U.S. Ethanol Giant No Longer Wants to Rely on Trump’s EPA

American ethanol makers have for years been reliant on a government policy that mandates biofuel use. But industry stalwart Green Plains Inc. wants to break away from that dependence and instead is investing in everything from high-quality proteins to fish feed and alcohol for disinfectants.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based company has lost faith that the ethanol industry will get the support it needs from parts of the Trump administration, said Chief Executive officer Todd Becker. As a result, it’s investing in products that will neutralize from 2023 any impact of ethanol volatility for earnings.

Ethanol producers have been hurting as ...