by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) The first action by the Trump administration on the Renewable Fuel Standard was much anticipated. The National Biodiesel Board and the entire biofuels industry eagerly awaited the 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVO) proposal released
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen keeps a signed copy of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which included the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), hanging on the wall of his office as a
by Brendan O'Connor (Splinter News/Special Projects Desk of Gizmodo Media Group) In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel: affirming science. Specifically, the 30-million-member group, which
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel mandate could get a whole lot more complicated if Democrats are able to add electric cars to a credit program designed to boost corn ethanol and other liquid biofuels
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A federal court told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday that it has to enforce an Obama administration methane pollution rule. The order from Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came after the judges
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
by Rick Santorum (Des Moines Register/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... American ethanol now replaces more than 500 million barrels of imported oil annually and shields drivers from price manipulation by hostile forces within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
by Catherine Wood and Josh Pedrick (Platts) Pacific Ethanol plans to add cellulosic ethanol production at its Magic Valley, Idaho, plant and expects US Environmental Protection Agency approval by the end of 2017, the company's CEO said Thursday. The move comes on
by Eric Wolff (Politico) The Trump administration plans to reject a proposal that would let oil refiners off the hook for complying with the federal ethanol mandate, a senior administration official told POLITICO, dashing the hopes of billionaire Carl Icahn
(Bergeson and Campbell, PC) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register noticeon August 3, 2017, providing the names and affiliations of additional candidates currently under consideration for appointment to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The notice states
(Agri-Pulse) Research aimed at finding the right combination of fuels and engine technology that would maximize a car's performance while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions has reached a milestone that ethanol advocates hope gets wider acknowledgement from policy makers. The Co-Optimization of
by Jeff Barber (Oil Price Information Service) The head of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says the ethanol industry group remains concerned that "market manipulation" is a "significant factor" driving the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and cited an
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) Several renewable natural gas stakeholders attended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) public comment hearing today on the 2018 Renewable Fuel Volume Standard Proposed Rule to advocate for RNG transportation fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. According
by Wesley K. Clark (Denver Post) ... It is no accident that spikes in the cost of fuel have become further and farther between, despite near ceaseless turmoil in many regions of the world. Oil production has played a role, but
(Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced the Scientific Advisory Board will conduct a quality review of the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary sources at a meeting in August. According to a notice published in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts are the headliners in a battle in and about Washington DC this week. You can call it what you want: it’s Gettysburg. As Reynolds put it, “I
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen today urged the Environmental Protection Agency to increase its proposed cellulosic ethanol requirement to reflect growing bolt-on technologies at existing ethanol plants. “We understand the agency’s dilemma in establishing
(National Biodiesel Board) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on the proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) had several witnesses testify before the EPA staff and advocate for higher
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) In this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the production of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (sugar beets) for use as a biofuel feedstock. This
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) A federal appeals court on Friday handed the ethanol industry a major victory, ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration fundamentally misinterpreted its authority under the national renewable fuel mandate by reducing
by Mike McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biofuels Digest) In December of 2007, President Bush—with overwhelming bipartisan support—signed the RFS2 into law. Since that time, it has become clear the law has worked for first-generation corn ethanol and biodiesel. While the first generation
by Russell Hubbard (BH News Service/Daily Nonpareil) ... But it is the biodiesel part that really has people asking what is going on. The EPA has proposed that 2.1 billion gallons of diesel produced from sources such as corn oil and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Industrial biotech’s biggest and grandest show, the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, opened today in Montreal and BIO itself was in the newsframe with a striking report debunking myths around RIN price surges. 10 Hot Newstories
(Sioux City Journal) Announcement earlier this month by the Environmental Protection Agency on new volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standards program produced a mixed bag of news for farm states like Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The federal RFS began
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy recently launched RenovaBio, a program poised to take a radically new approach to expanding the production and use of biofuels in Brazil. Should Brazil’s RenovaBio program adopt a Carbon Intensity (CI) rating system similar to
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will officially open a public comment period on Friday on the latest renewable volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard, with the comment period slated to end on
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced plans to hold a public hearing Aug. 1 in Washington, D.C., for its recently released rule to set 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The United Steelworkers fear Sen. Deb Fischer's bill to allow year-round sale of 15 percent ethanol fuel could allow more smog. The union sent a letter Thursday to all 100 senators arguing that the RFS
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA wants to cut imports of biofuels, but the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries are mystified as to why it's getting into that arena, Pro's Eric Wolff reports . EPA cut back advanced biofuels,
Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer), commenting on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's calls for ethanol-free gasoline (E0): A gallon of 91-octane gasoline with no ethanol will contain aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. These are toxic chemicals coming
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... (EPA Administrator Scott ) Pruitt also noted that EPA will be "assessing higher levels of ethanol-free gasoline." Ethanol-free gasoline translates into higher volumes of aromatic chemicals to raise the octane levels of gasoline.
