructure and increasing ethanol sales.
- Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains Council president and CEO, said attendees were “united by the goal of finding transport energy solutions to make our environmental and human health commitments a reality while also making economic sense.”
- Case studies from Brazil and Canada, the two largest markets for U.S. ethanol, were reviewed to highlight existing ethanol realities and new benchmarks for environmental benefits it can provide.
- There were discussions on the chemical properties and societal impacts of ethanol use, as well as experiences with ethanol in India and Nigeria.
- Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO, said the number of retailers offering E15 continues to grow.