Growth Energy is the leading biofuel trade association that represents nearly 200 companies across the biofuel supply chain, including POET, Green Plains, DuPont, Novozymes and BASF. Advocating for farmers, biofuel advocates, fuel retailers and drivers, Growth Energy’s focuses align with opening markets for ethanol in the U.S. and globally and driving innovation for clean, American-made energy.
Oil industry opposition to biofuels has grown dramatically in scope and depth in the years following the 2005 passage and 2007 expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). By statute, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting specific biofuel targets each year. These targets ensure a market for homegrown biofuels, including corn-based ethanol. In response, biofuel critics have sought to roll back the RFS and erect policy barriers against the sale of ethanol-blended fuel. These attacks are backed by regular, multi-million-dollar advertising campaigns ensuring a perennial uphill battle for America’s biofuel producers.
For more than a decade, our partners have worked closely with the biofuels industry, providing strategic counsel rooted in a deep knowledge of the issues, the players, and the challenges. In recent years, our service to the industry has expanded to encompass media relations, public affairs, message development, crisis management, grassroots activation, third-party engagement, and advertising across all types of media – from national TV to guerilla marketing.
Our team mobilizes advocates in the Farm Belt and beyond to effectively challenge the oil industry’s influence year-after-year. We sustain an effective balance of offensive and defensive initiatives, ready to blunt attacks while promoting the consumer reputation, environmental contributions, and value to the rural economy of American ethanol. Most recently, we organized an aggressive grassroots campaign across the Midwest during the heated 2018 midterms, driving support for higher ethanol blends (E15). Activations during the campaign included a multi-state E15Now bus tour, targeted advertising to activate thousands of farm voices and hundreds of face-to-face contacts with targeted lawmakers.
Our team has successfully leveraged public support to protect and expand policies critical to the growth of U.S. biofuels. Despite continued and well-funded opposition, no adverse legislation has been enacted, and the RFS remains a cornerstone of our nation’s renewable energy future – a credit to our efforts. More recently, in direct response to our E15Now campaign during the 2018 midterms, President Trump has vowed to lift federal limits on the sales of E15.
"*" indicates required fields
