by David Hallberg, President (Dakota Ag Energy/Biofuels Digest) … Which brings us back to my thesis—as the pendulum swings back to internal combustion engines the quest for low carbon isn’t going to disappear. … A nationwide E30 Clean Octane standard This triggered a few thoughts about how our petroleum refinery
White House
(Inside EPA) The White House has begun reviewing EPA’s draft proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards for passenger vehicles and some larger trucks, offering the latest indication that the agency is on track to release the plan by the end of March as outside groups sharpen their advocacy about the stringency of
(Roll Call) Aviation accounts for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions — a figure expected to triple by 2050 … Trucking industry representatives have raised concerns that a larger reliance on SAF will take away key feedstocks from biodiesel, an alternative fuel that’s already been used for years. Biodiesel
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) In the end, the ethanol industry will be just fine. But let’s hope demoting the Iowa caucuses doesn’t mean Democrats are demoting the interests and priorities of rural America. … Today, some suggest the Democrats’ recent move to demote Iowa’s first-in-the-nation contest could spell
by Chris Knight (Argus Media) Shell, Phillips 66 and Chevron are among the oil companies seeking at least a one-year delay, until 1 May 2024, for a fuel specification change in eight states intended to support continued year-round sales of 15pc ethanol gasoline (E15). The delay request came in an industry-organized
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security — The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental

The regulatory agencies and OSTP will host a virtual public listening session on January 12, 2023. If you are interested in registering for the virtual listening session, go to https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IhbckX4VTiacK0AsyiikKQ. If you are interested in additional listening sessions, please contact Dominique Carter at biotech-regulation@ostp.eop.gov. Summaries of the comments offered during
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Democratic Party’s unseating of Iowa from its position as host of the first U.S. presidential nominating contest every four years is a blow that could also reshape the corn and biofuels industries throughout the Midwest, lobbyists and political consultants say. Backed by President Joe Biden, the party
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales and the Biopreferred program. According to the agenda, the U.S. EPA
by Russ Niles (AvWeb) Congress has approved $10 million for testing and evaluation of unleaded high octane aviation fuels and all sectors currently involved in the effort can qualify for funding. According to AOPA, President Joe Biden signed the bill that funds the executive branch for the coming year on Dec.
by Graham Noyes and Alex Menotti (Biodiesel Magazine) To reach U.S. sustainable aviation fuel goals, adequate policy will be crucial. — The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge represents a breakthrough in federal energy policy, establishing a comprehensive strategy developed by multiple agencies to scale up new technologies and rapidly

Join representatives from the departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as key transportation industry leaders, for a discussion on the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Moderated by DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Berube, the panel will feature U.S. Deputy Energy
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Advance Electrolysis Technology, Drive Down Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Costs, Provide Long-term Support for Hydrogen Hubs and Other Industry Deployments — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced its intent to issue $750 million in funding from President Biden’s
(Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)/Federal Register) The National Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative (NBBI) identified biotechnology regulation clarity and efficiency as a priority of the Administration. Thus, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)—on behalf of the primary agencies that regulate the products of biotechnology, the U.S.
(Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)/Federal Register) Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative (NBBI) to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing towards innovative solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security, agriculture, and supply chain resilience, and to advance national and economic security. Biotechnology and biomanufacturing offer new opportunities to strengthen supply chains and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Nevada comes the long-awaited news that Fulcrum BioEnergy has successfully produced a low-carbon synthetic crude oil using landfill waste as a feedstock at its commercial-scale Sierra BioFuels Plant. Sierra is the first and at present the largest landfill waste-to-fuels plant. Whew. They made it by Christmas. In fact,
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Beginning in Model Year 2027, EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan will safeguard clean air for millions in communities overburdened by dangerous pollution — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the strongest-ever national clean air standards to cut smog- and soot-forming emissions from heavy-duty trucks beginning with
by David R. Rubenstein (California Ethanol + Power/Biofuels Digest) … The proposed rule also includes a system allowing electric vehicle manufacturers to register with the EPA and generate credits based on electric Renewable Identification Numbers for power produced from qualifying renewable biomass, including biogas from methane digesters. This policy would align
by David Blackmon (Forbes) J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon probably summed up this week’s energy-related events best when he noted that “we need cheap, reliable, safe, secure energy, of which 80% comes from oil and gas” during an interview on CNBC. It was a week in which other major players, notably
by Chuck Sorenson (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biiofuels Digest) … AltAir Paramount LLC was the first company to bring California-produced renewable fuels at scale to the California market. They purchased the former Paramount Oil refinery near Los Angeles in 2013 and converted it from a 50,000 barrel per stream day (BPSD) topping/HDS
By Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The White House Office of Management and Budget is now officially reviewing the request from nine Midwest governors to eliminate the 1-psi RVP waiver for E10 in their states and allow year-round sales of E15, according to the RegInfo.gov dashboard. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said,
by Emma Farge (Reuters) Airline passengers face higher ticket prices as the industry moves towards its target of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, the head of a global trade association said on Tuesday. Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association, which includes most of the world’s
by P.J. Huffstutter (Reuters) Global grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland Co sees the commercialization of its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) efforts coming online around 2026, Chief Financial Officer Vikram Luthar said on Monday. “SAF in terms of reality to come online, at least for us, is going to be in the
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Opponents of three carbon capture pipelines proposed in Iowa and surrounding states want federal regulators to call for a moratorium on construction, saying current safeguards are inadequate to protect people who live near the projects. About three dozen environmental, public health and tribal groups on Monday
by Addy Hatch (Washington State University Insider) … WSU (Washington State University) researchers in eight programs among three colleges on two campuses are exploring energy sources, testing, supply-chain logistics and policy in the quest for sustainable air transportation. The university is a co‑leader with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of
(Inside EPA) EPA is poised to finalize its approval of canola oil as a feedstock for the manufacture of “advanced” low-carbon fuels qualified to earn credit under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), after the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed review of the measure. OMB completed review
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 9 delivered its proposed rule to set Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations for 2023 and beyond to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final stage before a proposed rule is released for public comment.
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ACE believes farmers should have the opportunity to monetize low-carbon practices by selling their corn to ethanol plants that have pathways into clean fuel markets at the state or federal level, creating maximum value and meaningful change. … Whether working to
(White House) Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $1.5 billion under the President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to build and upgrade America’s national laboratories and advance American leadership in science, research, and innovation. Strengthening our national labs will increase economic growth, create good-paying, local jobs and help attract skilled workers needed to
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on implementation of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In her letter, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls on regulators to ensure that policies reflect the most updated and accurate science-based lifecycle carbon assessment
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The major biofuels interest groups and National Farmers Union are trying to intervene in a lawsuit challenging EPA’s recent decision to reject 69 pending applications for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to a motion filed with a federal appeals court on Tuesday.
