Geoff Cooper Advocates Ethanol’s Impact on Farming
At the Renewable Fuels Association's 30th annual National Ethanol Conference, CEO Geoff Cooper delivered a comprehensive overview of the ethanol industry's contribution to U.S. agriculture and its potential to alleviate current economic pressures.
Cooper's reflections on the industry’s journey from the Carter-era 'gasohol' to today’s biofuel powerhouse underscored the crucial role of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) established in 2005 in transforming U.S. energy and agricultural sectors.
Despite the agriculture sector reaping the benefits of the most successful period in its history due to the RFS, there has been a recent downturn in farm income, casting uncertainty over future prosperity.
Looking forward, Cooper remains hopeful about the ethanol industry's prospects, particularly with initiatives like the legislation for consistent year-round access to E15 fuel.
The sustainability of this industry, however, hinges on the decisions of the upcoming presidential administration and Congress. Cooper stressed the importance of safeguarding the RFS, revising vehicle emissions regulations to avoid an overemphasis on electric vehicles, and ensuring the stability of biofuel tax incentives and trade policies.
Cooper's call to action was clear - “By strengthening policies that support renewable fuels, we not only enhance energy security but also strengthen the rural communities that are the backbone of America’s economy,” he noted.
Cooper concluded by reiterating the critical need for focused policy support to leverage ethanol as a stabilizing force for rural America and a key component of national energy strategy, echoing his belief in the enduring power of past successful interventions in the sector.