by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) President Donald Trump did mention energy in his first State of the Union address, albeit briefly. “We have ended the war on American energy, and we have ended the war on beautiful clean coal,” said the president. “We are
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said on Tuesday that his agency hopes to decide soon whether it has the legal authority to issue national waiver on selling of motor fuel containing 15 percent ethanol during
by Miranda Green (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for a unified national fuel emissions standard for automobiles, a move that could significantly impact California's stringent car emissions standards. EPA air and radiation head Bill Wehrum, speaking at the Washington Auto
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A major US ethanol trade group is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to be more transparent in weighing requests from small refineries to get out of their obligations under the US biofuel mandate. EPA has reportedly received more than
by Richard Perrin (University of Nebraska IANR News) A team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is exploring sweet sorghum ethanol as a future income source for dryland agriculture in western Nebraska. Sweet sorghum is a cultivar of sorghum primarily developed for the
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The biofuel and petroleum industries are back in court as both sides argue the Environmental Protection Agency should have implemented the Renewable Fuel Standard differently in 2017. Attorneys for biofuels and petroleum interests filed court
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) More than two dozen small U.S. refineries are seeking waivers from the nation’s biofuels law, an unusually high number that reflects growing oil industry resistance to the program, according to sources familiar with the matter. Prices of the
In an Ethanol Producer Magazine article, Urban Air Initiative's David Hallberg explains how, with proper adherence to Clean Air Act regulations, ethanol can substitute for carcinogens in our fuel. "(I)t is increasingly clear that gasoline exhaust is the primary carrier
by David Hallberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) (T)he U.S. Department of Energy's adherence to laws, and a proposal from the Urban Air Initiative to escape the aromatics dilemma. -- ... Hopefully Pruitt has established a precedent that will apply to one of
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) RIN values do affect fuel prices, but Ron Lamberty, senior vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol, says it’s not the effect many assume. -- ... A higher RIN, they say, increases the price of
by Adam Lidgett (Law 360) Refiners and a biodiesel trade group have taken aim at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule that set the levels of renewable fuel that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply, with the refiners telling the
by Scott Waldman (E&E News) Scott Pruitt is one of the Trump administration's most aggressive critics of climate change science, but lately he's been talking about the dangers of greenhouse gas. Well, one greenhouse gas in particular: methane. ... But when it comes to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Seven years after the U.S. EPA published the final rule for administering the Renewable Fuel Standard, the path to getting corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol approvals appears to be getting much shorter. Edeniq CEO Brian Thome reports
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... This new era of getting our country back on track has and will continue to extend into the biofuels industry, making sure we are providing the cleanest, lowest-cost and highest-octane fuels at the pump.
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... "Sport utility vehicles reached record-high market share, while also achieving record-low CO2 emissions and record high fuel economy," according to the Environmental Protection Agency's report on model-year 2016 vehicles' fuel economy trends. Smaller two-wheel drive
by Debra J. Saunders (Tampa Bay Newspapers) ... But now free-market conservative groups and oil-state Republicans are pushing the administration to cut the corn cord. For Ken Cuccinelli of the conservative group FreedomWorks, it’s a moral issue. As the former GOP Virginia
by Doug Sombke (Argus Leader/South Dakota Farmers Union) Our esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. While it is hard to get excited over any government report, I had high hopes
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Velocys plc has announced that Envia Energy, the joint venture plant that utilizes its technology, has applied for a fuel pathway approval under the Renewable Fuel Standard to produce D7 cellulosic diesel renewable identification numbers (RINs). According
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California and the Trump administration will hold a series of new talks over fuel efficiency rules as the auto industry still hopes for a deal to retain nationwide requirements. Officials from the California Air Resources Board are set
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) President Donald Trump's administration and some members of Congress want oil and ethanol interests to just get along and work out their differences on the Renewable Fuel Standard. But the leader of the nation's
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The argument is roughly – increased biofuels mandates lead RINs to spike in cost, translating to billions in compliance costs, particularly for small refiners. While somewhat logical, as higher RINs costs have
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Senior U.S. government officials held talks in recent weeks with California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) to discuss the goal of maintaining one set of national requirements for automakers, a move that will determine the fate of vehicle
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Last year was among the most active and interesting years we’ve seen in the biofuels space. The industry has confronted multiple challenges over the past 12 months, culminating in meetings between senators supportive of
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) ... Another political flashpoint has been the administration’s waffling over proposed changes to biofuels policy. Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency initially entertained a plan from oil refiners to upend regulations requiring them to blend ethanol into their gasoline -
(Southern Farm Network Today) Texas Senator Ted Cruz recently proposed to put a cap on the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) as a way to control the cost for refiners that blend renewable fuels into the nation’s gasoline supply. What
(North Iowa Today) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in 2017. ... Grassley introduced the Food Security is National Security Act of 2017, which would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee
Join us for an informational webinar on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 15th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Request for Applications (RFA). Learn about EPA’s P3 program, topics
