ISSUE 13
DAN SANDERS
PROFILE OF A LEADER
CONGRESSMAN
Roger Marshall
BIOFUELS CHAMPION
MISSION TO MEXICO
NASCAR:
15 MILLION MILES ON E15 p. 17
CONTENTS 11
Coaxing the Most from Every Kernel
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DAN SANDERS
Profile of a Leader
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New York’s Move to E15
Biofuels Champion FAMILY EXPRESS
Perfecting the Living Brand
20 17 22
NASCAR Logs 15 Million Miles on E15 Mission to Mexico
Unleaded 88 Summer Sales Up
American Ethanol The Magazine is published quarterly by Growth Energy™, 701 8th St NW Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001. For more information, please call 202.545.4000 or visit AmericanEthanolRacing.com. Growth Energy represents producers and supporters of ethanol working to bring
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consumers better choices at the fuel pump, grow America’s economy, and improve the environment for future generations. Our organization’s national campaign – online at www.GetBiofuel.com – serves as the leading source of information for consumers seeking cleaner, more affordable fueling options.
Yummy Caramel Corn
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For more information, please call 202.545.4000 or visit AmericanEthanolRacing.com. Ryan Welsh, Publisher. Majda Olson, Editor. Houston Ruck, Creative Director. © 2019 Growth Energy. All Rights Reserved.
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PROFILE OF A LEADER
Sanders’ unique path to chairman
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Be careful what you read. You never know where a well-written story might take you. For Growth Energy’s newly elected chairman of the board, one of the most interesting aspects of Dan Sanders’ tale may be how an article in a livestock trade publication launched his biofuels career. “I grew up in a multi-generational family lumber business in Washington and Oregon,” Sanders explained. “Our family was also in the cattle ranching business, and my father and I started reading about distillers grains coming from these Iowa and South Dakota ethanol plants. We did some research on ethanol and made a few contacts. Dad was president of the family lumber company and looking to do something different — something with me. The timing was right, so we started on this journey.” After extensive, feasibility studies, site surveys, business plans, and slightly unconventional thinking, that journey led the Sanders to Windsor, Colorado, where they established Front Range Energy. “Most ethanol plants were built throughout the central Corn Belt at the point of feedstock origination,” Sanders said. “Our model was different. We wanted to be closer to
an ethanol destination market, but also wanted a location with other advantages. We wanted a high number of cattle on feed so we wouldn’t have to dry our distillers grains, and a good transportation system coupled with a good energy infrastructure and energy prices. Colorado fit that mold.” Colorado was also strategic for another important reason, as the Denver area has long been aware of the environmental benefits of biofuels. “The state and, specifically, the Denver area, has an air quality problem and a strong desire to clean it up,” Sanders explained. “Colorado has been blending ethanol to improve air quality for decades — long before we showed up. Front Range Energy staff and I are very engaged with the state on air quality issues and ethanol being part of the solution.” Construction on the plant began in the summer of 2005 and the plant started production in June of 2006. Today, Front Range Energy produces corn oil, CO2 products like dry ice, 48 million gallons of ethanol, and 325,000 tons of wet distiller’s grains with solubles (WDGS) annually. “It’s been wonderful working side-by-side with my father to build this business,” Sanders said of his father, Dan Sanders Sr. “He’s a great man and businessman, and he’s taught me a lot.”
“I’m honored to serve on the board and share in the vision of Growth Energy.”
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Community impact Front Range Energy has become an integral part of both the local community and the state. “As one of only four ethanol plants in Colorado, we use a lot of corn and provide an additional market for area corn. We’ve developed some great relationships with our local farmers,” Sanders noted. “At any given time, there are 700,000 cattle on feed in our trade area, and we’re supplying a lot of those feeders with our high-value wet distillers grain product.” “We have a great team of 32 employees, many of whom have been here since we opened,” Sanders added. It was the staff, he pointed out, who initiated the company’s charitable efforts that have become wellrecognized throughout the veterans’ community. “They wanted to do something to give back,” he recalled. “We have a lot of veterans in our small community, so we decided to put a golf tournament together, cover the overhead, and give the proceeds to a veterans’ charity. That’s how the Front Range Energy Golf Tournament got started in 2013. This past year, with strong support from Growth Energy Cares, we raised about $100,000 for the Vail Veterans Program.”
