WASHINGTON — April 23, 2026 — In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative (ABMI) calls for strong U.S. leadership at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that American-made biofuels play a central role in the future of global maritime shipping policy.
As the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) advances discussions on a global maritime fuels framework, ABMI seeks to emphasize the importance of global policies that prioritize affordability, reliability, and energy diversity. U.S. leadership is critical to ensuring the framework remains technology-neutral and inclusive of commercially available solutions such as ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and bio-LNG. A workable framework could help to expand export market opportunities for U.S. fuels and support the President’s “American First Trade Policy Agenda.”
ABMI noted the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard policy reinforces the importance of homegrown energy, recently finalizing a 26.81 billion gallon of ethanol equivalent obligation for renewable fuel use in 2026.
However, despite strong production capacity, American biofuel producers face demandconstrained markets alongside economic challenges for farmers, including volatile commodityprices and ongoing operational losses. Expansion of opportunities within maritime markets would alleviate hardships faced by U.S. farmers, while boosting U.S. agricultural output.
“American biofuel producers stand ready to supply new markets and reinforce U.S. leadership in global energy,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “As the International Maritime Organization considers the future of maritime fuels, we appreciate the United States working to advance a technology-neutral approach that fully includes Americanmade biofuels. Expanding into maritime markets will drive new demand for U.S. farmers, support rural economies, and strengthen our nation’s position as a global energy leader.”
“This is one of the best opportunities the U.S. has had in recent memory to create new markets for American-made biofuels. Bio-LNG, a drop-in fuel derived from renewable natural gas, represents a commercially viable solution for the transitioning energy needs of the shipping sector and works with existing vessels and infrastructure. Support by the Administration now will catalyze new investment, infrastructure, and projects that largely benefit American farms,” said Patrick Serfass, Executive Director of the American Biogas Council.
ABMI appreciates the State Department’s engagement and remains committed to working with the Trump Administration ahead of and beyond the upcoming MEPC 84 session.A full list of our recommendations can be found in the letter.
For more information about biofuel and maritime market opportunities or to join this growing coalition, visit biofuelsformaritime.org or contact Jessica Johnson.
About the ABMI
The American Biofuels Maritime Initiative is co-chaired by the American Biogas Council and the Renewable Fuels Association. The initiative works to expand opportunities for American-made biofuels in the maritime sector. AJW, Inc. manages the initiative.