by Rick Santorum (Washington Examiner/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... But some petroleum companies seem to be taking their influence for granted, and that could prove their undoing with a White House that is known for drawing a clear line
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... ACE believes the best way to grow demand well into the future is to harness the low-carbon, high-octane value of ethanol. That’s why we were very encouraged that for the first
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... While we haven’t yet achieved Reid vapor pressure (RVP) parity for E15 and higher blends, we made dramatic headway by broadening our base of supporters and positioning retailers as the new face of
In a special to the Biofuels Digest, South Dakota Farmers Union president, Doug Sombke, pointed out that "Section 202(l) provision (of the Clean Air Act) requires EPA to regulate and reduce toxics in gasoline to the “greatest degree achievable”. In a review
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) ... I am referring to the mandatory requirements in the Clean Air Act that EPA enforce section 202 (l), the “clean octane” provision designed to reduce the use of toxic aromatic compounds in gasoline.
by James C. Greenwood (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/The Hill) ... The refiners want to lower the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, which are the credits they must accumulate to prove compliance with the program — every gallon of biofuel that
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) To kick off the new year, we rounded up a few experts to discuss five main industry topics: exports, policy, production, finance and technology. Find out what they said. -- As we head into 2018, ethanol
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Hy-Vee Inc., a chain of supermarkets throughout the Midwest, now offers E15 at five locations across its eight-state region. The Hy-Vee store located at 3120 Agency Street in Burlington, Iowa, is the latest to offer the
by Todd Neeley (DTN/KTIC) Capping the price of biofuel credits at 10 cents would essentially eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate for biodiesel and possibly hurt corn-based ethanol, according to an analysis by farmdoc at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In meetings
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides notice and an opportunity to comment on the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with biofuels that are produced from grain sorghum oil extracted at dry mill ethanol plants. EPA's
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 2017 was a roller coaster year. There was a paradigm shift in biofuels, technology advancements, innovations abounded, politics chaotic. Some companies shut down and disappeared like the Hobo vanishing in the snow atop the Polar
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Jesse Hamilton (Bloomberg) ... In his first year as president, Trump studded his cabinet with people who previously fought to undermine what some see as the traditional missions of the agencies they now lead. EPA Administrator
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) An independent government watchdog has agreed to examine how the Trump administration uses the social cost of carbon, the metric used to calculate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. READ MORE WATCHDOG AGENCY TO STUDY TRUMP CHANGES
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Trump has hosted two meetings in recent weeks with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and others focused on the Renewable Fuel Standard and renewable identification numbers (RINs). Those representing the biofuels industry are speaking out
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) To cut petroleum usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fuel efficiency standards are set to rise significantly by 2025 under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards—jointly administered by the National Highway
by Jessie Stolark (Enviromental and Energy Study Institute) On December 12, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.” At the heart of
by Orrie Swazye (Argus Leader) This is America: Contrary to EPA statements, all auto owners have the self-evident, unalienable constitutional right to save typically several dollars/tank by choosing splash blended 94 octane thus premium half E85/ E30’s more power, same mileage
(Biobased and Renewable Products Update) On December 8, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice in the Federal Register regarding its plans to submit an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on recordkeeping and reporting
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from states that produce corn for ethanol plants said on Wednesday they would consider proposals from Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to help the oil refining industry cope with the nation’s biofuels regulation, but would never
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice on its website setting the cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) price for 2018 at $1.96. The price is slightly lower than the CWC price for 2017, which was set at $2.00
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Oil interests are intensifying efforts to force changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ... “Texas is already blending more than 9.7 percent! Nationally, we’re blending more than 10 percent. There’s no reason to go backwards
by Richard Valdmanis and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump’s administration called two lawmakers from the U.S. corn belt to convince them to join talks about potential changes to biofuels policy to ease the burden on oil refineries, according to a spokesman for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 7, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt appeared before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce to provide testimony the mission of the EPA. The Renewable Fuel Standard was among the topics discussed during
(U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works) Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to request that the EPA
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) At least 22 Democratic senators, led by Ed Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kamala Harris , are sending Pruitt a letter this morning urging him not to weaken emissions standards for model years 2021 through
(Edeniq/Business Wire) Edeniq, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Mid America Agri Products – Wheatland LLC’s (MAAPW) registration to produce cellulosic ethanol at its ethanol production facility in Madrid, Neb. using Edeniq’s Pathway technology. The
by Andrew F. Quinlan ( Center for Freedom and Prosperity/The Hill) ... A refiner must earn RIN credits to meet its annual obligation by selling enough gallons of biofuel or by purchasing them — the credits, not the actual product — from others with
by Marc Heller (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) U.S. EPA will report on the environmental effects of biofuel mandates next spring, four years later than required by Congress, the agency said in documents accompanying its announcement of renewable fuel volumes for the next year.
