Renewable Fuels Assoc. Enhances Ethanol Lobbying | Legis1
TL/DR –
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) increased its lobbying expenditures by 23% to $402,429 in Q1 2026, compared to $327,152 in Q4 2025, reflecting the organization’s push to turn regulatory momentum into legislative wins amid tariff uncertainty and stalled E15 fuel sales. Their lobbying agenda includes the Renewable Fuel Standard, tax provisions on clean fuel production, sustainable aviation fuel policy, and international trade barriers affecting ethanol exports. Despite the Trump administration’s emergency waiver allowing year-round E15 sales, a legislative fix has yet to be established, thus the RFA has also been advocating for permanent E15 access and tax credit clarity.
An Increase in Lobbying Expenditures: Inside the Renewable Fuels Association’s Efforts
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) disclosed a rise in its lobbying expenses from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the first of 2026. The reported expenditure is $402,429, marking a roughly 23% increase from the previous quarter’s $327,152.
Behind the Rise in Expenditure
This rise in expenditure on lobbying comes at a time when the ethanol industry is navigating a complex policy landscape. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligations for 2026 and 2027 have been set to record highs by the EPA in March, showing a significant win for the industry. However, the industry’s push to establish year-round E15 fuel sales nationwide permanently through legislation hasn’t been successful. The Farm Bill passed by the House didn’t include an E15 amendment, pushing the industry to seek other legislative routes. Notably, export markets are also experiencing uncertainty due to tariff issues. The increased lobbying spending by the RFA signifies the pressure the industry faces in securing lasting legislative victories.
Overview of RFA’s Expenditure
The RFA’s lobbying operation includes both an in-house team and retained external firms. Over the past year, the in-house team reported spending $1,430,992 across four quarterly filings. This first quarter disclosure is one of several active filings for the organization.
Aside from their in-house team, the RFA also works with Jim Massie & Partners LLC and AJW Inc. on matters including RFS and renewable fuels policy. Additionally, a new firm, H&M Strategies LLP, was registered as a new client lobbyist for the RFA in late March 2026, expanding the lobbying team by five members.
RFA’s Lobbying Team
For this disclosure, the in-house lobbying team comprises Troy Bredenkamp, Ed Hubbard Jr., Geoff Cooper, and Jared Mullendore. Two of these lobbyists, Ed Hubbard Jr. and Jared Mullendore, have previous congressional staff experience.
Lobbying Focus
Although the first quarter 2026 lobbying disclosure doesn’t specify particular issues or legislation, the RFA’s lobbying agenda has been consistently broad, according to previous filings. Their interests have encompassed various topics including the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 related to E15 fuel access, the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, tax provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. The RFA also focuses on international trade barriers affecting ethanol exports, rail safety, and the development of farm bill and climate-smart agriculture.
RFA Amidst Legislative and Regulatory Changes
The RFA’s lobbying activities are taking place amidst significant shifts in legislation and regulation. The EPA’s finalization of the 2026–2027 RFS rule in March, outlining record-high renewable fuel volume obligations, marks one such change.
Despite the Trump administration’s emergency waiver allowing year-round E15 sales, a legislative solution remains elusive. A bipartisan amendment to the Farm Bill led by Rep. Michelle Fischbach that could have permanently allowed year-round E15 manufacture and sale did not make it to the finalized bill passed by the House. The RFA had publicly advocated for this amendment.
The ethanol sector has drawn active congressional interest, with the March 2026 Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on expanding domestic consumption of U.S. agricultural products repeatedly referencing renewable fuel volume obligations as critical to farm income. “Strong, predictable, renewable volume obligations are essential,” said Jed Bower of the National Corn Growers Association, adding that these obligations inspire confidence in farmers, ethanol producers, and fuel retailers to invest and grow.
Implications of International Trade
Trade discussions are also impacting the sector. According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, several countries have agreed to reduce tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports, including an agreement with the UK that has opened a billion-liter market. However, negotiations with Brazil are ongoing and complex. The RFA is observing potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada, as it accounted for approximately 25% of U.S. ethanol exports in 2024.
Looking Forward
As a recognized entity in Washington, the RFA has had a consistent lobbying footprint. The organization’s increased spending in the first quarter, along with the enlistment of a new external firm, suggests an expanded reach at a time when several of its primary objectives, such as permanent E15 access and tax credit clarity, remain unresolved on Capitol Hill.
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