(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings in April on the Tier 3 proposed rulemaking aimed at addressing the impacts of motor vehicles on air quality and public health. The program proposes to
by Amy Harder (National Journal) It’s hard to rival the diversity and sheer number of groups and companies with a vested interest in the renewable-fuels standard, from food and livestock businesses to those in the environmental and energy sectors. No official
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) To the Editor: What’s there about lower prices at the pump, less pollution and reduced reliance on imported oil that Robert Bradley, Jr., doesn’t like (“It’s Time to Repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard,” April 17)? Thanks
(Wall Street Journal/The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and American Petroleum Institute (API) filed comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed biofuel Quality Assurance Program. "EPA's proposal is a welcome attempt
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) The head of a powerful oil industry lobbying group met with top White House officials and senior lawmakers Wednesday about stripping a federal biofuel rule. “We’re talking about the renewable fuel standard (RFS). It’s a hot
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Although conference convener, Biofuels Digest's Jim Lane, insisted that he "discouraged industry bashing," the first morning of this 3-day conference was replete with unveiled references to The Oil Industry, Oil Interests, Big Oil and
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). The comments emphasized that continued stable implementation of the RFS provides
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) ...Here, we present a proposal for implementing the RFS2 through 2015 that recognizes the constraints implied by the E10 blend wall and will avert the impact of the issues identified in the previous
(Farm Futures) National Corn Growers Association says more stringent emissions standards create a place for ethanol's higher octane levels to shine ...The tier 3 standards increase the level of stringency with which vehicle emissions are regulated with the goal of decreasing
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) CME Group Inc. (CME), owner of the world’s largest futures exchange, plans to start a contract for ethanol Renewable Identification Numbers by the end of May amid concern that higher RINs costs will boost gasoline prices. The
by Ben Goad (The Hill E2Wire) A key industry group is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ratchet back this year’s volume requirements for biofuel production, arguing the proposed standards are unrealistic. In formal comments submitted Monday, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has proposed Tier 3 emission standards for cars and gasoline. The new goals for lower sulfur content got the attention in the first days after the release of the proposed
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR Newswire) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) filed formal comments detailing the problems and harmful consequences caused by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today (April 5, 2013) responded to the questions posed by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce in a white paper entitled, “Examining ‘Blend Wall’ Challenges”. The Committee is
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) The Environmental Protection Agency will voluntarily reconsider the cellulosic ethanol blending requirement for 2011, the agency told a federal appellate court in an April 3 motion (American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers v. EPA, D.C. Cir., No. 12-1249, 4/3/13). It
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We go through the renewable fuels math — and find that the nattering nabobs of negativism might have crowed too soon. ...Lately, the nattering nabobs appear to have landed at the American Petroleum Institute — which
by Amy Harder (National Journal) As policy makers in Washington DC and across the country confront the costly consequences of mandating renewable fuels, some have suggested a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) as an alternative. But an LCFS would be
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... The good news is that biofuel production can responsibly continue to grow if we switch from corn to biomass as a source material or feedstock. Our recent analysis confirms that biomass is available within the United States at
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Jeffrey David Gunselman, 30, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 188 months in federal prison, fined $175,000 and ordered to pay more than $54.9 million in restitution, following his guilty plea
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Based on extensive input from auto manufacturers, refiners, and states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed sensible standards for cars and gasoline that will significantly reduce harmful pollution, prevent thousands of premature deaths and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine/MarketWire) Below is breakdown of the latest, sourced information as to why investment in biodiesel is a sound decision written by Ron Kotrba, Editor of Biodiesel Magazine. 1. Jump in on a growing market: The U.S. biodiesel industry