“This (the Biden Administration’s EPA and DOT regulatory efforts to mandate transition to electric vehicles) completely inverts the statutory system, transforming it into a tool for forcing electrification rather than the technology-neutral, performance-based system Congress created.” — Heritage Foundation’s Derrick Morgan in The Washington Examiner. READ MORE
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Agriculture, fuel interests and several states see EPA’s March 2022 decision to reinstate California’s legal authority to implement a zero-emissions vehicle sales mandate and greenhouse gas emissions standards as a back-door way to move the entire country away from gasoline-powered vehicles. Several state-level agriculture interest
by Justin Roberts (Ag Informer/ National Corn Growers Association) With the Department of Energy’s announcement to release 15 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) called on policymakers to advance ethanol as a solution to increase the nation’s fuel supply and lower prices for
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) US Representative Ashley Hinson is calling on the Biden administration to ramp up domestic oil production and put more emphasis on renewable fuels. “Ethanol should be front and center in our all of the above energy strategy,” she said. “Expanding the use of homegrown biofuels,
(Michigan Farm News) According to Honeywell, depending on the type of ethanol feedstock used, jet fuel produced from their ethanol-to-jet fuel process can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% on a total lifecycle basis, compared to petroleum-based jet fuel. — The tech company Honeywell recently announced a new, innovative ethanol-to-jet
by Cheyenne Roche (Creston News Advertiser) … Panelist and Greenfield farmer Randy Caviness said his great-grandfather never made the switch from horses to tractors in the early 1900s. “Our biggest crop at the time was oats,” Caviness said. “He told my grandfather, ‘If we get rid of the horses, what
by Jim Seurer and Doug Sombke (Glacial Lakes Energy and South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) … For the first time since the enactment of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the statutory volumes established in the authorizing legislation now give way to EPA discretion. The 36 billion gallons we were supposed to reach—and
(American Economic Association/Environmental Protection Agency/White House) Biden-Harris Administration Seeks Public Input on Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund–Stakeholder Input Will Help Shape First-of-Its-Kind Federal Fund to Mobilize Clean Energy and Climate Projects and Reduce Pollution in Disadvantaged Communities Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Growth Energy released a study conducted by ABF Economics that found that nationwide access to E15, a 15 percent ethanol blended fuel, could save drivers billions in annual fuel costs, create new jobs, and return billions to the U.S. economy. Specifically, the data show that a
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Following an April 12 announcement by President Biden, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a series of emergency waivers allowing E15 (gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol) to be sold during the 2022 summer driving season. Without this action, E15 could not have been used in most
by Evan Halper (Washington Post) … Carbon capture generally involves chemical processes that separate out carbon dioxide from industrial gases. Newer, more costly, variations of the technology work like giant vacuums, sucking the carbon dioxide directly from the air. The carbon dioxide is usually then compressed into a liquid and routed
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association, on Oct. 5 issued the following statement in response to announced OPEC+ production cuts: “Today, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia announced its largest oil production cut since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. And
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Tech firm Honeywell International Inc (HON.O) will roll out technology that could increase supplies of lower-carbon aviation fuel produced from ethanol, the company said Monday, as the Biden administration calls for the aviation industry to reduce emissions. Honeywell’s technology can increase production efficiency of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to lower costs.
by Ty Rushing (Iowa Starting Line) Over the last few months, the Starting Line team has noticed an interesting trend in Iowa social media: Stories about electric vehicles drive huge engagement and draw intense debate among supporters and detractors, mostly on Facebook. And while wild comment threads on Facebook stories is
by Vinayak Shinde (Global Market Insights/Biofuels Digest) … According to a study by Transport and Environment, a European network of NGOs, about 193 out of 230 of some largest global businesses failed to act on corporate travel emission reduction with adequate commitment. In order to mitigate these growing concerns, jet
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) … Paul Bertels with Farmgate Insights tell Brownfield last fall the Biden Administration introduced a challenge for airlines to shift to complete use of sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. “When you look at market growth by 2050 that’s projected to be about 35 billion
(U.S. Department of Energy) Request for Information Seeks Input on Best Uses for Defense Production Act to Bolster National Security, Boost American Manufacturing, and Lower Energy Costs — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a Request for Information (RFI) to determine how DOE could best leverage the Defense Production Act
by Kate Yoder (Grist) California activists paved the way for defining climate change as an air pollution problem. Now it’s federal law. … Connecting climate change with something visceral and dangerous brings more immediacy to a problem that’s often seen as unfolding far away or in the future, even though it’s