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... In a large farm shop with ethanol and biodiesel posters adorning the walls, Pruitt touted his two biofuels announcements in recent weeks. He noted EPA had struggled under the Obama administration to meet
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, in a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) asked the agency to waive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for his state to no more
by Christie Smythe (Bloomberg Technology) (Oliver) Schmidt to be sentenced on Dec. 6 over emissions scandal; ‘Regrettably, I agreed to follow it’; faces 7 years in prison -- ... In a letter to the judge last week, Schmidt, former general manager of Volkswagen’s
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Ahead of a Thursday meeting between Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz and other senior officials about biofuels policy, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott formally asked for a Renewable Fuel Standard waiver from Pruitt. "The time is ripe
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On November 30, the EPA released its final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVOs) proposal, the amount of biofuels it will require to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply in 2018 as part
by Jarrett Renshaw, Richard Valdmanis (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to meet with representatives of the oil refining industry and their legislative backers to discuss the nation’s biofuels program, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The White House meeting
by Eric Junga (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) In responding to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action on vehicle standards, ACEEE found that average vehicle prices have remained essentially flat over the past 15 years, even as average fuel economy improves. The finding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency released its final Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2018. The agency finalized a total renewable fuel volume of 19.29 billion gallons , of which 4.29 BG is advanced
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the final renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018. The total renewable fuel volume is 19.29 billion gallons, which includes 15 billion
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB: EPA Missed an Opportunity to Grown American-Made Energy and Jobs -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the required volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and failed to grow the biomass-based diesel
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program for 2018, and biomass-based diesel for 2019. "Maintaining the renewable fuel standard at current levels
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to visit Iowa Friday. Sources say Pruitt will host an “invite only” farmer meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Nevada. A spokespearson at EPA says media is also allowed to
by Laura Blewitt (Bloomberg) With higher blend credit prices come stronger gasoline margins; Refiners likely to pass higher costs at the pump: Wells Fargo -- ... Despite the petroleum lobby’s efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency last week rejected a petition from independent refiners including Valero Energy
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM/Urban Air Initiative) ... In an over-simplified explanation, the EPA has claimed the legal authority to regulate ethanol blends under section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act, known as the “sub-sim” law. Under EPA’s current interpretation
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected several petitions to change the point of obligation in the Renewable Fuel Standard in a notice released on Wednesday ahead of a posting in the Federal Register. In the
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Cellulosic technology companies have invested time and millions of dollars to explore ways to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol for the better part of 20 years. Most technologies have fallen victim to high capital and
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) is announcing a request for proposals (RFP) for supporting both the: 1. Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program; and 2. Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) grants program. The SWG program
by Devin Henry (The Hill) The Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday introduced an Interior Department and environment spending bill that would cut nearly $150 million in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) next year. The legislation provides $32.6 billion in funding
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB's Governing Board Members Emphasize That Growth in RFS Volumes is Needed -- Today the executive leadership of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) sent a letter to President Trump regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In the letter, the
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Giving consumers year-round access to E15 fuel is a major focus of the ethanol industry. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says getting the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver extended to E15 is the key. “You give
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) has raised tens of millions of dollars in cash by selling U.S. biofuels credits in recent weeks, according to sources familiar with the transactions, an unusual move for a company
Renewable Fuels Association's Bob Dinneen explained the implications of RFA's latest review of vehicle warranties: “The oil company explanation for their failure to invest in infrastructure allowing E15 has been there isn’t sufficient demand for E15 because it isn’t warrantied.