A new adventure Sanders recently entered a new leg of his personal journey as he succeeded Jeff Broin as Growth Energy’s board chair. A board member for several years and a Growth Energy member from day one, Sanders appreciates the inclusive nature of the organization. From the top: Sanders in his Front Range Energy office, traveling with his family, and hunting with his father.
“From the very first organizational meeting in Kansas City, I’ve been greatly encouraged by Growth Energy’s vision for our industry,” Sanders said. “Front Range Energy is one of the smallest producers represented on the board of directors. I appreciate the fact that there is intentionality behind the composition of the board, to represent the diversity of ownership and corporate structures. It really illustrates Growth Energy’s focus on bettering the industry for all the participants, and I think that’s one reason why Growth Energy is such a strong leader in the industry.” Sanders assumes board leadership at a time when the ethanol industry is both enjoying a historic victory and facing ongoing challenges.
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Dan Sanders with his wife and two daugthers.
“We can absolutely attribute the E15 RVP waiver to the efforts and leadership of Growth Energy,” said Sanders, “but building out the retailer infrastructure needed for Unleaded 88 is a process. At the same time, the impact of our trade barriers with China and Brazil, coupled with how this EPA is administering the RFS, has impacted demand.”
policy support on Capitol Hill and a strong RFS,” he emphasized. “The other major item is making sure we position biofuels as a liquid fuel solution for the lowcarbon, climate-change conversation. Every gallon of biofuel produced has a lower carbon footprint than a gallon of gasoline.”
“Bringing our industry together has been, and will continue to be, a focus of the Growth Energy Board of Directors.”
“I’m encouraged by the fact that the 31 small refinery waivers handed out by the EPA was met with an unprecedented, unified effort between biofuels groups and grain producers,” he continued. “I believe this serves as a template for fulfilling one of our greatest opportunities as an industry — speaking with one voice to deliver strong biofuels and agricultural policy and build market demand. Bringing our industry together has been, and will continue to be, a focus of the Growth Energy board.”
Sanders noted that in addition to the short-term focus of ensuring that Growth Energy’s first wave of retail partners enjoy success with Unleaded 88 and accelerating infrastructure expansion for the fuel, the board is also pursuing several long-term goals.
As Sanders steps into his leadership role with Growth Energy, he is honored, excited, and confident in the strength and competence of his fellow board members.
“I’m honored to serve on the board and share in the vision of Growth Energy,” he concluded. “The board has a very strong leadership personality, and everyone is highly engaged. I’ve learned a great deal from each one of the leaders on this board, including Jeff Broin. He has always believed in doing whatever was good for the industry, and my goal is to continue to follow his example.” Editor’s Note: Outside of work and board responsibilities, Sanders, his wife Jana, and daughters Ellie, 15, and Launa, 12, take full advantage of all that Colorado offers. “We thoroughly enjoy snow skiing, boating and sporting activities,” he said. “Traveling is also high on our list.”
“On the political front, we’ll continue to support our champions and allies to ensure we have strong
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B I O F U E L S
C H A M P I O N
Biofuels, They’re What the Doctor Ordered In each issue of American Ethanol magazine, we feature a Biofuels Champion. These are individuals or organizations who understand the importance of biofuels to our economy and environment and are committed to supporting our industry. The Biofuels Champion for this issue is Congressman Roger Marshall. We wanted to know about his background, legislative service, and his thoughts on the American biofuels industry. Here’s what Congressman Marshall had to say.