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 19 delivered a final rule to create canola oil fuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard for renewable diesel, jet fuel naphtha, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and heating oil to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review
(U.S. Department of Energy) DOE Opens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Opportunity for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs and Releases Draft of DOE National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap — The U.S. Department of Energy today opened applications for the $7 billion program to create regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country,
by Bob Thompson (Michigan Farmers Union/Detroit News) … Fortunately, President Joe Biden and our members of Congress have taken decisive steps to lower gas prices and limit our dependence on foreign oil. They have done that by supporting biofuels — fuel grown by America’s farmers. Not only does this lower gas prices and
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge is the result of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal government agencies working together to develop a comprehensive strategy for scaling up new technologies to produce SAF
by Scott Neuman (NPR) … The government’s conservation programs are meant to bolster farmers’ response to climate change, as (Iowa farmer Robb) Ewoldt and others like him are forced to confront worsening droughts on the one hand, and unprecedented rainfall and flooding on the other. But even with billions more in
by David Shepardson (Reuters) General Motors Co said on Tuesday it backed establishing tougher federal emissions standards to help ensure at least 50% of new vehicles sold by 2030 are zero-emission. The largest U.S. automaker and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) released a series of joint recommendations to boost electric vehicles
(U.S. Department of Energy) New Commitment Will Advance Clean Transportation Investments within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Establish Blueprint for Decarbonizing Transportation in the U.S. — The Biden Administration today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among four federal agencies to accelerate the nation’s affordable and equitable
(Topsoe) The transportation sector accounts for 14% of the world’s GHG emissions. This is why governments and states worldwide are taking measures to lower GHG emissions through subsidies and legislation. In fact, 137 countries have pledged to be carbon-neutral, and most are aiming for a year 2050 deadline. Aviation is responsible
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper on Aug. 13 discussed several current issues impacting the U.S. ethanol sector, including a possible rail strike, ahead of an event held by the White House in celebration of the Inflation Reduction Act. Cooper opened a call
by Rudi Keller (News from the States) When lawmakers return this week for a special session, most of the attention will be on Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal to cut income taxes by $700 million a year. But Parson also wants the bill to include several tax credits intended to benefit rural Missouri
by Trevor Hunnicutt (Reuters) President Joe Biden will sign orders on Monday to push more government dollars to the U.S. biotechnology industry, aimed at reducing dependence on China for materials to generate clean energy, weave new fabrics and inoculate populations against the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order allows the federal government
(U.S. Department of Energy) On Wednesday, September 7, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy will host a roundtable of diverse industry leaders along with stakeholders from government and academia to discuss opportunities to collectively build a decarbonized industrial sector that benefits workers,
(Alder Fuels/Enviva/Business Wire) Partnership aims to accelerate the decarbonization of aviation and to scale access to renewable fuels to power the clean energy transition — Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), the world’s leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass, and Alder Fuels, a clean tech developer and greencrude producer, have signed a
(U.S. Economic Development Administration) Funding Provides Regional Investments to Transform Local Economies, Create Good-Paying Jobs, Jumpstart Emerging Industries, and Prepare Workforce for the Future — Today, President Biden will announce the 21 winners of the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the most impactful regional economic development competition in decades. Funded
(RFD TV) Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley recently fielded questions from reporters this week regarding ethanol production in the U.S. as the current administration pushes for more electric vehicles. He calls the Biden Administration’s climate plans unfeasible, saying if the U.S. were to follow California’s plan to ban internal combustion engines,
(Sierra Club) Yesterday, Toyota announced its support for the state of California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act. During the Trump administration, Toyota and other automakers attacked this authority and sided with Trump’s rollback of key climate and clean air protections. This week, the California Air Resources Board
by Ken Colombini (Renewable Fuels Association) As gasoline prices hit record levels earlier this summer, we heard plenty of anecdotal stories about a surge in the number of drivers seeking out lower-cost alternatives like E15 and E85. Now, we have fresh data to prove that more and more drivers did indeed
(Diesel Technology Forum) … Electric and compressed natural gas each register less than 1% in school buses, according to the Diesel Technology Forum’s analysis of data sourced from S&P Global Mobility TIPNet data of vehicles in operation for Class 3-8 as of December 2021. Even though these fuels make up a small
