Federal Legislation – Advanced BioFuels USA

Hinson Says Bill Would Protect Ethanol Blends

by Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says two Democrats are co-sponsoring a bill with her dealing with ethanol. “There are a lot of rumors circulating that the EPA might retroactively reduce the biofuels blending requirements for 2020. So, I felt it was imperative that we had to act,”

December 6, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: Helping Retailers Diversify to Weather Gas Price Debates

by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … What is clear, however, is that true energy security and resilience lies in greater fuel diversity, not greater dependence on crude oil. The benefits of ethanol and other biofuels are also clear. Ethanol offers a less-expensive octane enhancer for the fuel mix that

December 3, 2021 Read Full Article

The Future of DAC Is Knocking: How We Innovate toward Gigaton-Scale Carbon Removal

by Peter Minor (Carbon 180) In discussions of promising carbon removal technologies, direct air capture (DAC) can often steal the limelight. That tracks with the industry narrative: a futuristic technology that will cheaply “solve” climate change by literally sucking CO₂ out of the air, without the verification and land use

November 24, 2021 Read Full Article

Giant Pipeline in U.S. Midwest Tests Future of Carbon Capture

by Leah Douglas (Reuters) … The project, dubbed the Midwest Carbon Express, had ambitions to become the world’s largest carbon dioxide pipeline, moving climate-warming greenhouse gases from Midwest biofuels plants to North Dakota for permanent storage underground. … The 65-year-old is among dozens of landowners along the route who are

November 24, 2021 Read Full Article

Bill Targets Retroactive Changes to RVOs

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of Midwestern lawmakers is taking aim at the potential for EPA to retroactively lower biofuel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced the Defend the Blend Act on Tuesday that would prevent the agency from

November 24, 2021 Read Full Article

Farm & Biofuel Leaders Welcome Key Provisions of the Build Back Better Act

(Renewable Fuels Association) On Monday, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, and National Farmers Union thanked Congress for efforts to “build new markets for farmers and biofuel producers and help lower the carbon intensity of agriculture.” In a joint letter to the chairs of the

November 23, 2021 Read Full Article

U.S. again Presses OPEC+ as It Weighs Reserve Release

by Timothy Gardner and Alexandra Alper (Reuters) … The White House on Friday pressed the OPEC producer group again to maintain adequate global supply, days after U.S. discussions with some of the world’s biggest economies over potentially releasing oil from strategic reserves to quell high energy prices. The Biden administration has asked

November 22, 2021 Read Full Article

Climate Solutions Will Require California Creativity

by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Successful programs like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and RenovaBio remind us that not all climate answers emanate from Capitol Hill. Absent consensus on climate policy at the federal level, following the Golden State’s lead seems prudent. … Even if Democrats agree to a

November 19, 2021 Read Full Article

The Grand Switcheroo: Is the Biden Administration Aiming Corn Ethanol at SAF, Putting Spirit in the Sky?

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Just back from the AFCC (Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition) event in Washington, and I have to say, the mood was reasonably glum in the world of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, where you’d think that the leaders would sound like brides and bridegrooms on the brink of

November 19, 2021 Read Full Article

Refiners Relationship with Ethanol Continues to be Faithful

by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) BioUrja Ethanol Trading Manager Jordan Fife shared blending insights with AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory earlier this week. Fife says when you pull up to the pump, 10% ethanol blended fuel is going to be cheaper than straight gasoline, even if they’re both at the 87 percent octane. He

November 18, 2021 Read Full Article

It’s Hailed as the Clean Energy of the Future. But Hydrogen Produces ‘Substantial’ Emissions, Study Shows.

by Rachel Pannett (Washington Post) New research casts doubt on the environmental credentials of ‘blue’ hydrogen produced using fossils fuels — … But a new study published in the journal Applied Energy found making hydrogen from fossil fuels produces “substantial” greenhouse gas emissions that are the driver of global warming, even with carbon