by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association) Nearly 90 percent of new 2018 model year (MY) vehicles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use 15 percent ethanol blends (E15), according to the results of an annual analysis of warranty statements and owner’s manuals
by Scott Goss (The News Journal/DelawareOnline) Delaware City Refinery rally to call on President Trump to fix the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and protect well-paying jobs for East Coast refiners and manufacturing workers. Area oil refineries, union leaders, a Republican lobbying firm
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine/Advanced Biofuels Association) On Oct. 4, the U.S. EPA published a Notice of Data Availability soliciting input on lowering the renewable volume obligation (RVO) mandates even further than the proposed 2018 volumes released this summer. ... Let me be
by Miles Weiss, Jennifer A Dlouhy, and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) U.S. Attorney for Southern District of N.Y. seeks information; Icahn Enterprises discloses request in securities filing -- Federal investigators have issued subpoenas for information on Carl Icahn’s efforts to change biofuel policy while
(Office of Senator Tom Carper) Bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers assert market volatility hurts East Coast refineries like PBF in Delaware City -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of
(Enerkem/Canada Newswire) First ever EPA approved municipal solid waste-to-cellulosic ethanol production plant; Allows Enerkem to sell into largest biofuel market in the world -- Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a world leading waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, announced it has received approval from the
by Brian Scheid (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has sent for review the final renewable fuel volume standards for 2018 and biomass based diesel volume for 2019, making it likely that the agency will release the volumes by the statutory
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) If Trump watches the ads on Fox & Friends, then he's getting an earful on the Renewable Fuels Standard these days. Starting today and through the Nov. 20, Fuels America, an umbrella group of
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Thursday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) asked the agency to waive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Northeast region to no more
(Detroit News) ... His (Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) defense of the mandates was as a jobs program. That’s a poor basis for energy policy, and the president was wrong to cave.. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had proposed only a modest reduction in the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Industry stakeholders and legal experts discuss the recent RFS court ruling, the ongoing U.S. trade cases against Argentina and Indonesia, and the biodiesel tax credit in context of U.S. EPA’s Notice of Data Availability. -- ... According
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Wall Street Journal) President Trump is faithfully sticking to his campaign promise to “do all that is in my power as president” to achieve the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard. -- Regarding your editorial “Trump Caves
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt called for "some reforms" to the program under the Renewable Fuel Standard through which companies buy credits to comply with biofuels mandates during a Sunday radio interview . "There's lots of
by Ken Silverstein (Environmental Leader) ... Some automakers like Toyota and Lexus have warned drivers that if they fill up with E85 that their warranties may not cover engine damage, a Fox story had said. To be clear, there are two generations of ethanol: the
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) The Environmental Protection Agency, in its ambitious effort to roll back the previous administration's energy and environmental policies, has had a significant stumble with Republicans lawmakers. On both sides of the ethanol debate. ... On Thursday, nine Republican senators
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been a very busy week in Washington DC, the high point being a letter to seven senators sent late Thursday by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who took significant (and as of a few days ago,
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. Joni Ernst released a letter late Thursday from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt outlining a number steps the agency intends to take on the Renewable Fuel Standard that will be music to the ears
(NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services/Biodiesel Magazine) New York City submitted comments to the U.S. EPA Oct. 19, protesting any rollback of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which calls for minimal use levels for renewable fuels like biodiesel. Biodiesel has proven a
(National Biodiesel Board) EPA Letter Does Not Include a Commitment to Raise Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes -- Yesterday the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Notice of Data Availability (NODA), focusing on the advanced biofuel standard for
by Jennifer A Dlouhy , Jennifer Jacobs, Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Market for biofuel credits rebounds after lawmakers weigh in; Iowa governor says Trump affirms commitment to biofuel program President Donald Trump intervened personally with the Environmental Protection Agency amid pressure from Republicans in the politically important state of
by Ben Wolfgang (The Washington Times) Citing one nominee’s stance on the federal ethanol mandate and another’s supposed ties to Koch Industries, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat, on Wednesday placed holds on two key nominations for top-level jobs at the Environmental Protection Agency. The move
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the biggest news sweeping the floor at ABLC Next 2017 and perhaps the biggest industrial biotechnology update of 2017, the long-awaited financing is approaching completion for Fulcrum Bioenergy’s highly-anticipated waste-to-fuels project in Nevada, that
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Our big three in D.C. remain the Renewable Fuel Standard, the trade case and the biodiesel tax incentive. All three issues require a comprehensive, multifaceted approach made up of advocacy efforts in Congress, various
