On June 11, 2019, President Trump visited Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to celebrate regulatory changes that would finally allow year-round E15 sales. At the event—which included governors, senators, representatives and cabinet members—the President also heard from farmers and ethanol industry leaders about the devastating impact of RFS compliance exemptions being granted to small refineries. In a conference call, on June 11th, 2020, for news media, industry leaders who were part of last year’s event they discussed what has happened in the year since this event, including:

• An increase in sales of the E15 blend starting in 2019
• The continuing demand destruction from small refinery waivers despite successful court challenges
• Other political attacks against the Renewable Fuel Standard
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ethanol industry

• Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
• Mike Jerke, CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
• Kevin Ross, Iowa Farmer and President, National Corn Growers Association
• Scott Richman, Chief Economist, Renewable Fuels Association

061120_RFA-OneYearLaterConfCall_1h4m27s