by Ashley Hanley (KTOE) The biofuels issue sparked brisk debate between U-S House candidates during a Tuesday forum on Farmfest’s first day. Second District Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig: “I’m the first member of Congress to ever, in the history of this Congress, pass a bill that would allow for year-round sales
by Erik F. Ringle (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A critical pathway for producing large quantities of low- to negative-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is en route to market following a collaborative research and development agreement between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Alder Fuels. The technology—an advanced pyrolysis process that
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) … The focus of my presentations was to talk about the urgent need to educate consumers and consumer influencers about the benefits of ethanol fuel. Almost simultaneous with my plane touching down in my home city, I learned about a new ethanol-bashing editorial that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Here are the details from the US Senate with markers to indicate items of definite or possible industry interest. More on the bill here. Summary of the Energy Security and Climate Change Investments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 … The Inflation Reduction Act: 1. Lowers
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced an agreement with Sen. Joe Manchin on a narrow reconciliation bill that would provide $369 billion in climate-related provisions, including more than $20 billion for farm bill conservation assistance and additional incentives for low-carbon biofuels and rural electric co-ops. The 725-page bill they agreed
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Last week’s collapse of U.S. climate legislation could severely hamper the development of clean-burning transportation fuels, investors, lobbyists and analysts said. The U.S. biofuel industry was banking on legislation that would boost investment in fuels like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made from animal fats, greases and oils,
by David Koenig and Kelvin Chan (Associated Press/Chicago Tribune) … Airbus and Boeing, the world’s two biggest aircraft makers, both addressed sustainability during Monday’s opening day at Farnborough, although they approached the issue in different ways. Europe’s Airbus and seven airline groups announced a venture in West Texas to explore
by Currey McCullough (RFD TV) Just this morning (July 19, 2022) on a call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said he and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar are sending a letter urging the EPA to increase volumes of biodiesel and renewable diesel. “Adding more homegrown fuels to the nation’s
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader/Governors’ Biofuels Coalition) President Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia to beg for more oil seems unnecessary to us — he could have saved himself a long trip by coming to see what is being done right here in South Dakota. Sky high gas prices
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … At gas stations across the country, the cure for high prices isn’t more high prices—it’s ethanol. Refiners and blenders can lower gas prices for consumers simply by adding more ethanol, which has been $1–$1.50 per gallon cheaper than gasoline for much
by Tony Romm and Jeff Stein (Washington Post) President Biden is considering declaring a national climate emergency as soon as this week as he seeks to salvage his environmental agenda in the wake of stalled talks on Capitol Hill, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke on
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) … Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) will meet on the dates and times described below. The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has indicated it will release proposed rules related to the 2023 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligation (RVO) and state requests to allow summer E15 sales within the next several months. The agency will also soon finalize pending canola oil fuel pathways
by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) The Biden administration’s initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 are well underway. New year-over-year data shows ag is playing its climate smart part in multiple ways. According to the USDA, 2020 farming activities in the U.S. made up 11.2 percent, or 670 of
(Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biomass Magazine) Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America wrote to President Joe Biden and other administration officials to highlight the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry’s contribution to job growth in the clean energy sector. The letter asks the administration to support tax policy that encourages continued investments, capacity expansion,
(Federal Highway Administration) Today, to advance President Biden’s commitment to combat climate change and bring down costs for families, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for states and municipalities to track and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure
by Jim Holder (AutoCar) … Today his (Gill Pratt’s) job titles at Toyota include chief scientist, executive fellow for research and CEO of the Toyota Research Institute; his past includes stints as a robotics and computing lead for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and an associate professor in electrical
by Laila Kearney and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Oil refining company and labor union representatives pressed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at a virtual meeting last week to lower costs of the nation’s biofuel blending program when it resets the policy next year, according to sources familiar with the call. …
(U.S. Department of Energy) DOE Seeks Public Input on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program for Clean Energy Projects That Will Help Revitalize Energy Communities and Create Good Paying Jobs — The Biden Administration through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Request For Information (RFI) to inform a $500 million program funded by