by Beth Evans (Platts) Ratings agency Moody's expects US refiners to increase investments in renewables blending and infrastructure if federal renewables targets are not lowered. "In the absence of any EPA waivers to meeting the renewable fuel requirements, we expect refiners
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) A surge in the value of Renewable Identification Numbers for ethanol compliance isn’t one of the reasons for higher gasoline retail prices, the Renewable Fuels Association said, citing a study by Informa Economics Inc. ... “A fact-based
by David Shephardson (Detroit News) Major automakers asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to approve a higher blend of ethanol for vehicles from 2001 and newer. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers —
by Brooke Coleman (National Journal/Advanced Ethanol Council) First, let's assess what we know to be true ... RFS2 is just five years old. We are about one-third of the way through a 15-year commitment to diversify the liquid fuels marketplace with
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. David Vitter, R-La., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have sent a letter to U.S. EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy, asking her to outline “how she will protect American citizens from rising gas prices due
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments from stakeholders on the EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2013. The proposed final standards would require the blending of more domestic corn ethanol in 2013 than
(Platts) A third key congressional committee has entered the debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard, calling for comment on a series of questions and issuing a "white paper" detailing concerns about the biofuels mandate and some of the proposed solutions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, it has been one for the record books, emailwise and biofuelswise. Reams and reams of emails attest to the seriousness of the stakes — as NGOs, trade associations and Congress paper
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) Major oil companies called on Congress Wednesday to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard, the six-year-old federal law mandating biofuels use that is the base of demand for both ethanol and biodiesel. The American Petroleum Institute, which
by Alison Sider (Dow Jones Newswire/Lloyds) Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) said it will have to spend two or even three times as much as it did last year to comply with the federal ethanol blending requirement due to the high
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Dave Sovereign from Cresco, Iowa has been busy. Last week he helped to convert the Fast Stop station he owns in his hometown to E15. Then he caught an airplane to Washington, D.C. to participate in
(Platts) Colonial Pipeline will begin shipping biodiesel blends on its pipeline to central and southern Georgia by the end of the month, the company said Monday, calling it a first for the nation's largest volume pipeline shipper of refined products. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Read any stories about renewable fuels lately in mainstream media? Bet they’re bad ones. Here we look at the latest chapter in the “death to all renewables” propaganda war. If you are a reader of the
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) ...Now two bills recently introduced into Congress seek to delay or ban altogether the sale of E15 gasoline, which contains 15 percent ethanol rather than the 10-percent maximum standard since 1978. As Hemmings Motor News noted last
by Matthew L. Wald (New York Times) A glut of ethanol in the gasoline supply is threatening to push up prices at the pump and may have exacerbated the growing cost gap between regular gasoline and premium, some oil experts say. Refiners
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Major push from Obama on energy. From DOE: “Liquid fuels demand can be sufficiently reduced so that biomass can meet all liquid fuel needs.” What’s up? ...“I’m proposing that we take some of our oil and
(Environmental Protection Agency) EPA’s annual report that tracks the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the United States is signaling a significant 1.4 mile per gallon (mpg) increase for 2012 cars and trucks – along with a continued decrease in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Global Clean Energy Holdings announced that it has acquired Sustainable Oils, a leader in Camelina genetics and production. The acquisition includes 100% ownership interest of Sustainable Oils and the ownership of the key intellectual
by Gary D. Colby (Biodiesel Magazine/Dilworth Paxson LLP) Preventing discharge of biodiesel processing wastes into the environment contributes significantly to production expenses. Processors incur these costs, rather than discarding waste products more cheaply or easily for at least two reasons.
