Celebrating renewable fuels

By U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts
R-Nebraska

In May, we celebrate Renewable Fuels Month. It’s a time to celebrate Nebraska’s farmers, rural communities, and home-grown energy. Nebraska farmers fuel the world through the production of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. I introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month in America. Biofuels are a win for Nebraska and a win for America. 

Biofuels support Nebraska agriculture. Our state is America’s second-largest ethanol producer. Our 25 ethanol plants make nearly 2.2 billion gallons each year. These plants provide more than 1,300 good-paying jobs. It brings an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. 

Biofuels help local farmers get better prices for their corn and soybeans. A typical dry mill ethanol plant added nearly 50% more value to every bushel of corn processed last year. That’s value-added agriculture. These fuels help drive our economy forward. 

Biofuels save consumers money at the pump. Drivers in Nebraska saved at least $325 million last year by using ethanol blends like E10 and E15. During the summer months, drivers can save more than 30 cents per gallon. 

When I filled up at Hy-Vee, I saved 55 cents per gallon with E10 as compared to regular 89 octane. That’s saving money at the pump. That’s real relief for families facing high costs. 

Biofuels help clean our environment. Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 44% to 52% compared to gasoline. E15 also reduces other pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates. That means cleaner air for our communities.

Biofuels also support American energy security. The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that U.S.-produced ethanol displaced the need for 630 million barrels of imported oil in 2024. Using home-grown fuels means we rely less on authoritarian countries like Venezuela. Authoritarian countries don’t share our values. We should never depend on our adversaries for energy when we have proven solutions right here in Nebraska. 

Even with all these benefits, biofuels often get overlooked in Washington. Joe Biden’s bureaucrats pushed costly electric vehicle mandates that don’t work for rural America. They refused to follow the law as it relates to Renewable Volume Obligations. That’s why I fought back. I led the bipartisan Flex Fuel Fairness Act to expand access to flex fuel vehicles. I also led the fight against Biden’s EV mandate. My colleagues on the Environment and Public Works Committee know that I will always stand up for Nebraska biofuels. 

We’re not just fighting bad policies. We’re building support for good policies. Thankfully, The Trump administration is much more supportive of biofuels. President Trump and his Cabinet secretaries are committed to following the law. I’m working with them to advance biofuels. I’m pushing to pass Senator Deb Fischer’s bill to allow year-round E15 sales nationwide. We need a permanent solution to avoid relying on temporary waivers from bureaucrats. 

I’m also working to expand new market opportunities for biofuels. I’ve introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act with Senator Amy Klobuchar. This bipartisan bill helps biofuels power cargo ships and other large vessels. I also support the Farm to Fly Act, which will develop the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Consumers, producers, and industry would all benefit from these expanded opportunities. 

Nebraska biofuels producers help fuel America and the world. Every day is a good day to choose biofuels. As you get ready to hit the road this summer, consider filling up on E15. You’re supporting local producers, helping clean our environment, and promoting American energy security. That’s a win for everyone.