AE: As a representative from one of our leading agricultural states, how would you describe the value/importance of biofuels to American consumers and the economy, both in Kansas and nationwide? Marshall: Biofuels have a meaningful economic impact both on our farmer producers and rural communities across Kansas. I have visited all 10 biofuel facilities operating in Kansas and have held numerous meetings with biofuel producers and farmers talking about the role the industry plays in the state’s agriculture and energy industries. Nearly 40 percent of the state’s corn crop goes to ethanol production Congressman Marshall, shown and biofuels also create here with members of the board of managers and staff of Western a strong demand for our Plains Energy in Oakley, Kansas, state’s grain sorghum has visited all 10 biofuel facilities and soybean crops. in his state. Additionally, the dried distillers grain byproduct has become a valuable feed ingredient for livestock feeders across the state, country, and world. For consumers, biofuels deliver a more environmentally friendly fuel source at a lower cost than the alternative. Automotive technologies allow more drivers to utilize high biofuel blends and I will continue to push for greater access at the pump.
AE: As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, you are intimately familiar with the biofuels industry. What do you see as critical issues
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for both the Kansas and American biofuels industries and how are you working to ensure they continue to thrive? Marshall: The biofuels industry shares the same goals in Kansas and across the United States — access to markets and stability in policy. President Trump helped deliver a big win for the ethanol industry when he allowed the year-around sale of E15, and now we need to push for better ethanol infrastructure and continue to educate consumers about its many benefits. I believe that given the option, more consumers will choose higher ethanol blends because they burn cleaner, are better for the environment, and will allow consumers to save money when they fill up. Additionally, members of Congress must continue to work with the EPA to return transparency to the RINs market and RFS. We recently saw some great work on both pieces by the Trump Administration, USDA, and EPA and I look forward to finding additional ways to support the biofuels industry and promote its growth both domestically and abroad.
AE: From your perspective as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, how do you see ethanol and other bio-based fuels contributing to our national security and the energy future of our country? Marshall: Biofuels are an important piece of our energy puzzle. Maintaining energy independence is critical to our national security and allows us to remain free from the influence of countries who do not always have our best interests in mind. We can also export ethanol and its byproducts to our allies, increasing market share and allowing more opportunities for farmers and biofuel producers across the country.
B I O F U E L S
C H A M P I O N AE: As a father, what role do biofuels play in creating a more positive future for your children and all the children you’ve helped usher into the world? Marshall: I want to leave my community and all of Kansas better than I found it. I can see the positive impact biofuels have played in my community, from the corn grown by the farmer outside of town to the ethanol plant just down the road, the environmental and economic impacts of the biofuels industry cannot be taken for granted. The industry is responsible for thousands of jobs and millions in economic impact, both directly and indirectly. It’s important that policymakers advocate for the industry to ensure its continued growth and success.
AE: In addition to your perspectives on the biofuels industry, we’d also like to show the more personal side of our biofuels champion. Can you share any hobbies, unique experiences or pursuits that would be of interest to our readers? Congressman Roger Marshall (R-KS)
AE: You are also a physician and obstetrician. Please speak to the health and environmental benefits of biofuels. Marshall: I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman and have always been an advocate for our environment. The air and water in Kansas today is cleaner than it was when I was growing up. Biofuels are cleaner burning and remain an impo im port rtan antt pi piec ece of keepi p ng our air qua ualility ty safe f for futu fu ture re gen ener erat atio ions ns, wh hic ich h ha hass a di dire rect ct imp mpac actt on indi in divi vidual heallth in numerous ways.
Marshall: Whenever I’m not in Washington, D.C. or meeting with constituents, you can usually find me with a line in the water or hunting for waterfowl at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in central Kansas. I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad and enjoy sharing those experiences with my kids. As a Kansas State University graduate, I still follow my Wildcats and always enjoy spending time with my wife, children, and grandsons.
Congressman Marshall takes in biofuel production first-hand as he visits Nesika Energy in Scandia, Kansas.