by Rachel Frazen (The Hill) The Supreme Court’s Thursday decision curtailing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority could hamper regulations far beyond climate. The conservative majority in the 6-3 ruling found that an Obama-era power plant rule was not permissible since it didn’t have “clear congressional authorization.” But legal experts say this principle could
“And you simply can’t get to net zero by 2050 without biofuels.” –U.S. President Joe Biden in Remarks on Lowering Energy Costs for Working Families
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy filed petitions for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to excuse certain refineries from their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a decision announced this April, EPA reversed 31 small refinery exemptions
by Will Robinson (Brownfield Ag News) Clean Fuels Alliance America says demand for biodiesel is ratcheting up because of corporate pressure. Scott Fenwick says clean energy market growth is going from being government led to led by the largest corporate shippers. “Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Walmart… they’ve got their own sustainability
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Clean fuel industry has maintained production and extended fuel supplies, lowering diesel prices by 4% — Today (June 22, 2022), Clean Fuels Alliance America wrote to President Joe Biden, administration officials, and congressional leaders to say that U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are working to extend
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) … The administration’s early and extensive outreach reflects that expanding the scope of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to make it a tool for electrifying the nation’s automobile fleet is one of Biden’s priorities in the fight against climate change. The RFS, which
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to propose new, more stringent vehicle emissions rules through at least the 2030 model year by March, according to a regulatory update released on Tuesday. In December, the EPA finalized new light-duty tailpipe emissions requirements through the 2026 model year that reversed then-President
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has indicated it will release proposed rules related to the 2023 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligation (RVO) and state requests to allow summer E15 sales within the next several months. The agency will also soon finalize pending canola oil fuel pathways
by Evan Halper (Washington Post) Companies see only headaches on the horizon for refineries, undercutting the White House push to boost production — … Oil refineries across the country are being retired and converted to other uses as owners balk at making costly upgrades and America’s pivot away from fossil fuels
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) The House of Representatives on Thursday passed an omnibus appropriations bill aimed at addressing spiraling fuel costs by further expanding the availability of higher-ethanol fuel blends. The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act contains a number of separate agriculture provisions aimed at addressing food costs and
by Tyler Pager (Washington Post) Biden vented to aides after an ethanol announcement designed to ease gas prices, questioning the policy’s effectiveness — President Biden seemed upbeat when he visited an Iowa biofuels plant in April to talk about bringing down gas prices, standing before a large tractor as he declared
by Cindy Axne (D-IA 3rd)(Agri-Pulse) As families continue to feel the crushing weight of rising gas prices – a problem without a one-size-fits-all solution – I am grateful that an environmentally friendly, homegrown fuel that’s produced in my home state of Iowa will provide a more affordable fuel option this summer.
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) A group of five automakers is backing California’s authority to set its own standards for climate-warming emissions for vehicles amid a legal challenge from several Republican-led states. Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Honda and Volvo on Tuesday backed the Biden administration’s decision to restore this authority to California after the Trump administration revoked
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … In 2017 congressional testimony, Dr. Janet Yanowitz of EcoEngineering Inc., an environmental consulting firm, reviewed the existing scientific literature on E15’s emissions, concluding that “the available emissions test data indicates that replacing E10 with an E15 of the same vapor pressure will
(Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA finalized a package of actions setting biofuel volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for years 2020, 2021, and 2022, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. Final Volume Requirements for 2020-2022 (billion gallons) 2020 2021 2022 Cellulosic
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration should rely less on liquid fuels like ethanol and focus more on cleaner technology like electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced biofuels when it reshapes the nation’s renewable fuel program, environmental group Evergreen Action said in a report released on Friday. Evergreen Action was among
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) The White House Climate Policy Office is facing frustration over how it’s pushing President Joe Biden’s climate agenda — and its coming from its own camp, POLITICO’s Zack Colman reports. Several Democrats both in and out of the administration laid out their discontent with the
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) Under the Biden administration’s proposed rule, energy infrastructure will get more scrutiny from local regulators — The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Thursday it would seek to return authority to states to oppose gas pipelines, coal terminals and other projects that pose a threat to