November 18, 2021 Read Full Article

ACE Supports Policies to Credit Ag, Biofuels for Net-Zero GHGs

(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) During its Nov. 10 meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol board of directors voted to support new policies that credit farmers and ethanol producers for activities helping ethanol reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century. THE RESOLUTION: The ACE Board of Directors supports the

November 17, 2021 Read Full Article

House Hearing Focuses on Biofuels, the Renewable Economy

by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit on Nov. 16 hosted a hearing on the renewable economy to help inform development of the next Farm Bill. The event featured testimony on the importance of biofuels, the Renewable Fuel Standard, year-round E15, and

November 17, 2021 Read Full Article

Pain at the Pump Drives Biden’s Suffering in the Polls

by Ben Lefebre (Politico) “Feeling pain at the pump? Biden doesn’t care,” Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel posted on Twitter last week. … And some of those discussions would likely backfire on Democrats, especially any effort to reduce ethanol blending levels in the nation’s gasoline pool, a program that the

November 17, 2021 Read Full Article

Keep the Tailpipe, Lose the Carbon

by Keith Reid (Fuels Market News) LEADING FUELS-FOCUSED GROUPS SEE ALTERNATIVE FUELS AS KEY PLAYERS IN A NET-ZERO ENVIRONMENT. … From international political centers to state governments, there seems to be a rush to not only work toward low-carbon goals but to ban internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). … Meanwhile,

November 12, 2021 Read Full Article

Staffing up: The Energy Department Expects to Add about 1,000 Jobs

by Matthew Choi (Poitico’s Morning Energy) STAFFING UP: The Energy Department expects to add about 1,000 jobs to its ranks to help implement the new spending laid out in the bipartisan infrastructure deal. “Over the coming days, weeks [and] months, we are going to have to staff up and we’re

November 11, 2021 Read Full Article

Airlines Rush Toward Sustainable Fuel But Supplies Are Limited

by Siddharth Vikram Philip and Ben Elgin (Bloomberg Green) Plant-based fuels are expensive and not entirely clean. — Airlines rolled out a slew of sustainable fuel initiatives in the run-up to COP26, aiming to prove they’re serious about the fight against global warming. … If scaled quickly, SAF could help

November 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Garamendi Introduces Bill Requiring EPA to Process eRIN Pathways

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., on Nov. 5 introduced the Biomass and Biogas for Electric Vehicles Act, which aims to require the U.S. EPA to process long-delayed Renewable Fuel Standard pathway applications to generate eRINs, allowing biomass facilities generating electricity to participate in the federal RFS

November 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Axne Touts Biofuel Incentives: Congressman Cindy Axne Touted Tuesday How Agriculture Can Benefit in the Latest Federal Bill Proposed by Democrats Set to Be Debated Next Week.

by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) … (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to provide grants to farmers and small

November 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Gevo Investing in Corn-Based Aviation Fuel, Including Restart of Minnesota Plant

by Jeff Beach (AgWeek)Gevo’s Luverne, Minnesota, plant is again making isobutanol and next year will be converting into a hydrocarbon facility to make sustainable aviation fuel. — After shutting down in March 2020 in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gevo’s Luverne plant is again making isobutanol and next year will

November 9, 2021 Read Full Article

House Passes Massive Infrastructure Bill Packed with Clean Transportation Provisions

by Michael Bates (NGT News) … Late Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1 trillion federal infrastructure spending bill that will not only modernize the nation’s roads and bridges, but also provide a boost to transit agencies’ efforts toward decarbonization and help build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging

November 9, 2021 Read Full Article

Hoyer Introduces $9B Bill Bolstering Biden’s Deforestation Vow at COP26

by Mychael Schnell (The Hill) House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) on Wednesday will introduce a bill that aims to bolster President Biden’s commitment at COP26 to end and reverse deforestation by allocating billions of dollars to the effort. The bill, first reported by CNN, calls for creating a $9 billion trust fund at the