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Coaxing the Most from Every Kernel “Those new technologies help us all be more successful,” he continued. “Whether it’s helping squeeze more value out of a kernel of corn or making proteins better in DDGs, improving value across that space is what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
“Through all my roles and responsibilities, my focus has always been on finding new ways to add value to agriculture.” Coming of age
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s a boy growing up on his family farm in Missouri, Troy Wilson dreamed of farming himself one day. But as a child of the late 1980s, he realized that dream was not going to materialize. Fortunately, he found another way to stay involved in agriculture: FFA. “I got involved in dairy foods judging in high school and was quite successful at a regional and state level,” Wilson recalled. “Successful enough that I received a scholarship to study food science at the University of Missouri. After earning his food science degree, Wilson went to work for Danisco®, focusing on food ingredients. When Danisco acquired industrial biotech pioneer, Genencor, he was recruited to lead the biofuels enzyme business. DuPont acquired Danisco in 2011, and today, Wilson is DuPont’s global business leader for biorefineries, nutrition and biosciences. “Through all my roles and responsibilities, my focus has always been on finding new ways to add value to agriculture,” Wilson commented. “What really excites me is the development and implementation of new technology in biofuels and wet milling, commercializing that technology and bringing the benefits to our customers and our company.”
When asked about the most significant changes he’s seen in his years in the business, Wilson was quick to answer. “I’ve seen the industry mature. The precision has increased dramatically in every aspect of the production process, whether it’s improving the yield of each kernel, producing better DDGs, or extracting the maximum amount of corn oil. The plants are now run with an efficiency comparable to any manufacturing process in the world. We’re excited to play a role in that continuing evolution at DuPont.” Wilson’s perspective on the biofuels industry is informed not only by his work at DuPont but also by the fact that he owns and manages an Iowa farm. “My partners plant and harvest the crops — I determine what we will be growing and market the resulting grain,” he explained. “For me, it’s a tremendous asset to be actively involved in farming in order to understand what our customer, the biofuel manufacturer, and their supplier, the farmer, is experiencing,” Wilson added. “To feel the impacts that our customers’ boards (typically comprised of farmers) are seeing and feeling gives me a certain level of empathy as to what those decision-makers are facing. I try to apply that basic agricultural understanding to my interactions with my customers and find the concept of building and supporting rural communities very much aligned with the leadership of the ethanol industry.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Biofuels advocate His involvement in both aspects of the biofuel production process has also led Wilson to take an active role in speaking up for the industry. “DuPont has been a consistent supporter of retaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and has driven both policy and advocacy on behalf of that standard,” Wilson noted. “Personally, I have been a proponent of a strong biofuels policy since the contemplation of the first RFS. I’ve been to Washington numerous times to support policy on Capitol Hill, and, most recently, spent a lot of time with the EPA working on enhanced pathways to continue to support biofuels.”
“Personally, I have been a proponent of a strong biofuels policy since the contemplation of the first RFS.”
While he is fully engaged with his industry, Wilson does have interests outside of biofuels — and he’s not a fan of half measures there, either.
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Wilson has combined his background in food science with his passion for agriculture to help advance the biofuel industry.
Ethanol is an earth-friendly biofuel that can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions
by as much as 39 percent — and this percentage continues to increase with ongoing innovations in advanced biofuels.
“I’m a big advocate of youth shooting sports,” he shared. “My oldest son, Grey, decided this was something he wanted to do, and he sort of brought along the whole family. My wife, Robyn, is the head coach of our high school trap team, which now numbers about 60 students. I help coach and attend competitions when I can.” “Quite a bit of education was required to convince the school to put their name on the team,” Wilson recalled. “Now after several years, they are 1000% supportive. Clay target shooting attracts a group of kids who are not typically involved in other school activities. This is also a way to get kids and their parents to see the positive, character-building aspects of the sport while also teaching gun safety.” Editor’s note: Not surprisingly, Wilson also enjoys upland bird and turkey hunting. He and Robyn have been married for 24 years and live on a small farmstead west of Swisher, Iowa. In addition to Grey, who is now an Iowa State University freshman, they have another son, Matt, an 8th grader, and two collies.
