High Performance Low Carbon Liquid Fuels Summit plants big ideas

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The 2025 High Performance Low Carbon Liquid Fuels Summit, May 6-7 at the headquarters of the Indianapolis Colts, brought together farmers, fuel retailers and biofuels advocates to explore the growing potential of corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel. Hosted by the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee, the event featured experts on decarbonization, policy, infrastructure and innovation. 

Biofuels play a critical role in Indiana’s economy. Forty-three percent of its corn supports ethanol production, and the state’s largest biodiesel plant processes more than 300 million pounds of soybean oil annually. These fuels support tens of thousands of jobs, boost farm incomes, reduce emissions and offer strong export potential. 

“Ethanol is more than a fuel or fuel additive. It’s a performance-enhancing, low-carbon, octane source made from renewable corn,” said ICGA President Chris Cherry, a farmer from New Palestine. “It improves air quality, is good for the environment and costs less at the pump. At ICGA, we are incredibly excited to focus this event on helping retailers discover and capitalize on the tangible value of adding higher ethanol blends to their stations. In a race for retailer profitability, ethanol is a winner.” 

David Hardin, a farmer from Avon who serves on the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership & Policy Committee, echoed the enthusiasm for plant-based energy. “Biodiesel is clean burning, and it can be used in any diesel engine without making any modifications. Biodiesel is commercially available nationwide, and it is today’s solution for heavy-duty trucking, emergency vehicles, bus fleets and farm equipment.” 

Wally’s Travel Center is constructing a massive new fuel station near the I-65 exit in Whitestown that will feature several new ethanol pumps. Nate Hale, director of construction and facilities at Wally’s, said he came into the industry with a healthy skepticism of biofuels. “I’ve always supported agriculture, but I was aware of the stigma around biofuels. I needed to see the results for myself – and now I’m a believer,” Hale said. “There’s a real opportunity to educate consumers on what they’re spending at the pump and to unify our message. If we can bring retailers, consumers and the biofuels industry together, we can tell a stronger, clearer story about ethanol’s value.” 

During the panel discussion about state policy, speakers talked about the recent biofuels tax incentives bill, which didn’t advance in this year’s legislative session. However, panelists expressed optimism for future progress, noting the absence of opposition as a positive sign. 

Dallas Gerber of Growth Energy and Lawrence McCormack of Cummins emphasized the importance of continued engagement with lawmakers and raising public awareness. “I think we can build on the progress we had this year,” McCormack said, expressing confidence that increased awareness will help move the bill forward in upcoming sessions. 

Steve Howell, ISA and ICGA senior director of industry affairs, added “We can leverage our advocacy moving forward to benefit the biofuels industry.” Jeff Earl from Clean Fuels Alliance America encouraged the audience to “continue to invest in your champions, whether it’s in the statehouse or this coalition, to make sure they’re invested in the success of the issue.” Gerber urged industry leaders to “weather the storm and make sure we stay consistent on our message.” 

That collaborative spirit was a key takeaway from the event. The room was filled with diverse voices – retailers, farmers, fuel companies and industry leaders – all with a shared goal. By working together, these voices can elevate the message around biofuels and deliver benefits across the board, from producers to end consumers. 

The two-day program featured many industry experts and covered topics pertinent to all involved in the biofuels industry. The keynote speech by John Eichberger, executive director of the Transportation and Energy Institute, explained that the push to remove carbon from the environment does not mean that all vehicles and machinery should be powered by electricity. In many cases, he said, low carbon solutions can come from renewable liquid fuels. 

In a panel discussion about how federal government policies and regulations affect the biofuels industry, David Cobb of Clean Fuels Alliance America said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could help by increasing its Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) number under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to 5.25 billion gallons in 2026. Cobb said U.S. biodiesel producers can make that much, and he believes there is a market for it. 

On Wednesday, a panel discussed all of the many ways biofuels can be used. Mark Ingebretson of the U.S. Grains Council said there is a potentially bright future for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but many infrastructure and regulatory hurdles need to be cleared. Increasing the use of biodiesel in large-scale public and private fleets also needs to be encouraged. 