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Biden administration is likely to raise ethanol blending mandates for 2021 above the figure it proposed in December to align with actual U.S. consumption levels, according to two sources briefed on the decision. In December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed that refiners
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) President Joe Biden met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Japan this week and released a statement on a number of issues, including ethanol. Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden welcomed Japan’s commitment to take all available measures to double demand for bioethanol, including for sustainable aviation fuel and
by Cheri Bustos (D IL 17th) (FOXBusiness) A solution to high gas prices is being planted across the American Heartland — … I’m lucky enough to represent more than 7,000-square miles of Northwest and Central Illinois — home to nearly 10,000 family farms and seven biofuels plants in and around our
(Solutions from the Land) … Reports out of Washington indicate that EPA submitted to the White House late last month its proposal on biofuel mandates, calling for a retroactive reduction for years 2020 and 2021, then boosting it back up for this year. Unfortunately, reports also indicate that the Biden administration
(Inside EPA) EPA has sent for White House review a draft proposal that appears aimed at implementing its novel renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance “alternative” for small refiners that saw their 2018 hardship waivers from RFS mandates retroactively scrapped, a measure the biofuels sector says is a “hollow victory” because
by Jared Strong (Iowa Capital Dispatch) A new state law that requires most of Iowa’s fuel stations to sell a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol will rapidly expand the fuel’s availability, but the law’s long-term effects might be more potent, according to the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) While E15 scored an important temporary victory in April, we need to continue to educate consumers and policymakers about the higher blend’s benefits and true regulatory history as the oil industry and misinformed environmental extremists attack. When President Biden announced in April
(Inside EPA) Biofuels producers, airlines and others are urging changes to EPA’s proposed renewable fuel standard (RFS) rules to provide more flexibility to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that is the cornerstone of a Biden administration strategy to reduce carbon emissions from aircraft, warning that without such action the strategy
by Adam Schubert (Stillwater Associates) On April 12th, President Biden announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would issue an emergency waiver of federal gasoline Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations this summer for E15—a 15% blend of ethanol with gasoline. This action was finalized on April 29th. As ethanol is
(360 Fuel) The White House has unveiled a new strategy and investments as part of a long-term commitment to spur smart development and adoption of sustainable, homegrown fuels across the United States (U.S.). The President declared new steps to achieve this goal by increasing fuel supply, offering new options for consumers, and
(News Channel Nebraska Central) In a statement Tuesday, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts blamed economic inflation on President Joe Biden and called for biofuels priorities that feature ethanol made with Nebraska-grown corn. Ricketts said the price of wholesale ethanol has recently been as much as $1.20 per gallon less than expensive
by Erin Murphy (Sioux City Journal) …Differences over a hard line on when to send U.S. troops to Ukraine and over ethanol policy were among the few contrasts to emerge during a televised debate Saturday night between the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in Iowa. … The candidates also had
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Post) Americans should be thanking President Biden for allowing the continued sale of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 this summer (letters, “No more ethanol in gas,” April 22). E15 is saving drivers as much as 30 cents per gallon, cutting the typical U.S. household’s annual fuel bill by
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sent a rule on U.S. biofuel blending mandates to the White House for final review, according to a notice posted by the Office of Management and Budget. The oil and biofuel industries, which have in the past been at odds over
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver for a higher-ethanol gasoline blend on Friday, allowing summertime sales of the fuel in an attempt to help lower gasoline prices at the pump. The move represents a temporary win for the biofuels industry and corn farmers, as
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. governors from eight Midwest states, many of which are major corn producers, asked the Biden administration on Thursday to apply rules that would allow gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol to be sold year-round in their states. Governors from Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota said
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) The April announcement by Joe Biden that E15 would be allowed to be sold year-round set off a frenzied spate of new attacks on the good fuel…the clean fuel…the 100% domestically produced fuel: ETHANOL. TV and radio stations all over the country have been
(Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA)) Gov. Reynolds released the following statement today in response to the legislature passing HF2128: “This is a historic win for Iowa families, for our agriculture and biofuels industry, and for Iowa’s entire economy. By increasing access to more affordable, homegrown biofuels made right here in Iowa,