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) Proponents call on Congress to support legislation to remove barriers to make E15 ethanol blend available year-round. -- The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that would change the language in a federal regulation that currently
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR Newswire) Following the release of the 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), AFPM President and CEO Chet Thompson released the following statement: "We are pleased the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018. The agency proposed a total renewable fuel volume of 19.24 billion gallons (BG), of which 4.24 BG is
(National Biodiesel Board) Proposed Volume Requirements for Advanced Biofuels Fail to Recognize the Continued Growth of Industry -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal on the advanced-biofuel standard for 2018 and
(Environmental Protection Agency) On July 5, 2017 EPA issued proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for calendar year 2018. EPA also proposed biomass-based diesel volume standards for calendar year 2019. The proposed volume requirements
by Clifford Atiyeh (Car and Driver) ... As gas prices tumbled over the past three years, the premium-fuel premium skyrocketed from 35 cents per gallon in 2013 to 47 cents in 2015 and reached 50 cents in late 2016. According
(National Law Review) On the one year anniversary of major amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued three new “framework” rules on how it plans to prioritize and evaluate risks from new chemicals or
(Penn State News) Slowed as much by extremely low oil prices as supply-chain and technological challenges, the effort to integrate biofuels into the nation's aviation fuel supply is nonetheless progressing, according to a researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Sustainable
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) A U.S. watchdog group filed a lawsuit in a federal court on Tuesday to force the Environmental Protection Agency to release communications with billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who it says tried to influence biofuels policy for personal
(Phys.Org/ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) ... To penalize the carbon emissions from this so-called indirect land use change, the USEPA and California Air Resources Board include an indirect land use change factor when considering the carbon savings with biofuels for
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Federal fuel regulations play a major role. That’s because warm summer weather makes it tougher to hold down automotive emissions, so the U.S. EPA requires cleaner fuel blends from June 1 to Sept.
by Heather Zhang (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Carbon credit prices recover and multiple new pathways are certified as the state’s program gets back on track. -- California’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector are racing to make progress
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 21, democratic leaders in the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt asking him to detail policies and procedures the agency has put in place
by Richard Read (WSET/The Car Connection) In February, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' CEO, Sergio Marchionne, warned investors that his company could soon face a Dieselgate crisis of its own. As it turns out, Marchionne had plenty of time to reach that conclusion.
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) Leading a coalition of 13 attorneys general and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has given notice to the Trump administration that any effort to roll back key vehicle
by Gary Baise (OFW Law/Morning Consult) ... Like the EPA, the vast majority of the liquid fuel industry is also strongly opposed to shifting the RFS point of obligation for a variety of regulatory and economic reasons. Over the past 12 years,
(Siouxland Energy/Edeniq/BusinessWire) Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a cellulosic technology company, and Siouxland Energy Cooperative (“Siouxland Energy”) today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has approved Siouxland Energy’s registration of its 60 million gallon per year (MGPY) corn ethanol plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Patent & Trademark Office has just issued a “notice of allowance” for a patent by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for a high efficiency, high compression engine that would reduce
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy today announced a seven-figure campaign aimed at promoting legislation that will allow U.S. retailers to offer more biofuel choices to customers year-round. The bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517) is now awaiting action
by Ellie Potter (Grand Forks Herald) Red Trail Energy may soon be the first ethanol plant in the United States to store carbon dioxide underground as part of an environmental and economic effort. Last month, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., secured
by Iulia Gheorghiu (Morning Consult) Former Environmental Protection Agency officials worry the Trump administration’s review of auto emissions standards could slow down U.S. innovation on fuel efficiency. Stricter standards place a burden on automakers because of lackluster consumer interest in fuel-efficient
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission informed eight Democratic U.S. senators last month that it is not investigating biofuels credits after the lawmakers had urged it to probe billionaire Carl Icahn's activity in that market, according
“Here we have EPA agreeing that higher ethanol blends can reduce emissions and acknowledging that engines and fuels must be looked at as an integrated system. Adjusting compression to address the slightly lower energy content of ethanol while taking advantage
(Urban Air Initiative) In plot twist that may open the door to higher ethanol blends, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received an engine patent it has been pursuing for nearly a decade for a high efficiency, high compression
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Trump's OMB has dramatically ramped up the number of EPA regulations it is reviewing and has begun taking lots more meetings to gather input from interested parties, Pro's Alex Guillén reports in Energy Regulation
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Corn ethanol has reached its official limit under the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel program, which means other less-developed, low-carbon fuels will have to step up to fill a 21 billion-gallon gap by 2022. ... Under the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The EPA administers the US Renewable Fuels Standards out of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, and management of the Standard has come under increasing scrutiny from critics of renewable fuels, and supporters of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) It’s June 1st, which means the kids are out of school, the pools are open, and E15 pumps in two-thirds of the nation are shutting down. Today marks the official beginning of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