Wilson, shown here with his youngest son, Matthew, is committed to youth shooting sports.
Growth Energy Celebrates New York’s Move to E15
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“New York has been a pioneer in the climate movement, ew York state motorists can now enjoy the and their adoption of E15 is consistent with their economic and environmental benefits of E15 — commitment to a low-carbon transportation future,” fuel mixed with 15% ethanol — thanks to a new she continued. “If New York transitioned from rule finalized by the New York Department of E10 to E15, it would lower carbon emissions Agriculture and Markets. Under the rule, New by 748,000 tons per year, which is the York becomes the most recent state to equivalent of removing approximately allow the sale of E15, branded for retail 129,400 vehicles from New York’s sale as Unleaded 88. Global ethanol production roads. We look forward to working with and use is estimated to reduce “It’s exciting to see New York retailers across the state to quickly greenhouse gas emissions by regulators finalize this vital update, get E15 into the market and establish 110 million metric tons every and we thank Governor Cuomo New York’s continued leadership in and the Department of Agriculture year – the equivalent of taking low-carbon fuels.” and Markets for giving Empire State nearly 20 million vehicles In their efforts to gain approval for motorists access to cleaner, more off the road each year. Unleaded 88, Growth Energy worked affordable choices at the pump,” said hand-in-hand with community leaders, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Over the retailers, farm advocates, and biofuel last five years, Growth Energy has worked supporters across New York. Among those continuously with state policymakers to bring champions is Growth Energy member Western New York higher-octane, lower-emissions biofuel blends to the Energy, led by President and CEO Timothy Winters. nation’s fourth largest fuel market.
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“This important update will allow more New York motorists to make their own decisions about purchasing renewable fuel blends, saving money and protecting the air,” said Winters. “It also will support economic development and farmers in communities like Orleans County, where Western New York Energy is proud to produce more than 60 million gallons of ethanol annually.” Growth Energy hosted a retailer workshop last month in Syracuse, New York for area retailers interested in offering higher octane fuels options like Unleaded 88 and E85. Last month, American drivers topped 11 billion miles on Unleaded 88, and adoption rates continue to rise following recent regulatory changes by the EPA to permit year-round sales of the fuel. Growth Energy continues to tear down commercial barriers to Unleaded 88 through the Prime the Pump program, which has helped expand availability of the fuel to more than 2,000 locations across the country.
Unleaded 88 burns cleaner and has lower emissions, so it’s a
better choice for the environment.
“New York has been a pioneer in the climate movement, and their adoption of E15 is consistent with their commitment to a low-carbon transportation future.” 15
That’s a Lot of Racing! NASCAR Logs 15 Million Miles on E15
New logo. New flag. Yet another performance milestone for ethanol under the most demanding conditions on the planet. American Ethanol celebrated a monumental milestone in November: 15 million miles driven on Sunoco Green E15 in NASCAR. The milestone was reached on November 10 at the Bluegreen Vacations 500 at ISM Raceway in Phoenix. A special commemorative logo adorned the hood of Austin Dillon’s No. 3 car for the final Growth Energy paintout race of the season, and NASCAR recognized the milestone with a redesigned American Ethanol Green Flag. Since 2011, Sunoco Green E15 has been an ideal fuel for NASCAR, delivering the octane and performance teams demand along with the environmental and safety benefits drivers, pit crews — and the planet — appreciate.
Eventful weekend The race weekend featured a full slate of activities and notable spokespeople highlighting the milestone and educating race fans on the benefits of biofuels. Former Growth Energy board chairman Jeff Broin was in attendance on race day with his family. During the race, he was interviewed on the Motor Racing Network radio broadcast about the milestone and what it means for the biofuels industry. American Ethanol also hosted a group of avid racing fans at the track, giving them a behind-the-scenes look into everything that goes on during race day. At the same time, they were informed about the benefits of cleanerburning biofuels within the context of 15 million miles driven on E15 in the sport. The fans were able to participate in pace car rides with NASCAR influencer and Motor Racing Network host Kim Coon, who facilitated conversations about their fandom and the role of American
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Ethanol in NASCAR. The fan interactions were packaged together into social media content that was shared on the American Ethanol Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram channels to promote biofuels beyond the race weekend.
