17th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum
September 22-24, 2025
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel | Chicago, Illinois
17th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum
September 22-24, 2025
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel | Chicago, Illinois
Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the RFS or a first-timer, this refresher course is the perfect way to start off the event. Join us for an essential overview of how the program works as well as key, must-know information in the area of compliance.
Robert Anderson, Director, Energy Compliance Services – Weaver
The EPA is responsible for setting annual renewable fuel blending targets and establishing overall policy direction for the RFS program. All eyes are again on this critical governmental agency in 2025 as the market awaits the Renewable Volume Obligation targets for 2026 and beyond. Hear from a key leader at the EPA as they discuss the RFS as well as upcoming rulemaking items including, but not limited to small refinery exemptions and other potential updates.
Paul Machiele, President – Fuel Policy Advisors (Former Director – EPA)
Annually, it might be the most anticipated RFS discussion of the year. Industry stakeholders from both the biofuels side and the refinery side square off in a freewheeling discussion of biofuel-related issues. Advocates for both sectors will share their often-opposing views on the state of the program and where it might be heading.
Geoff Cooper, President & CEO – Renewable Fuels Association
Kurt Kovarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs – Clean Fuels Alliance America
Michael McAdams, President – Advanced Biofuels Association
Geoff Moody, Senior VP, Government Relations and Policy – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM)
Moderator: Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
RINs prices have experienced strength and stability throughout both the Biden and Trump Administrations, providing improved blend economics for biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and others. How sustainable is the price stability, and what can we expect in the coming months and years? Our panelists will discuss why prices have risen, what could deflate the RIN bubble, and most importantly, where might prices go next.
Andy Lipow, President – Lipow Oil Associates
Yi Chen, CAMIRO Senior Research Analyst, Forecasting – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
Moderator: Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
The RFS has been molded and modified by pivotal courtroom moments since the program’s inception, and the past year has been no different. Hear from two experienced RFS attorneys on what decisions have been made in the legal arena and what showdowns might be looming on the horizon.
Susan Lafferty, Partner – Holland & Knight
Mark C. Talty, Counsel – Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
David McCullough, Partner – Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Moderator: Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
Our expert panel explores the current state of the biomass-based diesel industry, including supply and demand drivers, potential roadblocks to expanded use of the fuels and the outlooks for both traditional biodiesel and renewable diesel.
Greg Staiti, Compliance Director – Montana Renewables
Josh Pedrick, Low-Carbon Markets Trader – Neste
Tom Brooks, General Manager – Western Dubuque Biodiesel
Moderator: Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
The changing landscape of tax credits is having major impact on producers in 2025, from biodiesel to renewable diesel to sustainable aviation fuel … which is also affecting ethanol producers’ hope that their fuel will be used as a SAF feedstock. This panel will examine the continuous changes coming down the pipeline and how to maximize the benefits of credits in your business.
Tim Urban, Senior Principal – Bracewell
Jenny Speck, Partner – Vinson & Elkins
Moderator: Patrick Newkumet, Senior Journalist – OPIS, a Dow Jones Company
The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry has seen sharp growth since last taking the stage at the RFS Forum, especially over the last 24 months. What has gone right for the industry in recent years and what other obstacles remain before the fuel can truly take off with widespread blending increases? Our panel of industry experts will analyze the critical elements shaping SAF’s future.
Kathy Bergren, Director, Federal Government Relations – Gevo
Sean Newsum, Managing Director, Environmental Affairs – Airlines for America (A4A)
Erin Donnette, Regional Director of US Sustainability – The Boeing Company
Moderator: Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewable Fuels – OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
As the global energy industry evolves, numerous refiners are embracing low-carbon fuels and reduced emissions to help combat climate change. Join a key RFS-obligated refiner as they share their story of transforming and adapting to these changes and the effect on RFS compliance.
Thomas Miller, Regulatory Affairs Senior Manager – BP Products North America Inc.
2025 has seen plenty of new legislation aimed at incentivizing the use of biofuels, especially at the state level. Hear from the experts on all the activity and what it means for renewable fuels in each individual state … including yours.
Monte Shaw, Executive Director – Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Brian Werner, Executive Director – Minnesota Biofuels Association
Dawn Caldwell, Executive Director – Renewable Fuels Nebraska
Moderator: Evelyn Olson, CAMIRO Low Carbon Fuels Analyst, Policy – OPIS, a Dow Jones Company
The renewable natural gas (RNG) industry has seen steady growth over the past two years following a sharp uptick last decade. Experts panelists will analyze the current state of the RNG market, new projects, key demand drivers, as well as policy changes to support the industry’s growth.
Rich Cooper, Vice President – NW Natural Resources
Andy Dvoracek, Vice President, Business Development – Amp Americas
Moderator: Sam Wade, Director, Public Policy – RNG Coalition