Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

California is on the verge of legalizing E15 fuel for the first time after the legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), about how persistence, coalition-building, and strategy led to this milestone — and what it means for consumers, retailers, policymakers, and grain professionals. From lower costs and cleaner air to ripple effects across ethanol markets and grain demand, this conversation explores how one bill could reshape the renewable fuels landscape for decades.

Geoff Cooper is President and CEO of the RFA, the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Since joining RFA in 2008, he has driven market growth, shaped policy, and expanded global demand for ethanol and co-products. A former U.S. Army captain specializing in fuel logistics, Geoff has served on key advisory boards and testified before state and federal bodies. He is widely recognized as a leader in the bioeconomy and a strong advocate for sustainable fuels.

Key Takeaways

• AB30 passed unanimously — a historic first for ethanol legislation — and includes an urgency clause to make E15 legal immediately once signed.
•  Consumers could save ~$2.7 billion annually (about $200 per household) with E15, typically priced 10–30¢ per gallon lower than E10.
•  Environmental benefits include reduced smog-forming emissions, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and greenhouse gases.
•  Ethanol production is zero-waste: starch becomes fuel while protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed.
•  A broad coalition — retailers, farm groups, transport associations, chambers of commerce, veterans, and labor — made AB30 possible.
•  California’s decision accelerates federal momentum for year-round E15 and influences fuel policy worldwide.
•  Market impact: 600–700 million gallons of additional ethanol demand could require 200–250 million more bushels of corn, boosting grain handling and transport.

Pull Quotes

• “This is the first ethanol-friendly bill to move through the California legislature with unanimous support.” 
• “E15 delivers typical pump savings of 10–30 cents per gallon — and we’ve seen even larger discounts.” 
• “The ethanol process today is zero-waste — starch becomes fuel, and protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed.” 
• “California’s move on E15 sends a signal nationwide and around the world.” 

Important Links & Related Episodes

• Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) — https://ethanolrfa.org/
• Fueling the Future: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Grain Industry with RFA's Robert White 
• E15, Ethanol and the Future of Agriculture with Emily Skor of Growth Energy
• Driving Change: The

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.