Pre, post promotion Biofuel promotion didn’t end there. NASCAR posted an editorial piece on NASCAR.com highlighting the importance of the milestone that included quotes from Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, NASCAR leadership, and others. To promote that piece, American Ethanol “took over” the NASCAR.com homepage with ads promoting 15 million miles driven on Sunoco Green E15. Growth Energy also worked with NASCAR to put together a video featuring a handful of NASCAR drivers, including Austin Dillon, talking about the 15 million miles on E15 milestone. The video was tweeted from NASCAR’s Twitter account right as the race got started, receiving thousands of views from the fanbase.
NASCAR recognized the 15 million mile landmark with a redesigned green starter’s flag.
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The 15 million miles logged by NASCAR drivers is symbolic of the progress made by the biofuels industry since forming this partnership nearly a decade ago. Racing has proven to be the perfect platform for Growth Energy and others to educate both consumers and those in the automotive space about ethanol. While there are still miles to go, we have truly come a long way and look forward to the next million miles of validation for higher ethanol blends.
E15 made its debut at
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Perfecting the Living Brand Don’t let the attractive colonial architecture of their stores fool you. When it comes to creating positive customer experiences, Family Express is thoroughly modern, operating on the cutting edge of technology, service, and product development. Founded by current president and CEO Gus Kosta Olympidis on Christmas Day, 1975, Family Express operates 74 stores in Indiana stretching from Lake Michigan to Indianapolis with several more in the pipeline. The company’s innovations include a logistics model that consolidates 30 traditional weekly store deliveries into a single daily delivery for ultimate perishable freshness and increased transportation efficiency. Family Express is also known for its proprietary brands, including their Cravin’s Market line of fresh sandwiches and bakery products — featuring their signature square donuts prepared and delivered daily from their central bakery. Tom Navarre, vice president of petroleum marketing and logistics for Family Express, noted that two key factors have served to set the company apart from others in the industry.
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“Technological innovation and a special workforce — the Living Brand — have helped us achieve success in the marketplace,” he explained. “The goal of a Living Brand is achieved when our workforce is so positively different that it influences consumer decisions as to where they shop. The objective is to give customers a living, breathing reason to drive by a competitor in search of a better experience. We continue to look for that special person by screening 50 prospects for every hire.” Navarre noted that this thorough screening process and positive work environment have helped Family Express post the lowest turnover rate in their history in the midst of a robust economy. “Together with our engaged workforce, we employ technology to further improve the customer experience,” Navarre said. “We have found outstanding companies that buy into the idea of talking to each other, which has enabled Family Express to create a technology ecosystem. That has helped us pursue our goal of customer transactions that are as frictionless as possible.”
E15 a philosophical fit The innovative thinking that shapes their approach to customer service and their in-store product offerings also extends to the Family Express fuel islands. That’s why E15 — branded as Regular 88 by Family Express — is a featured fuel product. “Family Express has been marketing Regular 88 for over three years,” Navarre said. “We try to build relationships with our customers with every single transaction. Being one of the first to offer a more environmentally friendly product like Regular 88 was in keeping with our overall philosophy. “We have tried to make sure Regular 88 is as accessible to the consumer as possible,” he continued. “This meant retrofitting as many existing stores as possible to make it available at every pump and incorporating it permanently in our marketing strategy when building a new site. At many stores, Regular 88 is the lead product or the only product on our marquee. Our goal is to have Regular 88 be the primary choice of our customers when they are selecting their motor fuel.”