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Governor’s Biofuels Coalition met in Sioux Falls Wednesday and sent a letter to members of Congress in support of the Renewable Fuels Standard. The letter from the 30 governors represented by the Coalition, led by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, urges
(PR NewsWire/American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President Charles T. Drevna issued the following statement following the withdrawal of its Petition for Waiver of the 2012 Cellulosic Biofuel Volumetric Requirements: "We appreciate the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prompt
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) EcoEngineers tapped by EPA to help audit RFS compliance. In a small office in the East Village of Des Moines, a handful of engineers and statisticians are hard at work keeping score on how much
by Tom Lutey (Billings Gazette) When it was first promoted as a biofuel source perfect for the Montana plains, camelina looked to many like a weed. Seven tough years later, its persistence is being tested. Acres planted in the crop have plummeted
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Kountry Korner in Baxter, Iowa has become the third retail location in the state to offer E15 as a registered fuel. E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(Platts) Prices for renewable fuel credits cracked the $1 barrier Friday and RBOB prices settled sharply higher as the war of words over who is to blame for skyrocketing credits prices also escalated. ...RINs have shown "an incredible spike" in a
by Kristy Moore (Renewable Fuels Association) EPA’s decision to grant the use of E15 in 2001 and newer automobiles and light duty vehicles was based on multiple-year, multiple-aspect testing of more than 88 vehicles. The testing included evaluations of engines,
by Molly Craig (Iowa State Daily) In the spring of 2012, Tyler Cain had an idea. A year later, his idea has grown into his passion project: the REV club. REV stands for Renewable Energy Vehicle. Think along the lines of
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press/San Francisco Chronicle) Limited data and unreliable estimates on air pollution from oil and natural gas production is hindering the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to police the drilling boom, the agency's internal watchdog said in a
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to repeal the E15 waiver and require additional testing of the fuel, despite extensive testing by the U.S. DOE. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., introduced H.R.
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) A Virginia Tech researcher, along with several others, have offered a way to ensure that plants grown for biofuels do not become an invasive weed. According to Jacob Barney, an assistance professor of plant pathology, physiology
(Platts) Prices of renewable fuel credits, needed by refiners to comply with the nation's Renewable Fuel Standard, have skyrocketed over the past few months, an indication to some that the dreaded "blend wall" is close. The price for the traded Renewable
(Stoel Rives/Biodiesel Magazine) Stoel Rives LLP, a national energy and biofuels law firm, has published a white paper that provides a comprehensive overview of proposed regulatory changes to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program, specifically the renewable identification number (RIN)
(SFN Today) At the North Carolina Board of Agriculture’s meeting on Tuesday, whether or not to classify Arundo donax as a noxious weed in the state was at the top of the agenda. Vernon Cox, Division Director of the Plant
by Art Hovey (Lincoln Star Journal) ...On a much brighter note, the managers of ethanol plants in Trenton and Ravenna are pushing hard to make a crop also known as milo the main ingredient in their renewable fuels recipes. ...Drought hardiness
(Associated Press/The Washington Post) President Barack Obama is announcing his picks for three Cabinet-level jobs — nominees to run the Energy Department, Environmental Protection Agency and budget office. Obama says energy secretary nominee Ernest Moniz is a “brilliant scientist” who knows
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Feb. 26 hearing featured testimony of three E15 critics, including a representative of the Coordinating Research Council, which has authored research reports concluding E15 could damage engine valves and fuel system components. Absent
(Green Car Congress) US Commercial-scale production of cellulosic biofuels reached about 20,000 gallons in late 2012, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). EIA estimates this output could grow to more than 5 million gallons this year, as operations ramp up
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuels America is redoubling its efforts to point the finger at the real beneficiaries should the RFS be weakened and E15 smeared and it's not consumers or the environment. Fuels America had a little fun
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to identify additional fuel pathways that the Agency has determined meet the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements for biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and cellulosic biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology’s Subcommittee on Environment is scheduled to hold a hearing on mid-level ethanol blends on Feb. 26. The hearing will feature three witnesses: Robert
by Col. Bill Holmberg (ret.) (American Council On Renewable Energy) “Up with octane, down with aromatics, and embrace the needs of people and nature,” says ACORE’s legendary biomass guru. But less freak-out, more reach-out is needed, he cautions. ...However, certain forces