(Environmental Protection Agency) The BOSC is comprised of an Executive Committee and five supporting subcommittees. The subcommittees focus on Office of Research and Development (ORD)'s research programs: Air, Climate, and Energy Research Program; Chemical Safety for Sustainability Research Program and
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) It's not scheduled yet, but Senate EPW Chairman John Barrasso told reporters Wednesday that legislation allow year-round sale of gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol would still get an EPW markup. "We haven't sent a
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) President Donald Trump has released his proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2018, which includes $3.6 trillion in cuts. According to the White House, the reductions are the most proposed by any president. The proposal
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative/ICM) ... Urban Air Initiative will be part of a group with diverse perspectives on what can be done to disrupt the establishment in order to access higher blends. These experts will address how
by Pat Rizzuto (Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.) The Environmental Protection Agency has been regulating more new chemicals since the Toxic Substances Control Act was overhauled than it did before, according to a snapshot of its work over the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Increasing efficiency is the ethanol industry’s top goal, and proving it to the U.S. EPA opens the way for expanded ethanol production. -- The number to beat to be named an efficient ethanol
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce the publication of New TSCA: A Guide to the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act and Its Implementation, released today by the American Bar Association (ABA). This new book is
Joel Kurtinitis in an opinion piece in the Des Moines Register: These aren’t just farmers and businessmen, they’re chemists and biologists and engineers, too. There’s an immense amount of research behind ethanol production, fuel blending, vehicle needs and consumer demands. Unfortunately,
by Joel Kurtinitis (Des Moines Register) ... The RFS is an oddball issue that sees free-market libertarians allying with big oil corporatists, and liberal Democrats with Corn Belt Republicans — proof of the time-honored adage that politics makes strange bedfellows. ... These aren’t just
(Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren) U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), called on the heads of the Commodities Futures
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently posted a notice to its website approving a fuel pathway for Renewable Energy Group Inc.’s Geismar, Louisiana, biorefinery. The plant can now generate D5 advanced biofuel renewable identification numbers (RINs) for
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Republican lawmakers from corn-producing states are hoping to get a vote on a pro-ethanol bill as soon as possible after striking a deal ahead of last week's failed repeal of the Obama administration's methane rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several biofuel trade groups have filed comments with the U.S. EPA asking for changes to regulations that are hindering the growth of U.S. ethanol production and use. On Feb 24, President Donald Trump released Executive
(National Biodiesel Board) Today (May 16, 2017) the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13777, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,” which called for input on
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Cleantech Conservative/Biofuels Digest) ... The Trump Administration’s two recent Executive Orders on “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” and especially, “Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America” (March 28 & April 25, respectively), not only highlight renewable
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The 2018 proposed renewable volume obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard were sent to the Office of Management and Budget at the White House late Thursday, according to the OMB website. The White House
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) Members of the U.S. Senate are questioning whether Carl Icahn’s lobbying to change the Renewable Fuel Standard creates an ethics conflict with his role as advisor in the Trump administration. In addition to
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is working with the Trump Administration to increase the renewable volume obligations (RVO) for biodiesel. NBB vice president of federal affairs Anne Steckel says the organization is optimistic President Trump
by Jason Huffman (Politico's Morning Agriculture) The Renewable Fuels Association has kicked off an advertising campaign intended to combat lobbying efforts by the National Marine Manufacturers Association against mandated blending rates. NMMA is expected to use a fly in next
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt may have opened a path for Senate Republicans to appease a small bloc of their caucus seeking a year-round waiver to sell 15 percent ethanol fuel and thereby boost the chamber’s
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... In this episode, we get a Washington update from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen, focusing on recent trade developments and the Trump Administration. Dinneen comments on President Trump’s first 100 days, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest's Complete March Madness webinars - 700+ slides available for your on-demand review. -- The Digest's March Madness series - 20 webinars covering the hottest topics as selected by Digest readers - featuring dozens
by Brian Jennings (The Hill/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... By every measure, increasing the production and use of homegrown renewable fuels has spurred economic growth for U.S. farmers and supported high-skill, high-wage jobs in rural communities. When the use of renewable
by Todd Masson (NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune) Boating and fishing industry leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump Wednesday asking the administration to reexamine the Renewable Fuel Standard that dictates how much of the nation's fuel supply must be
by Lynn Grooms (Agri-View) Supply and demand of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel are expected to continue their rise this year despite continued challenges and uncertainties. Executives from organizations representing renewable-fuel producers recently provided insights into the opportunities and
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted a public comment focused on its ethanol priorities soon after EPA formally began seeking input on existing regulations to be reviewed by its newly established Regulatory Reform Task Force.