“We are nestled in the heart of corn country here in Indiana,” Navarre stated. We support Regular 88 for the same reason that we support ethanol. It is simply a better fuel, it supports a better economy, it is good for the environment, and it is local.”
“We approached Family Express about five years ago regarding E15,” said Growth Energy’s vice president of market development Mike O’Brien. “They were actively involved with all of the consumer research and have done a tremendous job of using the E15 best practices. They are a great partner for the biofuel industry.”
“We are bullish on the future of our company,” he concluded. “We will continue to grow through new sites and acquisitions when opportunities present themselves. Technology will be incorporated wherever possible to enhance our customers’ experience. Our marketing efforts will take full advantage of our unique logistical system, our portfolio of proprietary brands and motor fuels such as Regular 88 and E85. We think our economy and our country are moving to a greener reality and biofuels are well-positioned to play a major role.”
Community concern There is another great reason behind the support Family Express provides for Regular 88. Their emphasis on community service and volunteerism is ingrained in the company — so much so that it is included in their mission statement and job applicants are screened for attributes such as friendliness, kindness, and community sensitivity. Simply put, it’s good for the communities in which they do business.
Navarre noted that he believes that biofuels will continue to be an integral part of the bright future he sees for Family Express.
Editor’s note: Navarre and his wife, Carol, have three children and six grandchildren. He enjoys all sports, especially golf. “Being a graduate of The Ohio State University, I am an avid Buckeye fan,” he added.
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MISSION TO MEXICO I n early November, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and 100 agricultural groups in a trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico. The U.S. contingent was led by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney.
greenhouse gas emissions reductions by moving to an E10 blend — a 5.1% cumulative emissions savings. Additionally, according to a 2018 study by Mexico’s Instituto Mexicano de Petroleo, ethanol is historically two pesos per liter less expensive than MTBE, while also providing benefits for engine performance and emissions reductions. “It was an honor to join USDA and USGC on this important mission to Mexico,” said Skor. “Opening the Mexican fuel market to E10 nationwide would provide significant benefits for the country’s fuel and ag economies, citizens, and the environment. During this trade mission, we were able to further engage in critical discussions with stakeholders to demonstrate the health and economic benefits of replacing toxic additives, such as MTBE, with cleaner-burning and more-affordable ethanol.”
From Nov. 6-8, Skor and ethanol market development colleagues met with government officials and industry stakeholders to showcase the benefits of E10, a fuel blended with 10 percent ethanol, as the government considers its adoption in Mexico’s three largest cities: Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Mexico is currently using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), an octane additive, in their fuel. Due to concerns about groundwater contamination and its impact on human health, MTBE been explicitly banned in 26 states in the U.S. and phased out of the U.S. fuel supply. However, in 2017 the Mexican government announced that it would increase its blending goal to 10 percent ethanol (E10) from the previous 5.8 percent blend. This was a nationwide goal, with the exception of Mexico’s three largest cities — Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. The visit by Skor and others in the ethanol industry came on the heels of a recent study of five major international cities facing significant air quality issues. Of the five, Mexico City would achieve the highest potential
Growth Energy has been a leader in promoting the use of ethanol-blended fuel in the Mexican fuel market, participating in and supporting bilateral trade missions in the U.S. and Mexico. This year, Growth Energy launched a workshop series, alongside USGC and the Mexican Association of Service Station Equipment Providers, to educate Mexico’s fuel retailers on ethanol-blended fuel and how to incorporate it into their fuel offerings.
Dr. Andy Randolph demonstrates the difference in emissions between E0 gasoline and ethanol.
