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 bio fuels 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. 

“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.

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.

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.