Why It Matters
The American Coalition for Ethanol is pushing for expanded ethanol market access as farm bankruptcies surged 46 percent in 2025. With producers facing record input costs and weak commodity prices, ACE is targeting permanent year-round E15 fuel access and protection of clean fuel tax credits like 45Z. The group benefits from significant political momentum, including Trump administration directives and EPA proposals for higher renewable fuel volumes.
By the Numbers
ACE reported $80,000 in the last quarter of 2025 lobbying expenditures, part of a two-decade advocacy campaign totaling $9.08 million across 163 disclosures since 2003.
Veteran lobbyist Brian K. Jennings now handles all advocacy in-house after ACE previously used external firms like American Capitol Group LLC ($870,000 from 2011-2019). Jennings has filed 77 disclosures representing nearly $7 million in expenditures since 2006.
The Agenda
ACE is lobbying for year-round E15 sales through the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, manufacturing incentives for Flexible Fuel Vehicles via the Flex Fuel Fairness Act, and domestic feedstock restrictions through the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act.
The organization is also engaging EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026-2027, pushing for full reallocation of volumes from small refinery exemptions, while supporting sustainable aviation fuel expansion and opposing H.R. 311’s tax credit repeal.
Broader Context
ACE’s lobbying coincides with severe agricultural distress—U.S. farm bankruptcies increased 46% in 2025, with 67 percent of producers citing input costs as their biggest obstacle.
The Trump administration strongly backs year-round E15 access. President Trump pledged to implement year-round E15 in January 2026, while Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the policy economic relief for farmers facing "the worst economic crisis in almost 50 years."
Between The Lines
The House Rules Committee held a hearing on the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act on January 22, 2026, signaling momentum toward floor consideration. However, Congress established a Rural Domestic Energy Council to develop E15 frameworks rather than immediately passing permanent legislation.
A draft compromise has emerged authorizing year-round E15 while limiting refinery hardship exemptions, indicating efforts to reconcile industry and refining sector concerns. Bipartisan lawmakers including Senators Klobuchar, Marshall, and Grassley are actively championing ACE’s priorities.
Competitive Landscape
Growth Energy Inc. and the Renewable Fuels Association are lobbying on virtually identical priorities, including year-round E15 access and defending tax credits like 45Z. All three organizations jointly oppose H.R. 311‘s tax credit repeal and coordinate on EPA’s RFS implementation.
The Bottom Line
ACE spent $80,000 in fourth quarter 2025 pursuing expanded ethanol market access and tax incentive protections. Led by Brian K. Jennings, the organization supports the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act for year-round E15 and the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act for domestic feedstock protections. ACE coordinates with Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association in a favorable political environment with bipartisan congressional support and executive branch backing.
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