CRES Forum hosted the fifth CRES Academy session of 2024, “Biofuels 101: Driving a Cleaner Future with American Resources.” The session explored the role of biofuels in the U.S. transportation sector and provided an in-depth look at how biofuels—such as ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) — can meet transportation needs while supporting energy security and reducing emissions.
The transportation sector currently accounts for 28 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it the largest contributor to U.S. emissions. Sourced from renewable resources like plants and agricultural waste, biofuels not only help reduce emissions but also support local communities, making them a key element of America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.
CRES Forum’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Christina Baworowsky set the stage for a robust discussion on biofuels’ potential to shape a low-carbon future. The panel featured House Agriculture Committee Professional Staff Member Adele Borne, Advanced Biofuels Association’s Larry Schafer, Growth EnergyVice President of Government Affairs John Fuher, Advanced Biofuels Business Council Executive Director & Co-Founder Brooke Coleman, American Biogas CouncilExecutive Director Patrick Serfass and Neste Federal Public Affairs Manager Jordan Haverly.
Panelists delved into the technical aspects of biofuels, current industry trends and the policies that support their production and use. They highlighted the importance of tax credit incentives, such as Section 45Z and 40B, in driving biofuel innovation and adoption. Discussion turned to the federal government’s role in supporting biofuels through regulatory frameworks and financial incentives.
CRES Academy educates junior-level Republican congressional staff on key clean energy and climate policy topics. CRES Forum remains dedicated to equipping policymakers with the tools to deliver commonsense solutions for a clean energy future.