November 4, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: Fuel Retailers Must Keep One Eye Underground

by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Retailers will need to soon make major decisions about replacement, and there has never been a better time to replace or upgrade, thanks to a number of state and federal programs that can help defray the cost. We covered some of these

November 4, 2021 Read Full Article

Bustos Fights for Renewable Fuel Standard in House Ag Committee Hearing

(Office of Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17)) Today (November 3, 2021), during a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the immediate challenges to the nation’s food supply chain, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17)responded to testimony urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set lower 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) mandates for biodiesel

November 4, 2021 Read Full Article

RFA Has Praise and Concern for the Latest Build Back Better Framework

by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) … (Geoff) ”Cooper says RFA is concerned about the language regarding how the carbon emissions of different sustainable aviation fuel pathways are assessed and measured. Cooper says he is excited about the carbon performance tax credit included in the framework. “We’re pleased to see that

November 2, 2021 Read Full Article

U.S. to Sharply Cut Methane Pollution that Threatens the Climate and Public Health Public Comments DEADLINE: TBD

(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took an important step forward to advance President Biden’s commitment to action on climate change and protect people’s health by proposing comprehensive new protections to sharply reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – including, for the first time, reductions from existing sources nationwide. The proposed

November 2, 2021 Read Full Article

Heard on the Floor at ABLC 2021 – October 28

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ABLC 2021 continues today with its theme of ““building a bridge to Net Zero” after a flurry of announcements buzzed around the floor yesterday, as the 560 delegates grappled with the immense opportunities and supply chain challenges posed by the world’s rapid turn towards charting a

October 30, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: Ahead of UN Climate Conference, Here’s Why Biden Must Embrace Biofuels

by By Rep. Randy Feenstra (Agri-Pulse) … As gasoline prices skyrocket and President Biden and congressional Democrats are increasingly compelled to reduce carbon emissions, the facts paint a clear picture: Now is the time for Biden to embrace biofuels. Iowa leads the nation in biofuels production, and it is a critical

October 30, 2021 Read Full Article

SfL Commends BBBA’s Acknowledgement of Ag Leadership in Environmental Stewardship

(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land applauds the inclusion of much needed agricultural climate action investments in the $1.75-trillion Build Back Better Act (BBBA) spending and tax framework introduced Thursday that would increase investments in climate smart agriculture (CSA) and boost biofuels. It is anticipated that the CSA

October 29, 2021 Read Full Article

FIRST IN ME: Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) Are Introducing a Trifecta of Legislation, Dubbed the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) are introducing a trifecta of legislation, dubbed the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative, to bolster hydrogen deployment and support new infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like shipping and heavy industry. Two of the bills would create new grant programs

October 28, 2021 Read Full Article

Attempt to Reduce Access to Biofuels Is Shortsighted

(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Amid a global energy crisis and rising fuel prices at pumps across the country, members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Emily Skor released the following statement slamming the legislation for trying to reduce Americans’ access to homegrown,

October 27, 2021 Read Full Article

This Plant-Based Jet Fuel Can Reduce Emissions by 68% – Without Displacing Crops

(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team that studied the break-even price and lifetime carbon emissions

October 26, 2021 Read Full Article

Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Study Electric Vehicle Costs, Biojet Fuel

(Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04)) “These proposals aim to help consumers and taxpayers save money while also bolstering demand for corn, soybeans, and biofuels produced in the 4th District.” — In an effort to expand uses for biofuels, Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) has introduced the Comparison of Sustainable Transportation (COST)

October 22, 2021 Read Full Article

Plug-in Cars Are the Future. The Grid Isn’t Ready.

by Will Englund (Washington Post) … Seventy-four times last year, the wind across Upstate New York dropped so low that for stretches of eight hours or more barely any electricity was produced. Nearly half the year, the main transmission line feeding the metropolitan area was at full capacity, so that