by Bob Dinneen (The Hill) As the days grow longer and the mercury rises, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should take action to eliminate an irrational summertime regulation that hurts both farmers and millions of Americans who drive a car. This double
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) ... I can tell you firsthand that for the first time in four years, both House and Senate staff are pushing all stakeholders to come to the table to discuss RFS reform. In a
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA got caught in a cross-fire of skepticism at the D.C. Circuit Monday over its use of general waiver authority to lower RFS volumes for 2016, Pro's Eric Wolff reports . The RFS typically defies
by Michael Schneider (Oil Price Information Service) Supporters and opponents of biofuels expressed predictably contrasting viewpoints during a teleconference held today by EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). The call was held to solicit input on regulations OAR oversees that could
(National Biodiesel Board) Americans for Clean Energy, et al., v. Environmental Protection Agency -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) ... Hundreds of thousands of people across the country (and internationally) gathered on Earth Day for the March for Science, defending the role of science in policy-making and protesting the Trump administration's inaction on climate change
by Patrick C. Miller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Is the growth in shale oil production a potential boost for ethanol? The theory goes that because the light crude produced from fracked shale produces lower-octane gasoline, greater oil production from shale will translate
by Ben Neulle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Gasoline consumed in the United States in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average for the first time ever. This is according to an analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. Rachel
by Brian Scheid and Meghan Gordon (Platts) Have refiners' hopes for a quick rollback of the US biofuel mandate by the Trump administration fizzled out? The industry judged two early appointments as signs of the president's willingness to reform the Renewable
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a letter today to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt urging him to keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on track in 2018. “The ethanol industry was highly encouraged by your commitment to
by Olivia Beavers (The Hill) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt said Thursday that Americans don't have to pick between jobs and the environment, accusing the Obama administration of making people believe they had to choose. ... “Two weeks ago we
(KTIC Radio) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted a public comment addressed to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt thanking him for establishing a Regulatory Reform Task Force to evaluate existing regulations and make recommendations regarding those that can be
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A trade group for automakers said on Tuesday it hopes to reach a deal with California and the Trump administration over vehicle fuel efficiency standards. Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group
by Tim Devaney (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is searching for Obama-era regulations to repeal. The EPA’s regulatory reform task force, established by President Trump’s Feb. 24 executive order, is seeking public input on which rules to roll back,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In our March Madness series, we’ve been covering emerging markets and technological pathways – now we turn to two other key drivers, market access and carbon pricing. There are two approaches — volumetric mandates and carbon
by Chris Prentice and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/KFGO) Billionaire investor Carl Icahn's oil refining company, CVR Energy, made a massive bet in 2016 that prices for U.S. government biofuels credits would fall - just before Icahn started advising President Donald Trump
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) A new large-scale technology has launched in Decatur, Illinois that, by combining together corn-based fuels with the burial of carbon dioxide deep underground, could potentially result in the active removal of greenhouse gases from the
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Power Association/Biomass Magazine) ... Unbeknownst to many in the biomass power sector, there may be a role for biomass power producers to play in the RFS. Electric vehicles (EVs) represent an increasing share of the automotive market,
by Patrick Anderson (Argus Leader) President Donald Trump has never tweeted about ethanol. In the course of tens of thousands of posts on his social media platform of choice, the president has posted about oil about 150 times, about Rosie
by Ben Geman (Axios-Axios Generate) Axios' Amy Harder asked an administration official about the prospects of a carbon tax, given that it has been rumored as a possible policy the White House could embrace. The official said the biggest reason it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Main Street Energy Alliance has launched to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to resist the efforts of a small group of special interests including Valero, Monroe Energy and investor Carl Icahn who
by Steve White (Nebraska.TV) Pres. Trump says he wants to end job–killing regulations on ethanol, and area farmers suggest a good place to start. “Allow E15 to be sold as normal gasoline, moving forward with that is going to be great for