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Media coverage of President Biden’s announcement last Tuesday that consumers will continue to have access to lower-cost 15% ethanol fuel this summer contained a great deal of misinformation, despite the best efforts of the ethanol industry to get the facts out. In a blog post Monday, Renewable
by Ty Higgins (Ohio Farm Bureau) Last week, the Biden administration discussed how its strategy to spur the development of homegrown biofuels is critical to expanding Americans’ options for affordable fuel in the short term and to building real energy independence in the long term by reducing our reliance on
by Jeremy Beaman (Washington Examiner) The Biden administration’s support for more oil and gas production to lower soaring energy prices has angered key environmentalist constituencies and sent officials away to insist that they aren’t compromising their green agenda. The administration maintains that more domestic oil production is necessary to help bring down gasoline prices, and it
(Great Lakes Energy) Says E30 Blends Can More than Offset the loss of Russian Oil, No RVP Waiver Needed — – Opening the door to 30% ethanol blends would save consumers billions of dollars at the gas pump and reduce imported oil by as much as one billion barrels per
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Key program will fund projects that help fight climate change and save Americans money on gas — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration today announced a new program that unlocks $6.4 billion in formula funding for states and localities over five years. The new Carbon
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Add 40 million Gallons of Biofuels to the Market Annually — United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is awarding a $1.6 million biofuel infrastructure grant to Royal Farms to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global) US refiners seek remedy for high gasoline prices; High RFS costs shut refineries, cuts supply; E15 waiver directly helps Midwestern drivers — US refiners are taking their plea to the public with a new ad campaign launched by Fueling American Jobs Coalition asking President Biden to lower gasoline
by Kelsey Brugger (E&E News) … The Council on Environmental Quality finalized the first phase of planned changes to the rules governing NEPA, a core environmental law that guides federal scrutiny of major projects like pipelines, bridges and transmission lines. The action coincides with other announcements during what climate adviser Gina McCarthy
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Rural Partners Network is a new collaboration to strengthen the link between federal agencies and rural communities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is proud to join this effort to help create jobs, build infrastructure, and ensure that federal resources benefit rural America. DOE
by Paul Adler (KY3.com) … Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. The biofuel is currently cheaper than pure gas. E15 is usually prohibited between June 1st and September 15th. The administration predicts their action will save drivers an average of 10 cents per gallon based on current prices. Fuel Analyst
President Joe BIDEN and the WHITE HOUSE have been singing the praises of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) SINCE September 9, 2021, when they rolled out the Sustainable Aviation Fuel GRAND Challenge. Now it’s time for the WHITE HOUSE to lead the way, to practice what they preach, to show the
by Alex Whitney (Nebraska.TV) Anyone who has hit the road lately can tell you that the price of gas has gone way up in the last few months. One remedy for high gas prices has been pushing alternative fuels and a recently signed law here in Nebraska is making it even
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A public comment period on the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s interim guidance on carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) closed on April 18. The Carbon Capture Coalition is among the groups that weighed in on guidance document, which aims to assist federal agencies
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy needs with homegrown biofuels, we can ensure a more
by Terry Slavin (Reuters) EU and Britain to force airlines to replace part of kerosene use with non-fossil fuels; Measures in the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure bill to help bridge high cost of SAF; Companies with net-zero commitments sign up to buy SAF, push for high environmental standards — In the run-up
(Tennessee Corn Promotion Board/Press Newswire) Last week President Biden announced that E15 will be sold this summer in an effort to reduce gasoline prices. E15 is a plant-based fuel made from corn. Often marketed as Unleaded 88, E15 is a renewable resource that’s made with regular gasoline and a smaller amount
by Tina Casey (Triple Pundit) The global economy will need liquid fuel for many years to come. That is especially true of the airline industry, which continues to face significant challenges along the road to electrification. What’s wrong with electric airplanes? Electric mobility has made remarkable progress over the past 10
by Devansh Mehta (Simple Flying) While on tour at a bioprocessing facility in Menlo, Iowa, President Biden talked about the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in commercial aviation. He said SAFs would be instrumental in achieving the ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions. While speaking at POET Bioprocessing, POTUS
EPA Proposes to Strengthen Air Quality Standards to Protect the Public from Harmful Effects of Soot Public Comment DEADLINE TBD
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) New Standards Demonstrate President Biden’s Leadership to Reduce Air Pollution that Threatens Communities — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a proposal to strengthen a key national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for fine particle pollution, also known as PM2.5, to better protect communities,