National Ethanol Conference Celebrates Record 2025

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper calls for Congress and White House to fully unleash American ethanol.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Speaking at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Florida, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper celebrated a record year in 2025 for the industry. He also strongly urged Congress and the White House to fully unleash American ethanol to boost the farm economy, reduce consumer fuel prices, and strengthen domestic energy security.

Why it matters

The ethanol industry has faced challenges with outdated regulations restricting E15 sales, despite bipartisan support for year-round availability. Unleashing the full potential of American ethanol could have significant economic and energy security benefits.

The details

Cooper told attendees that 2025 was another good year for the U.S. ethanol industry, but they could have done much more if given the opportunity. He said that opportunity begins with eliminating outdated regulations that restrict E15 sales during the summer driving season. Legislative efforts to secure permanent, nationwide year-round E15 sales narrowly failed in 2024 and again in early 2026.

  • The National Ethanol Conference took place in Orlando, Florida.
  • 2025 was a record year for the U.S. ethanol industry.
  • Efforts to secure year-round E15 sales failed in 2024 and early 2026.

The players

Geoff Cooper

President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

American Petroleum Institute

A broad coalition that included the American Petroleum Institute was part of the failed legislative efforts to secure permanent, nationwide year-round E15 sales.

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What they’re saying

“We saw glimpses of our industry's potential last year, and 2025 was another good year for the U.S. ethanol industry, but we could have done so much more if simply given the opportunity.”

— Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association (NAFB.com)

“Unleash E15! Let's get it done.”

— Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association (NAFB.com)

What’s next

The ethanol industry will continue to push for legislative efforts to secure permanent, nationwide year-round E15 sales.

The takeaway

The ethanol industry had a record year in 2025, but its full potential remains untapped due to outdated regulations. Removing barriers to E15 sales could boost the farm economy, reduce consumer fuel prices, and strengthen domestic energy security.