(Environmental Protection Agency) New green chemistry technologies grow markets and save businesses money. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the nominations for the 2013 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies and institutions that can design chemicals or a
(Environmental Protection Agency) Owner of “Clean Green Fuel” falsely claimed his company produced 23 million gallons of renewable fuel U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Rodney R. Hailey, of Perry Hall, Md., today to nearly 12 years and six
by Ben Goad (The Hill Reg Watch) A coalition of industry groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to reconsider a lower court’s finding in favor of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 decision to allow sales of the high-ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As we highlighted this week in the Digest, Chromatin and Pacific Ethanol announced that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce, deliver and use locally grown sorghum in the production of ethanol. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) B20, B5, B100, E10, E22, E15, M50, E85, Bu12.5, HEFA 50. Is your head swimming with acronyms and blend ratios? Who exactly is making drop-in fuels, and what does that mean? In the world of alternative
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pending legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to limit the ability of the U.S. EPA to increase the cellulosic biofuel requirements its sets each year under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) ...Our focus is on the increasing difficulty of meeting the RFS for both renewable biofuel (domestically produced ethanol) and advanced biofuels in the next 12 to 18 months. ...Our expectation is that
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After U.S. EPA’s much-anticipated renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program (QAP) proposed rule was released last week, biodiesel producers and industry stakeholders at the 2013 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas eagerly
by Tom Doran (AgNews) ...Under the current Renewable Fuels Standards, continued growth in corn-based ethanol use is uncertain do to several factors, including the 10 percent blend wall, slow implementation of higher blend, declining total gasoline demand and ethanol imports
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 4, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, released an energy blueprint that calls for a wide variety of changes to U.S. energy policy,
by Bryan McBournie (SmartBlog) ... Shell Oil Products’ Downstream Policy and Advocacy Manager John Reese said his company is a big supporter of biofuels, but the RFS needs to be adjusted to avoid problems down the road. He said ethanol blends
(FuelFix) Lawmakers have unveiled the first major proposal to rewrite a mandate forcing refiners to blend biofuels into gasoline, amid a growing outcry against the eight-year-old requirement. Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, introduced the legislation in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 7, the U.S. EPA approved a new blender pump configuration for the sale of E15 and E10. The configuration, submitted by the Renewable Fuels Association, can be used by retail stations that
by Brett Whitmarsh (WLBZ) The Maine legislature will decide whether to restrict or even eliminate the use of ethanol in gasoline in the state. A legislator from Turner and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are both submitting ethanol bills. ...Timberlake says
by Paul Winter (Biotechnology Industry Organization) Less than a decade ago, the nation’s energy experts projected imports of oil to continue to grow throughout the first third of the century. Both Congress and the President recognized that this was a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Jan. 31 the U.S. EPA published a proposed rule that creates a structured process for buyers of renewable identification numbers (RINs) to verify their validity. Under the proposal, the EPA said that
(25 x '25) ... A federal court decision last week that set aside EPA’s volumetric requirement for cellulosic biofuel under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was excessively characterized this week by the oil industry and others – including many in
by Jim Lane ( Biofuels Digest) ...In Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its proposed 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS2). The proposal will be open for a 45-day public comment period and EPA will consider feedback from a range
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s right, in the fight of their lives over E15 ethanol blending? Whose data’s from Toontown, whose from the real-world? Yesterday the American Petroleum Institute held a press conference in DC to highlight a new report
by Donna Funk (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Kennedy and Coe LLC) ...The current market for E15 is growing, which is an exciting statement. The industry is still facing issues associated with federal regulations restricting the sale of E15 and liability concerns from
by Tim Portz (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Kristy Moore recalls her beginnings in the ethanol industry, her fondness for American agriculture and the long road to bringing E15 to market. The story of the approval of E15 for use in model year 2001
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “Affordable Mobility: A Roadmap to Energy Efficiency” framed a public discussion of automotive issues for Capitol Hill staff which ranged from fuel efficiency and the new CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards to increasing
