Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says biofuels are important to the agricultural economy because they can address trade gaps. Biofuels also give the U.S. national security, which Skor notes the Trump administration has recognized.
Last year, the U.S. exported more ethanol than ever, about 12 percent of what was produced. On trade, ethanol can help overcome a trade deficit with a country, so it’s a great way to balance it out, Skor says.
Meanwhile, Brazil is a fierce competitor and is ramping up corn and ethanol production. The Brazilian government is advocating for more markets, and the U.S. needs to do the same, Skor says.
“What we don’t want is to lose market access to the Brazilians,” she says.
In other ethanol news, a summer waiver was approved for E15 nationwide, but Skor argues the U.S. shouldn’t have to keep waiting on waivers or special state action to get year-round E15. Congress has to pass legislation to make it permanent.