by Meghan Gordon and Wes Swift (Platts) RINs bottom out March 2 after four-month slide; EPA may hold 2018 mandate steady, start easing in 2019; Point of obligation debate fades into background -- Refiners' and petroleum marketers' hopes for a quick rollback of
by Jim Lynch (The Detroit News) Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said he believes a rollback of fuel efficiency standards for cars would be a mistake, and that the regulatory framework for self-driving cars suggested under President Barack
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Oil companies, gas station operators and other organizers of the just-launched Main Street Energy Alliance wanted to speak with a single voice in the intensifying wonky debate over which types of companies should be responsible
(Biofuels International) Butamax Advanced Biofuels, a 50/50 joint venture between BP and DuPont, has announced the acquisition of Nesika Energy and its ethanol facility in Scandia, Kansas. Butamax will now start engineering work to add bio-isobutanol capacity to the facility. ... The
by Nat Willilams (Iowa Farmer Today) ... (Barry) Frazier (president of Center Ethanol) was among biofuels advocates speaking at a conference of the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization here. More than 500 college students and ag professionals were on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But almost nothing about the Billion Dollar Baby Brawl has been standard fare as Aemetis, Edeniq, a string of investors and more lawyers than you can easily chain to the bottom of the ocean
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Urban Air Initiative is calling the results of a new Coordinating Research Council emissions study “one more example of the biased and flawed testing procedures used to penalize ethanol.” The ethanol advocacy group said Wednesday CRC’s match
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders Tout Potential Growth, Challenges for Renewable Refinery Products -- ... Whether it is spoons, Coke bottles or carpets made out of corn, livestock enzymes for pharmaceuticals, or John Deere tractors using soy oil
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA's president and CEO highlights key facts from the organization's annual industry outlook handbook in the View from the Hill column -- ... The handbook dives into specifics, providing hard-hitting facts to
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) For decades, the U.S. EPA has insisted that it gets to decide how much ethanol can be used in gasoline. If ethanol producers want higher ethanol blends sold to ordinary (nonflex-fuel) vehicles,
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) The recent announcement that the Trump Administration was taking another look at Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards was a welcome reality check for what is a complex and multi-layered issue. There was
(California Air Resources Board) CARB votes to move forward with greenhouse gas reductions and zero emission programs through 2025; action sets the table for accelerating programs post-2025 -- Today (March 24, 2017) California re-affirmed its commitment to clean air, protecting
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) March 21 represents the end of the 60-day freeze period on new regulations pending review, implemented by the incoming U.S. administration Jan. 20. Among the regulations on hold during the two-month freeze period was the
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) National Farmers Union called for the U.S. EPA to open the market to higher blends of ethanol in a landmark resolution passed during the group’s annual meeting held last week in San Diego. "National Farmers
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nearly two dozen U.S. senators have signed a letter advising President Trump not to change the federal biofuels program's longtime compliance protocol. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., today led 23 senators in a bipartisan
by Zachary Mider and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Special adviser to president urges change in EPA rule; ‘It’s bothersome that one guy can control RIN markets’ -- Carl Icahn, the billionaire investor and adviser to President Donald Trump, said he’s betting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Good-bye ARPA-E, DOE, Loan Guarantee program, Energy Star, OPIC, USTDA, NEA, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program. Even Big Bird gets the guillotine. In Washington, the White House released its budget requests for 2018,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the High Octane Alliance called the Trump Administration’s recall the fuel economy rule “an important first step in achieving realistic reductions in fuel consumption.” Alliance Chairman Tom Daschle said the recall was necessary due
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 9, 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) published a report entitled Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology, prepared by the Committee on Future Biotechnology Products and Opportunities to Enhance Capabilities
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) ... Glenn Coffee and Crystal Coon, through their firm, Coffee Group, filed paperwork this week with Congress to represent Oklahoma-based gasoline station and convenience store owner QuikTrip Corp. on issues related to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Pruitt
by Ryan Beene (Bloomberg) Regulator report shows U.S. fleet to fall below mileage target; Results may feed debate over Obama auto-efficiency standards -- Cars and light trucks from the 2016 model year will be the first to fall short of U.S.