(National Algae Association) Is the government’s commitment to alternative fuels being stymied by the American Petroleum Institute, or is the Department of Energy stymying the commitment all by itself? The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia recently canceled
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR NewsWire/Yahoo!) In a decision that questions the motivation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit today vacated EPA's 2012 cellulosic biofuel mandate, concluding that its biased forecast was in 'excess of the agency's statutory authority.' "The
by Jeff Hove (RINAlliance/Biodiesel Magazine) ...Managing RIN transactions and completing EPA reports has become slightly easier under RFS2 and EMTS rules. RIN marketing, however, has become increasingly difficult in a market that has been rocked with fraud and belligerent acts
(Iowas Renewable Fuels Association) A group of Iowa businesses and organizations today congratulated President Obama on his Inauguration and announced the formation of the Iowa RFS Coalition. In a letter to the President, also copied to both Iowa Senators and
by Jeff Hove (RINAlliance/EcoEngineers) RINAlliance was established in 2007 to assist petroleum marketers and renewable fuel blenders with EPA blending compliance requirements. Today, RINAlliance serves 130 blenders with EPA reporting and RIN marketing. They currently manage more than 2 million RINs
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scott Zaremba, owner of Zarco 66 convenience stores, didn’t just open the first E15 retail pump in the nation. Not long after offering 15 percent ethanol at the first station in Lawrence, Kan., he expanded
(AOL Energy/Fuels America Coalition) The oil industry has taken aim at the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a self-interested bid to retain dominance over America's transportation fuel sector. Our dependence on oil is stifling consumer choice and jeopardizing our national
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During a media conference call today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) called the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “unworkable” and stated that they would “like to see complete repeal of the RFS.” Bob Dinneen, President and CEO
(FuelFix) Despite protests from the oil industry, a federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to allow a challenge to an Environmental Protection Agency decision encouraging more ethanol to be blended into gasoline. The American Petroleum Institute, AAA and food producers, including
by Phil Ferolito (Yakima Herald-Republic) A newly approved gasoline blend that contains more ethanol is causing a stir among automakers and fuel retailers, who say the industry isn’t ready for the change. They fear the new fuel will become an industry
by Alexandra Duszak (PublicIntegrity.org) When Pennsylvanians agreed to a massive increase in natural gas drilling in the state, they were told that the economic benefit would outweigh any potential risk to the environment. The drilling employs a controversial technology known as
by Janet McGurty (Biofuels Digest) ...Larger producers of biodiesel like Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland get a higher price for their RINs than the producers with smaller balance sheets. For producers outside of the largest, integrated tier, RINs can fetch
by Pete Bigelow (AOL Autos) Legislation could widen use of E15 fuel blend, which automakers say can corrode your engine Thanks to the fiscal cliff bill signed into law last week, a blend of fuel that contains more ethanol could soon
by Matthew Stone (Bangor Daily News) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is preparing to wade into a national debate surrounding gasoline blends made up of more than 10 percent ethanol. The state agency is at work on a bill
by Robert Rapier (Consumer Energy Report) ...DuPont is currently engaged in two major projects to commercialize advanced biofuels. The first is a 30 million gallon per year corn stover-fed facility in Nevada, Iowa. DuPont has been working on this technology for about 10
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has announced that Fredericksburg Coop in Fredericksburg, Iowa now offers E15 as a registered fuel to 2001 and newer vehicles, joining Linn Coop Oil in Marion, to become Iowa’s
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) The future of the American Le Mans GreenX ChallengeTM in particular and Green Racing in general is uncertain past the 2013 racing season. On Friday, January 4th 2013, NASCAR GRAND-AM and American Le Mans (ALMS)
(Brownfield Ag News) ...Fredericksburg Coop in Fredericksburg becomes the second station to offer the blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol to owners of 2001 and newer vehicles. ...Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says it’s good to “get
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Less than two weeks after the U.S. EPA denied the request to waive the renewable fuel standard (RFS), the American Petroleum Institute is calling on Congress to repeal it. During a press call Nov. 27, Bob Greco, API
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) An obscure EPA ruling may change the economics of ethanol production, forever — who wins, who loses, what’s the investor’s bottom line? Just before Christmas, the EPA issued a final rule, determining that ethanol made from
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR NewsWire) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today to waive the 2012 cellulosic biofuel mandate, citing a lack of domestic supply available for commercial use. Today's action
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sorghum is poised to come into its own as an alternative to corn. It proved its mettle in the 2012 drought, producing decent dryland yields with very little rainfall. And, with the U.S.
