ACE 2026 DC Fly-In Marks 15 Years of Grassroots Advocacy on Capitol Hill

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The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) held its 2026 DC Fly-In this week, marking 15 years of grassroots advocacy for the ethanol industry on Capitol Hill. ACE members, including ethanol producers, farmers, and fuel retailers, met with members of Congress, federal agency officials, and other policymakers to advocate for priorities like securing permanent, year-round market access for E15, strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and ensuring clear guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit.

Why it matters

The decisions made in Washington in the coming months will have a major impact on the future of the ethanol industry and rural America. ACE's annual Fly-In is a critical opportunity for stakeholders to directly engage with policymakers and shape the policies that affect their businesses and communities.

The details

ACE welcomed over 300 individuals from more than 30 states to participate in this year's Fly-In, where they met with Members of Congress, their staff, and federal agency officials like EPA's Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo and USDA's Acting Administrator Kate Zook. Key priorities included securing permanent, year-round E15 market access, advocating for strong RFS blending targets, and ensuring clear guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, including how ethanol producers can benefit from low-carbon farming practices. Participants also highlighted opportunities to unlock new domestic and global markets for U.S. ethanol.

• The 2026 ACE DC Fly-In took place on March 17-18, 2026.
• ACE has held an annual Fly-In in Washington, D.C. since 2009.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The American Coalition for Ethanol will continue to advocate for its policy priorities with federal policymakers in the coming months, as key decisions are made that will impact the future of the ethanol industry and rural America.