(Public Citizen) Carl Icahn and His Businesses Haven’t Registered As Lobbyists Yet Continue to Influence Government Policy -- Icahn Enterprises, CVR Energy and their related affiliates appear to be in violation of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA), according
by Alex Kasprak (Snopes) EPA administrator Pruitt told CNBC that he does not agree that carbon dioxide is "a primary contributor to the global warming that we see," arguing that scientists are still debating the issue. ... While climate science is, indeed,
by Jennifer A Dlouhy, Ari Natter, and Bill Allison (Bloomberg) Investor Carl Icahn is also unpaid adviser to White House; Value of Icahn CVR Energy stake grew after biofuel deal -- Carl Icahn’s stake in a Texas refiner grew by as
by Jonathan H. Harsch (Agri-Pulse) Ethanol already supplies over 10 percent of the U.S. gasoline market and the fuel’s share is growing. Yet Congressman Bill Flores, who wants to see ethanol capped at 9.7 percent of the market, is holding back on
by Susan Olson (BioCycle Magazine) Because of an all-time high waiver credit value paired with strong advanced RIN prices, renewable natural gas could fetch $35/MMBtu in 2017. Since 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has mandated the blending of renewable fuels
by Coral Davenport (New York Times) The Trump administration is expected to begin rolling back stringent federal regulations on vehicle pollution that contributes to global warming, essentially marking a U-turn to efforts to force the American auto industry to produce more
(Office of Congressman Adrian Smith) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) reintroduced legislation today to broaden fuel choices for retailers and consumers by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid
by Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) With production on the rise, there's anxiety over unknown policy shifts. -- ... While there are positive indicators for 2017 — corn prices are forecast to be stable and the federal mandate for ethanol production
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The Governors' Biofuels Coalition on Monday asked President Donald Trump to support a number of changes to federal law to support biofuels production. In a letter signed by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, chairman of
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan trio of Senators introduced a bill today that would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to ethanol blends above 10 percent, a move that would give E15 year-round market presence. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Joe
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/The Wichita Eagle) Kansans deserve a clear picture of the Renewable Fuel Standard’s future, and a recent letter did the RFS a disservice (“Winners, losers in U.S. fuel policy,” Feb. 17 Letters to the Editor). Though
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Carl Icahn was the administration official who called Bob Dinneen, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, and told him an executive order changing the Renewable Fuel Standard is on the way, Dinneen told Reuters. Dinneen
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ABLC guests heard Governor Paul LePage from Maine invite all of us to his beautiful Northern state that has many existing and promising biomass projects and even backyard farms that grow tomatoes year round
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy has released economic analysis that it says “identifies numerous problems” associated with changing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) point of obligation. The US ethanol trade body strongly supports EPA’s proposed denial to move the point of obligation. “Changing the
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Amid an animated discussion of policy issues, one item gained the support of all five panelists: publication of the Renewable Fuels Standard renewable volume obligations for 2017 and 2018 by June, on schedule. Moderated by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) (R)umors of a deal surfaced between the Renewable Fuels Association and Carl Icahn, shifting renewable fuel obligations away from oil refiners, in return for Icahn’s support for a Reid Vapor Pressure waiver for E15 ethanol that
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The comment period for the U.S. EPA’s rule revisions to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) have closed, with 254 comments posted to regulations.gov regarding the Renewables Enhancements and Growth Support Rule, dubbed REGS. ... In its
by Josh Pedrick (Platts) The US ethanol market is ready to stand without support from government regulations and the Renewable Fuel Standard should be repealed, Chet Thompson, president of the American Fuel and Petrochemicals Manufacturers organization, said this week in an
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) The Sierra Club has filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to conduct the required environmental impact analysis on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), effectively violating Section
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Looking to better understand the outlook for the US ethanol industry, but lack the time to wade through the entire 40-page Ethanol Outlook 2017 from RFA (which is right here, for download, in complete form)? Well,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Also appearing this week from the The Urban Air Initiative and several partners were filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that disrupts the agency’s current rationale for controlling ethanol blends under the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let’s look at the letter behind the headlines. “Rest assured that your president and this administration values the importance of renewable fuels to America’s economy and to our energy independence. As I emphasized throughout my campaign,
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