Ricketts Introduces Resolution Designating May as Renewable Fuels Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a bipartisan resolution to designate May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month. The resolution highlights the critical role renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, unleashing American energy independence, protecting the environment, and supporting rural communities. Original cosponsors include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

"Renewable fuels are a win for Nebraska and a win for America," said Senator Ricketts. "They save consumers money at the pump, are good for the environment, and help farmers get better prices for their corn and soybeans. Renewable fuels also strengthen American energy independence. I am proud to lead this resolution on behalf of Nebraska farmers and ranchers."

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

"For more than a decade, Iowa farmers and biofuel producers were told to wait - wait for another waiver, another study, or another Congress to act," said Representative Nunn. "This year, we stopped waiting and started delivering. The House passed year-round, nationwide E15, bringing Congress closer than ever to making permanent access to higher biofuel blends the law of the land. Iowa's renewable fuels industry has earned that certainty, and this bicameral resolution recognizes the farmers, producers, and innovators who made Iowa the nation's leader in homegrown energy."

The resolution is endorsed by Renewable Fuels Nebraska, Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), Growth Energy, and Fuels America.

Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America said, "Clean Fuels thanks Senator Ricketts and applauds his resolution designating May 2026 Renewable Fuels Month. There's no better time - as Americans begin their summer plans, energy security is top of mind. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are needed now more than ever to meet 10% of the nation's diesel fuel demand and keep the American economy moving."

"Renewable Fuels Month provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the many benefits of American-made biofuels like ethanol," said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. "Ethanol blends, especially lower-cost E15 and E85, can help American families save money while cutting emissions, strengthening the rural economy and bolstering energy independence. We thank Sen. Ricketts for his leadership and strong support for farmers and ethanol producers."

"Across the country, and especially in Nebraska, investments in soybean processing and biomass-based diesel are transforming rural economies, supporting hardworking farmers, and expanding America's domestic energy capacity," said Devin Mogler, President and CEO of NOPA. "During Renewable Fuels Month, we celebrate how these investments are boosting domestic manufacturing, strengthening rural America, and helping secure American energy dominance for generations to come."

Dawn Caldwell, Renewable Fuels Nebraska said, "Nebraska's farmers and ranchers feed the world-and thanks to our world-class ethanol producers, we help fuel it, too. Renewable fuels like ethanol boost our family farms' bottom line, support good jobs across the state, and attract investment into our rural communities. And just as importantly: They keep costs down for drivers at the gas pump while improving our air quality. Renewable Fuels Nebraska appreciates Senator Ricketts' commitment to celebrating the enormous impact of this industry, and our members are grateful for his work alongside Senator Fischer and their colleagues aimed at opening more markets and creating more opportunities for our workers and producers to deliver high-quality, homegrown energy."

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy said, "With global events driving up fuel prices, Renewable Fuels Month is a timely reminder that every gallon of homegrown biofuel helps put downward pressure on fuel costs while strengthening the rural economy. U.S. farmers and biofuel producers are among the leading innovators in the energy sector, continually increasing efficiency, finding solutions to market challenges, and positioning America for long-term success at home and abroad. We are proud to stand with Senator Ricketts and other leaders who are working hard to strengthen the renewable fuels industry and ensure these innovators can continue delivering value to American consumers."

BACKGROUND

Nebraska is a national leader in biofuel production, consistently ranking as the second-largest ethanol producer in the United States. In 2024, Nebraska had 24 operating ethanol plants with a production capacity of over 2.2 billion gallons. Approximately 35% of Nebraska's corn crop in 2024 was utilized in ethanol production. The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that U.S.-produced ethanol displaced the need for 640 million barrels of imported oil in 2025.

Text of the Renewable Fuels Month resolution is available here.