LINCOLN, Nebraska – Lawmakers have passed a bill to increase consumer access to E15 in Nebraska. LB562, introduced by State Sen. Myron Dorn, includes requirements for motor fuel retailers in Nebraska to sell E15 from at least 50% of their dispensers starting in 2024 if they build a new motor fuel site or replace more than 80% of the motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure at an existing site. Gov. Jim Pillen signed the bill, known as the E15 Access Standard Act, into law today.

“Nine out of 10 fuel retailers in Nebraska will be able to offer E15 without expensive upgrades to their fuel infrastructure and dispensing system,” said Reid Wagner, Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) executive director. “The framework created through LB562 offers a pathway to increase access to higher blends while minimizing costs to fuel retailers and maximizing savings for consumers.”

If the statewide ethanol blend rate (the average percentage of ethanol in each gallon of fuel) is below 14% in 2027, the bill requires fuel retailers to offer E15 from at least one dispenser at each retail location. The bill also provides for an increased income tax credit for fuel retailers offering higher blends of ethanol: $0.08 per gallon of E15 sold in 2024, $0.09 per gallon in 2025, $0.08 per gallon in 2026, $0.07 per gallon in 2027, and $0.05 per gallon in 2028.

“This is a great day for Nebraska’s drivers,” NEB Chairman Jan tenBensel said. “Having the option to choose lower‑cost, lower-carbon E15 at fuel stations all around the state is a big win for consumers, farmers, and value-added agriculture.”

E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and gasoline, is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for vehicles model year 2001 and newer. Visit fueledbynebraska.com to learn about which blend of ethanol to use and to find retailers near you.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.

For Additional High Quality Images Contact:
Jessica Sodeke, Nebraska Ethanol Board
jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov

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The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 12 p.m. Friday, June 9. The meeting will be at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street) in meeting room one. The agenda is as follows:

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Feb. 23, 2023, Board Meeting Minutes
4. Public Opportunity for Questions, Comments or Concerns
5. Working Lunch
6. Budget Report & Budget Planning Fiscal Year 2023-24
7. Economic Impact Study Update
8. Fuel Retailer Update
9. Nebraska Corn Board Update
10. Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
11. Technical & Research Updates
12. Marketing Programs
13. NEB-hosted Conferences & Events
14. Travel Reports and Authorization
15. State and Federal Legislation
16. Ethanol Plant Reports
17. Chair’s Report
18. Executive Director’s Report
19. Next Meeting Date
20. Personnel
21. Executive Session
22. Personnel (Continued)
23. Adjourn

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.

Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.

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LINCOLN, Nebraska – Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, especially for Nebraskans. The month of May usually marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels.

Both biodiesel and ethanol help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

Ethanol is the third largest Nebraska agriculture commodity, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans $275 million per year. Nebraska is also the second largest producer of ethanol in the country.

Biodiesel adds 70 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Increased demand for soybean oil to make biodiesel also increases the supply of soybean meal, leading to lower animal feed prices paid by poultry and livestock farmers. Biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to regular gasoline.

“Nebraska agriculture is well-positioned to greatly impact the country’s transition to be less carbon-intensive. While new technologies find their footing, corn and soybeans grown right here in Nebraska will continue to feed and fuel the world for a long time,” said Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “Nebraska is blessed to not only have the land, the tools, and the natural resources for a thriving agriculture industry, but also the farmers and producers who continue to nurture the commodities that, over many decades, have made Nebraska what it is—an agriculture powerhouse. Please celebrate this hard work with us throughout May. Fill up with biofuels, save money, and tell others of the importance of renewable fuels to our state and communities.” 

Owners of vehicles 2001 and newer can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15 (15% ethanol) and will often enjoy significant savings per gallon. Owners of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can also lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) or higher. Find locations near you at biodieselne.com.

Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work, and in your community this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.

During Renewable Fuels Month, Fueled by Nebraska and the Nebraska Soybean Board will host giveaways, student contests, radio interviews, fuel promotions, and more. To participate, visit facebook.com/fueledbynebraska.

Important Renewable Fuels Month Dates

• May 4: Gov. Jim Pillen will declare May as Renewable Fuels Month 
• May 8, 15, 22, and 29: Tune into our weekly Renewable Fuels Month segment on Pure Nebraska with Jon Vanderford. Watch 10/11’s Pure Nebraska live weekdays from 9-9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
• May 17: Renewable Fuels Month student contest deadlines

Fueled by Nebraska is a partnership of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska to ensure strong markets for biofuels.

The Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.

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Biofuels stakeholders and experts from across the nation will join the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska for the annual Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum March 6-7, 2023, in La Vista, Nebraska, at the La Vista Conference Center. In its 17th year, the Forum serves newcomers to the ethanol industry and experienced professionals who want to hear about emerging markets, policy, and technology, and who want to connect with industry colleagues.

Newly-elected Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen and Dr. Venus Welch-White, senior advisor to the Agricultural Advisor of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will headline this two-day event, and highlight how Nebraska ethanol plays a role in agriculture, the economy, and sustainability. What does new state and federal legislation mean for sustainable aviation fuel; carbon capture, storage, and utilization; use of higher ethanol blends; and the Renewable Fuel Standard? The program covers it in the state, federal, and global policy discussions.
 
The Innovation Showcase highlights three carbon-reducing technologies and reviews the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) — a first-of-its-kind project in South Dakota to illuminate the path forward for climate-smart farming practices.

This year’s Forum also includes resources to learn about investing in decarbonization projects and infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy and USDA will review past, current, and future funding, while Advanced Resources International helps make economic sense of carbon marketing and shows ethanol producers how credits can stack up in their favor.
 
Registration and a detailed agenda are available at ethanol.nebraska.gov/events/emerging-issues-forum/. Nebraska ethanol producers, students, media, and Nebraska legislators are welcome to attend at no cost. See “registration type” for details or email jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov with questions. Registration ends Feb. 26. 
 
The many successful years of the Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum remain possible from the support of local and national sponsors. This year’s Signature sponsors include Bio Nebraska, Carbon America, Husch Blackwell, Kutak Rock, Navigator CO₂ Ventures, Novozymes, Summit Carbon Solutions, and WCR. Supporting sponsors include the American Coalition for Ethanol, CoBank, Fluid Quip Technologies, HMT, IFF, Pelican Energy, Phibro’s Ethanol Performance Group, Pivot Global Bioethanol Coalition, the Renewable Fuels Association, and USDA Rural Development. If you are interested in sponsoring this event in the future, contact amber.rucker@nebraska.gov.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. The meeting will be at Cornhusker Marriott (333 S. 13^th St) in lower-level event room Arbor II. The agenda is as follows:

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Dec. 6, 2022, Board Meeting Minutes
4. Public Opportunity for Questions, Comments or Concerns
5. Budget Report
6. Process Control Essentials & Process Hazard Analysis Training Updates
7. Travel Reports and Authorization
8. Fuel Retailer Update
9. Nebraska Corn Board Update
10. Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
11. Technical & Research Updates
12. Marketing Programs
13. NEB-hosted Conferences & Events
14. Working Lunch
15. State and Federal Legislation
16. Ethanol Plant Reports
17. Chair’s Report
18. Executive Director’s Report
19. Personnel
20. Executive Session
21. Next Meeting Date
22. Adjourn

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.

Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.

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