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) If all goes as planned, a 50 MMgy ethanol plant in Oakley, Kan., will someday produce advanced biofuel from sorghum. To qualify as advanced biofuel, the company will power the plant with methane from
by John M. Broder (New York Times) Lisa P. Jackson is stepping down as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency after a four-year tenure that began with high hopes of sweeping action to address climate change and other environmental ills
(Specialty Equipment Market Association) SEMA has joined with a number of other trade associations to sponsor “Smarter Fuel Future,” a website intended to raise awareness about the economic and environmental threats posed by the United States’ current biofuels policy. The
(American Motorcyclist Association) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is apparently scrapping its requirement that all consumers buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps that dispense the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. The EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today provided an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete,
by Tadd Nicholson (Chillicothe Gazette) ...Blending corn ethanol into gasoline reduces our reliance on foreign oil, helping to meet our nation’s goal of energy independence. In 2011, thanks in part to corn ethanol, the U.S. imported 485 million fewer
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit filed by the American Petroleum Institute against the U.S. EPA. The petition was related to the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ...While the biodiesel industry is working with EPA, obligated parties under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) and third-party verifiers to ensure valid generation of renewable identification numbers (RINs)—credits generated with biofuel that can be bought,
by Andrew Herndon (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) Cellulosic biofuel companies will boost production almost 20-fold in 2013 as the first high-volume refineries go into operation, signaling a shift from an experimental fuel into a commercially viable industry. Production of the fuel made
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) House Republicans plan to put the renewable fuel standard on trial next Congress, a House Energy and Commerce Committee aide told The Hill. Committee staff is gearing up for hearings on the subject, citing recent
by Andrew Hay (Reuters) A coalition of seven eastern states led by New York plans to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to issue new guidelines to curb methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that may be linked to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Policy, finance, technology, feedstocks, markets, prices, opposition. Here’s what’s on your mind, as the critical 2013 deployment year for biofuels looms. So here are 15 burning questions as suggested by various Digesterati — divided for convenience
by Andrew Herndon (Bloomberg) Cellulosic biofuel companies will boost production almost 20-fold in 2013 as the first high-volume refineries go into operation, signaling a shift from an experimental fuel into a commercially viable industry. Production of the fuel made from crop waste,
by Don Dodson (The News Gazette) A University of Illinois professor says the ethanol boom is over, but farmers may soon enjoy the benefits of a boom in biodiesel. Scott Irwin, a professor of agricultural and consumer economics, said the U.S.
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) The biofuel industry breathed a big sigh of relief last month when the EPA declined several governors’ petitions to waive the Renewable Fuel Standard. Then, after a herculean group effort, the industry and
by Christopher Goins (Politic365.com) The chairman of Wendy’s Restaurant’s supply chain cooperative, which is responsible for food purchases for Wendy’s Restaurants, says that because of EPA Renewable Fuel Standards every individual Wendy’s Restaurant has to pay $20,000 to $30,000 more per
(25 x '25) ... In any strategy aimed at meeting America's soaring energy demand, biomass must be considered a principal among the several renewable, sustainable solutions that make up the fastest growing domestic energy sector since 2006. ...While there also has been
by Daryll Ray and Harwood D. Schaffer (Southwest Farm Press/University of Tennessee) ...On November 16, 2012, the EPA denied the request of Governor Perdue and others. The short story is that while the EPA recognizes the impact of the drought
(FarmFutures) Qualifies some ethanol plants to produce domestic advanced biofuel The Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced it has approved grain sorghum as an eligible feedstock under the Renewable Fuels Standard. "This is a significant step forward for the sorghum industry," said Bill Kubecka,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should immediately initiate a process to update its obsolete lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analyses of corn and sugarcane ethanol for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), according to a letter sent Friday to EPA Administrator
by Valerie Volcovici (Chicago Tribune/Reuters) A policy reform group plans to issue a notice on Wednesday informing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it will file a lawsuit to force the agency to use federal rules to cap and charge
by Gary Strauss (USA Today) E15, a higher blend of ethanol and gasoline, has rolled out in a handful of states. But its use in older vehicles is generating warnings from AAA, which says E15 could be harmful to pre-2012