Wrapping up the program, Courtney Kingery, CEO of ICGA, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), talked to Roger VanDerSnick, Chief Commercial Officer for the Indianapolis Colts, Mel Raines, CEO for Pacers Sports and Entertainment and Jill Gregory, President of Andretti Global about securing strong partnerships. ISA has created partnerships with the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts as their home venues now prepare their concession food in high oleic soybean oil. Andretti INDYCAR is a partner through ISA’s B20 Club program, which recognizes transportation fleets that commit to using a 20 percent blend of biodiesel with regular diesel. 

Many sponsors contributed to the success of the Summit including the B20 Club of Indiana, Valero, Family Express, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Indiana Ethanol Producers Association, ICMC, ISA, Growth Energy, Indiana Food and Fuel Association, John Deere, National Corn Growers Association, Corteva Agriscience, Clean Fuels Alliance America, eFlexFuel Technology, CIE, Vault 44.01, S&P Global, Indigenous Energy, Cardinal Ethanol and American Soybean Association. 

“Every successful venture requires partners,” said ICMC President Tim Gauck, a farmer from Greensburg. “Farmers need fuel retailers to offer higher blends of ethanol to consumers, and we need advocates like the Indiana Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuels Association and others to make sure that any legislative challenges to ethanol can be overcome. One of our priorities is to spark conversation and collaboration across the ethanol industry. This event supports that mission.” 

This year’s Summit included several featured speakers and panel discussions with biofuels experts from around the world. Some of the speakers and topics were: 

• The Future of Renewable Fuels Federal Policy and Regulation – Panel with Geoff Moody of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, David Cobb of Clean Fuels Alliance America, Michael Hartrick of the Environment and Energy Policy Alliance for Automotive Innovation and moderated by John Eichberger of Transportation and Energy Institute. 
• Advancements in Biofuel Infrastructure and Innovation for Fuel Retailers – Panel with Nate Hale of fuel retailer Wally’s, Ron English of J.T. Petroleum, Jeff Dzierzanowski of Source North America Corp., Jeff Wilkerson of Pearson Fuels and moderated by Helena Jette of ICMC and ISA. 
• State Policy Landscape. Laying the Foundation for Growth in Indiana – Panel with Jeff Wilkerson of Pearson Fuels, Jeff Earl of Clean Fuels Alliance America, Lawrence McCormack of Cummins Inc., Dallas Gerber of Growth Energy and moderated by Steve Howell of ICGA and ISA. 
• Purdue Ethanol Initiatives – Panel with Dr. Gregory Shaver of Purdue University, Matt Hunt of Purdue University, Juha Honkasalo of eFlexFuel Technologies and moderated by Helena Jette of of ICMC and ISA. 
• Indiana Biodiesel Wins – Panel with Karl Thomas of Optimus Technology, Jason Armes of Carmel Street Department, Bobby Humphrey of Argos Connect Solutions (Geotab), Mike Roeth of North American Council of Freight Efficiency and moderated by Helena Jette of ICMC and ISA. 
• Land, Air and Sea: Biofuels Tactics – Panel with Mark Ingebretson of U.S. Grains Council; David Cobb of Clean Fuels Alliance America; Jamey Cline of Christianson PLLP, Hugh Caperton of Vault 4401 and moderated by Jackie Hayes of Whitefox Technologies. 

• Big Picture Supply Chain to Global Market – Feeding and Fueling the World – presented by Ken Erikson, founder of Polaris Analytics and Consulting. 

• How the Political Landscapes Shape the Market Dynamics of Fossil and Biofuel Consumption, Production and International Trade – presented by Debnil Chowdhury, Head of Western Hemisphere Fuels and Refining Research for S&P Global. 
  
  

About Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee: The ISA Membership and Policy Committee works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the advocacy and promotion of state and federal policies. ISA Membership and Policy Committee is led by members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance farmer board who are charged with directing advocacy efforts on behalf of approximately 600 dues-paying members.

About Indiana Corn Growers Association: The Indiana Corn Growers Association works with state and federal governments to develop and promote sound policies that benefit Indiana corn farmers. The ICGA consists of nine farmer-directors who provide leadership to the organization on behalf of more than 700 members statewide.

This communication was NOT funded with Indiana corn and soybean checkoff dollars.