The CEO of Omaha-based ethanol producer Green Plains Energy says the ethanol industry no longer needs the ethanol blender’s tax credit and tariff to survive. But, Todd Becker says it’s crucial that U.S. regulators and lawmakers increase ethanol blends and provide greater investment in the nation’s biofuels infrastructure, including more blender pumps and flex-fuel vehicles.

U.S. refiners who blend ethanol with gasoline currently receive a 45¢/gal. tax credit, but the $4.7-billion program is set to expire Dec. 31. In addition, foreign producers must also pay a 54¢/gal. import tariff, which is also due to expire on Dec. 31.