by Nigel Sizer (WRI Insights/The Jakarta Post) ...The world’s top scientists are also raising concerns. According to a recent study in Nature Climate Change, from 1990 to 2010, 90 percent of lands converted to oil palm plantations in Kalimantan were forested. There need not,
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... In regard to the November 28th op-ed, “A Mandate to Raise Food Prices” by Rob Green, Executive Director of the National Council of Chain Restaurants: If he really believes that the major cause of higher
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Well, that’s an absurd headline, isn’t it? False, false and false. It’s ridiculous, misleading and harmful to conclude that 10 percent of the US corn harvest is used for ant repellent – just because 10 percent
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The American Petroleum Institute filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Nov. 26 against the U.S. EPA for its decision to mandate the use of 1.28 billion gallons
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced that it has posted presentations from the 4th International Conference on Biofuels Standards: Current Issues, Future Trends on its web site. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that the agency has not found evidence to support a finding of severe “economic harm” that would warrant granting a waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The
(25 x '25) In response to the EPA decision today upholding volume requirements of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, 25x'25 Co-chairmen Read Smith and Bart Ruth issued the following joint statement: "EPA's decision today finding no evidence that the federal Renewable Fuel Standard
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) In August 2012, Governors from several States requested a waiver of the national volume requirements for the renewable fuel standard program (RFS) pursuant to Section 211(o)(7) of the Clean Air Act. EPA's extensive analysis makes clear
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released its draft quality assurance plan requirements as part of its work to restructure the renewable fuel standard program to ensure renewable identification number (RIN) credits generated are valid before entering the marketplace. These
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Climate change may gain more attention during the next legislative session. During a press conference to discuss post-election results broadcast by C-SPAN on Nov. 7, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., stressed how important
by Darrel Good and Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) ...We begin our analysis by tracing out the implications for biofuels consumption over the next three years based on one potential scenario involving all of the listed factors. This scenario represents
by Brent Erickson (BIO/Biofuels Digest) For the advanced biofuels industry, the 2012 election turned on Senate races. ...The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has jurisdiction over the RFS. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will remain Chairwoman, but recent media reports have raised
by Nathan Vander Griend (Biodiesel Magazine/ERI Solutions Inc.) Safety training, work permits, standard operating procedures and what seems to be an almost endless amount of documentation can be a burden to an operating facility. It hasn’t always been that way,
by Gerard Wynn (Reuters) BP's decision to scrap plans for a U.S. cellulosic ethanol refinery is a setback for second generation biofuels and opens the door to alternatives including Brazilian sugar ethanol, biodiesel and electric vehicles. The United States wants to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) KATZEN International chief says generation 1.5 ethanol is the key path to reaching RFS2 targets – with new feedstocks, advanced fermentation plants. Phil Madson, President of KATZEN International, has authored a new Ethanol Across America White
by Pete Moss (Biodiesel Magazine) BQ-9000 is the gold standard for quality control in the biodiesel industry. The accreditation program was developed by the National Biodiesel Board to ensure better quality in a rapidly growing market. A study completed in
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) So much biodiesel has been made and sold this year that the federal mandate for use of the biofuel has largely been met, resulting in a sudden loss of demand for the product and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... United States Concerns over the price impacts of a devastating US drought have led to call for a waiver in the US Renewable Fuel Standard volumetric targets. Proposed waivers have ranged from small, symbolic down-shifting
by Gayathri Vaidyanathan and Saqib Rahim (E&E Publishing/Energy Wire) A team of academics, natural gas companies and environmentalists is hoping to pull a crucial environmental issue from the jaws of polarization and controversy -- and start moving it into the realm
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An October report from the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute concludes that a reduction in the renewable fuel standard wouldn’t greatly reduce corn prices in the 2012/’13 crop year. However, the effects of
by Ryan Tracy (The Wall Street Journal) ...Since the blend known as E15 first hit the market for regular cars in July, eight fuel stations in Kansas and Iowa have started to sell it, according to the Renewable Fuels Association,
(Renewable Fuels Association) Waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2013 could actually result in higher net feeding costs for livestock and poultry producers, according to a new analysis conducted by Cardno-ENTRIX and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The study found that if a
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