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Unleaded 88 Summer Sales Up 46 Percent in 2019 Growth Energy announced that summer sales of E15 – a fuel with 15 percent renewable biofuel often sold as Unleaded 88 at the pump – rose 46 percent in 2019 compared to 2018 on a perstore basis. This past summer was also the first to see the number of stores offering Unleaded 88 increase. Led by Casey’s, the retail industry added 149 stores over the summer months. The 2019 summer driving season was the first summer Unleaded 88 was sold without restriction, and the sales increase underscored the fuel’s popularity with drivers, who have logged more than 12 billion miles on it. “Unleaded 88 provides American drivers unrivaled value Without ethanol in at the fuel pump the fuel supply, we are left and the explosive with more toxic alternatives, growth in summer which have been proven to sales demonstrate cause smog and cancer. what we’ve always known — once consumers have access to this engine-smart, earth-kind fuel they will come back again and again,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With summertime sales already up 46 percent over last summer, we expect to see interest from retailers and consumers alike continue to grow.” Growth Energy works with leading retailers including Casey’s, Cumberland Farms, Family Express, Holiday, Kum & Go, Kwik Trip, Minnoco, Murphy USA, Protec Fuel, Pump & Pantry, QuikTrip, RaceTrac, Royal Farms, Rutters, Sheetz, and Thorntons to give more drivers access to cleaner burning, high-octane Unleaded 88 at more than 2,000 stations across the U.S. These retailers sell between 2.2 to 2.5 million gallons of fuel per year, which amounts to more than 200 percent more gallons than is sold annually by the average fuel retailer.
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YUMMY
Caramel Corn
Our recipe for this issue of American Ethanol magazine comes to us from Holly Schwarck of rural St. Ansgar, Iowa — right along the Cedar River. Holly’s husband Rick is president of Absolute Energy. “Yummy Caramel Corn is a family favorite all throughout the holiday season,” says Holly, who makes up a huge batch around Thanksgiving, puts it in freezer bags and pops it in the freezer. “We always host a holiday sing-along for 40-50 friends and family members in December, and Yummy Caramel Corn is a party tradition. Happy Holidays to all!”
6 quarts of popped corn
Preheat oven to 250° F.
2 cups brown sugar
Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt – stirring until it boils.
2 sticks butter ½ cup corn syrup 1 tsp salt
Add soda and vanilla; stir well until frothy. Pour over popped corn and stir until coated. Transfer to baking sheet or a large roasting pan. Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes. Dump on clean surface, cool, and break apart.
1 tsp vanilla ¾ tsp baking soda
26
Enjoy!
WINNERS
POWERED BY ETHANOL Congratulations NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series champion Matt Crafton. NASCAR® is powered by American Ethanol. Sunoco Green E15™ has fueled more than 15 million miles of high-octane performace. Congratulations, Tyler and Matt, for your achievements as series champions in 2019.
Brought to you by:
NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. NASCAR® runs on Sunoco Green E15, a race fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol, in their three national series.
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Unleaded 88 Unleashed!
With the lifting of the restricted and antiquated Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restrictions on Unleaded 88, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol, in June, motorists were able to access this cleaner burning fuel for the first time during the summer months. From June to September, American drivers drove an additional one billion on Unleaded 88, bringing the total miles driven using the cleaner-burning Unleaded 88 to 12 billion miles. This decade-long push to lift RVP restrictions was a result of the hard work and advocacy of Growth Energy and our champions on Capitol Hill, and in just a few short months, sales of the fuel have already grown rapidly. Prior to the restriction being lifted, drivers were prevented access to the cleaner-burning, moreaffordable fuel during the summer months. However, since the announcement of Unleaded 88 being made available year-round, sales of the fuel have grown
over 25 percent since the start of the summer. And that number is continuing to grow, as fuel retailers and drivers across the nation take advantage of the fuel’s retail and environmental benefits. As Unleaded 88 becomes more popular across the nation, we can expect even higher sales in the coming years. Unleaded 88 is approved for use in all vehicles 2001 and newer, as well as flex fuel vehicles, which combined represent 9 out of 10 vehicles on the road. This means most drivers in the nation are equipped to fuel-up with a more affordable, environmentally friendly fuel and now have the ability to choose Unleaded 88 all year long. For more information, or to find your nearest Unleaded 88 or E85 station, visit UNL88.com, use the GasBuddy app, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.