by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) (The Hill) There is a reason that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), our nation's policy governing the production and sale of biofuels, has broad bipartisan support in Congress. This policy is helping us revive rural economies,
by Joseph Morton (Omaha World-Herald) The head of the Environmental Protection Agency sought Tuesday to calm Midwestern senators who could block his nominees if the agency sets renewable fuel mandates too low. All four GOP senators from Iowa and Nebraska attended Tuesday’s
(Public News Service) Farmers in North Dakota and across the country are pushing policymakers in Washington to support renewable fuels. The National Farmers Union, in conjunction with the North Dakota Farmers Union and counterparts in other states, wants Congress and the Trump
(Edeniq Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edeniq Inc., a leading cellulosic and biorefining technology company, recently announced that the U.S. EPA has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 100 million gallons per year Iowa Falls, Iowa, ethanol plant for cellulosic ethanol production
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Seven corn-state Republican senators emerged smiling from what they deemed a "good" meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday but they got no concrete policy promises on the Renewable Fuel Standard from him, Pro's
by David Friedman (The Hill/Consumers Union) What if our government rolled back a program that saved consumers over $45 billion on fuel since 2010? What if they did this despite the fact that the industry involved enjoyed record sales and profits
(National Biodiesel Board) “We Were Drawn to Your Explicit Promises to Our Farmers… But Now We Are Concerned” -- Today four Republican Governors sent a letter to President Trump with concerns on the recently proposed changes to America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),
(Advanced Biofuels Association) On October 13, members of the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) sent a letter to President Trump expressing their opposition to the proposals in the EPA’s October 4th Notice of Data Availability (NODA), which requests comments on “potential options for
(Office of Senator Heidi Heitkamp) Senators: EPA Proposal to Cut Renewable Fuel Standard Would Cost Jobs in Rural America -- U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today led a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) Despite continued claims by opponents of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), prices of the Renewable Identification Number (RINs) credits used for RFS compliance have not caused changes in retail gasoline prices, according to a new analysis by Informa
by Jonathan Coppess and Scott Irwin (Farms.com/University of Illinois/farmdocdaily) As discussed last week, the Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting data and feedback on the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels components of the Renewable Fuels Standard, including the general waiver authority (see, farmdoc
(Biofuels International) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 100 million gallons per year Iowa-based ethanol plant. The plant will use Edeniq’s technology. Flint Hills Resources’ Iowa Falls plant is the fifth existing ethanol
by Keith Laing (Detroit News) U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has introduced legislation that would allow automakers to apply credits for gas mileage improvements from model years as far back as 2009 to help comply with emission rules that require
by Randy Krehbiel (Tulsa World) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt may have declared an end to the "war on coal" earlier this week, but what some consider Pruitt's own war on alternative energy seems to be just getting started. Largely unnoticed
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In response to fuel marketers asking how they can help support their flex fuel infrastructure and customers, the American Coalition for Ethanol organized a joint letter signed by fuel marketers and retailers representing nearly
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Both Senate EPW Chairman John Barrasso and bill sponsor Deb Fischer now say a measure S. 517 (115) that would allow year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol won't even get a committee vote this
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) ... Trump, while campaigning in Iowa, pledged to protect the RFS, which sets the minimum volume of renewable energy that must be part of the transportation fuels sold in the United States. The National Biodiesel Board posted
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and American Coalition for Ethanol have all submitted public comments to U.S. EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stressing the benefits of high-octane ethanol fuels in response to
In responding to a Biofuels Digest article, Union of Concerned Scientists' Jeremy Martin urges cooperation: "Cutting oil use and transportation emissions is a big job and a major opportunity for both renewable fuels, renewable electricity and electric vehicles. The hostility
(Reuters) A group of 38 U.S. senators asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday to abandon plans to lower biofuel requirements for oil refiners in 2018, according to a letter made public by the office of Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 5, EESI submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their midterm evaluation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles. ... In its comments, EESI
(U.S. Energy Information Agency) Renewable natural gas (RNG), which is derived from biogas collected at landfills and other facilities, is increasingly used to meet government targets for renewable fuel production. In 2016, about 189 million gallons of RNG were used to
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Regarding the Midterm Evaluation Draft Technical Assessment Report for Model Year 2022–2025 Light Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions and CAFE Standards, Advanced Biofuels USA offered the following comments and recommendations. Current EPA CAFE Fuel Mileage Regulations Are Not an Expedited
(National Biodiesel Board) Manufacturing Day 2017 Highlights Biodiesel's Job Creation -- Biodiesel is a driving force in America’s manufacturing sector, supporting more than 64,000 good paying, clean energy jobs across the country. These jobs are contributing to a vibrant manufacturing sector, reinvigorating
