Jump in Q1-Q3 RFS lobbying spending seen as critical to winning year-round E15

In Washington, Roll Call reports that ethanol lobbying groups increased spending related to the Renewable Fuels Standard during the first three quarters of the year compared to 2017, a move that has paid off as demonstrated by the recent policy shift to allow year-round E15. Growth Energy topped the list of lobbying groups at $1.37 million through September compared to $1.14 million through Q3 2017 while POET came in at $1.47 million during the period, compared to $1.28 million last year. The Renewable Fuels Association, for example, increased its spending Q1-Q3 to $1.19 million from 980,000 during same period the year prior. The Advanced Biofuels Association spent $320,000 through Q3 and will likely pass its 2017 annual total of $360,000, which its 2017 spend through September was $270,000.