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) This document provides additional data and an opportunity to comment on that data and potential options for reductions in the 2018 biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes, and/or the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume
(Argus Media) US independent refiners seized on protectionist themes and two key biofuel industry victories this year to argue regulators must reduce federally mandated blending of renewable fuels. Refiners framed a US-first pitch to slash more than 1bn USG — almost 7pc
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Headwinds -- US road transport biofuels producers are up in arms this week. There are reports of oil industry led-efforts within the EPA to create an export-subsidy RIN, cut biofuel targets with new “data,” and bypass EPA staff recommendations for higher cellulosic targets. ... Now,
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A judge rules that the Urban Air Initiative should have access to more EPA documents discussing test fuels. The D.C Federal Judge made the ruling in regards to a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) Urban Air filed for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 26, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, delivered a floor speech to the U.S. Senate expressing his disappointment in recent action taken by the U.S. EPA that could reduce 2018 and 2019 renewable volume requirements
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announces its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Sectors program launched today to provide a platform for collaboration with regulated sectors to help the agency develop forward-thinking ways to improve
by Sara Wyant (Agri-Pulse) ... In July, EPA proposed to reduce the total 2018 RFS renewable fuel blending requirements below the levels required in 2017. In late September, the agency said it was considering further reductions to the 2018 RFS volumes.
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Data Availability (NODA), seeking comment on potential options for reductions in the biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel volumes beyond those already proposed in EPA’s recent
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth above 15 billion gallons will require new markets and widespread understanding of ethanol's carbon-reduction value. -- ... The guaranteed market for 15 billion gallons has been achieved and anything we do beyond that volume will
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... “Now it is time for action,” Monte Shaw, IRFA executive director, said following Trump’s Iowa appearance. “President Trump’s EPA needs to release the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2018. That proposal needs to maintain ethanol levels
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) Carl Icahn’s refining company CVR Energy (CVI.N) has begun buying biofuel credits for the first time in months, a sign the firm is starting to unwind a massive short position in the niche
(Summit County Citizens Voice) Agency’s move could violate federal environmental laws -- A little more than a year after determining that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are a threat to public health, the EPA has stopped working on developing new
by Dale Christensen (Glacial Lakes Energy/Argus Leader) How long can the Environmental Protection Agency ignore clean air and soaking auto owners with high priced inferior gas? It seem to me those EPA (‘dirty rotten scoundrels’) as described by Doug Sombke, South Dakota
by Jeff Barber (Oil Price Information Service) he U.S. ethanol industry is hoping it can obtain from the Trump administration something it could not get from the Obama White House: an acknowledgement that higher levels of ethanol blended with gasoline
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Fuel disruptions due to Hurricane Harvey were mitigated somewhat, thanks to an early end to the summer restriction on sales of E15 (15% ethanol fuel) that helped offset gasoline supply shortfalls and limit fuel price spikes. In this edition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) Investor Carl Icahn never wielded excessive influence on U.S. biofuels policy while acting as President Donald Trump’s adviser on regulation, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said in a letter to a Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. The letter,
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) The Environmental Protection Agency predicted it might take six months to do an initial evaluation of "energy beets" for their environmental footprint as a feedstock for biofuels. Six years — not months — later the agency has
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Association are among the groups that testified at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing for the reconsideration of the Final Determination of the Mid-Term
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) The time is now to make sure policymakers in Washington, D.C., understand the importance of staying the course on fuels of the future. -- On July 28, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
by Lindsey Rae Gjording (DW) The Midwest vote helped elect Trump, but his campaign promises to defend ethanol have fallen short. Farmers struggle to get by with declining crop sales and outpricing from larger oil firms and German biodiesel imports. ... Directly supporting 86,000
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The comment period on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2018 renewable volume standards (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with the 2019 RVO for biomass-based diesel, closed at midnight Aug. 31. More
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The most visible advanced industrial fermentation target for a number of years has been cellulosic ethanol, but the targets are diversifying and cellulosics themselves are shifting gears from process to feedstocks. There’s a fervent ferment
(WNAX Radio) Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in Texas has negatively impacted the nation’s oil refining capacity. Renewable Fuel Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen says the ethanol industry has the fuel to fill that supply need if the EPA would expand
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