October 13, 2021 Read Full Article

Biofuel Industry Pushes for ‘All-the-Above’ Approach

by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) Things are looking up, but they are also very much up in the air when it comes to ethanol this year. While ethanol production facilities have benefited from an improved national economy as the U.S. emerges from the economic doldrums of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry experts

October 12, 2021 Read Full Article

US Secretary of Energy Granholm and US Senator Ossoff Visit LanzaTech Innovation Hub in Georgia and Site of the World’s First LanzaJet Sustainable Fuels Plantl

(LanzaTech) Visit highlights the potential of rural America to create domestic supplies of sustainable fuels and chemicals. — LanzaTech and LanzaJet welcomed Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Senator Jon Ossoff to the Freedom Pines Biorefinery in Soperton, Georgia. The site is a center of research, development and scale-up

October 12, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: Iowans Want and Need Rep. Cindy Axne to Help Pass Infrastructure, Reconciliation Measures

by Paula Martinez (Iowa Labor News) These bills represent a once-in-a-lifetime investment in our recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the ongoing crises of our failing roads and bridges, climate change, and low wages. READ MORE Rep. Axne on Delayed Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Vote: “All-At-Once or Nothing is No Way

October 8, 2021 Read Full Article

Can Chemical Recycling Reduce Plastic Pollution?

(Government Accountability Office) … From 1970 to 2018 (the most recent data available), plastic waste in the U.S. grew tenfold. While recycling rates remained low, advanced recycling technologies could help increase recycling rates, and in turn reduce waste and pollution, especially if a few key challenges are overcome. Today’s WatchBlog post

October 8, 2021 Read Full Article

Ethanol Infrastructure Efforts Keep Expanding

by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher blends like

October 7, 2021 Read Full Article

California Spill Triggers New Calls against Drilling

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) … The California oil spill is drawing scrutiny in Washington, with the White House closely monitoring the situation and Democratic lawmakers pushing to curtail offshore drilling. … OC OIL SPILL SPURS CALLS FOR ENDING OFFSHORE DRILLING: Local, state and federal forces are joining with industry

October 5, 2021 Read Full Article

The Voice of Conservatives Is Important in Renewable Energy Policy Discussions

(Solutions from the Land) … Those who advocate for no- and low-carbon fuels and other energy solutions come from across political parties – Democrats and Republicans – and from all along the spectrum of partisan views – from liberals to conservatives. The spread of support across the aisle comes at a

October 2, 2021 Read Full Article

Nebraska Senator Promotes Precision Ag Loan Bill

(AgNewsWire) U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced bipartisan legislation to create a program within USDA to provide loan financing to farmers and ranchers interested in purchasing precision agriculture equipment. Sen. Fischer spoke on the Senate floor Monday about the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, highlighting the importance of

September 29, 2021 Read Full Article

Democrats Prep Carbon Tax Option to Pay for Spending Bill

by Laura Davison, Ari Natter, and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Carbon tax gains momentum as talks on spending bill heat up; Plan would use tax proceeds to send cash payments to Americans — Senate Democrats are developing a carbon-tax proposal that could potentially be used to offset some of the costs

September 27, 2021 Read Full Article

No Better Time than Now

by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … While “accelerate” was the theme of the American Coalition for Ethanol’s 34th annual conference—market growth being vital—the myriad policy, investment and operational issues explored at the event orbited largely around the industry’s overarching low-carbon ambitions. And with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs)

September 25, 2021 Read Full Article

Matching For More: The Defour Group’s Dean Drake’s Plan Involves Match Blending Mid-Level Blends

by Melissa Anderson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Defour Group’s Dean Drake, a former GM public policy analyst, says liquid fuels have a shared future with electric vehicles if ethanol blending methods, engine technology and policy can align. His plan involves match blending mid-level blends. … Drake, however, says we should

September 25, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: Why I’ve Fought for Biofuels through Congress’ Infrastructure Debate

by Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA 3rd) (Agri-Pulse) … Starting this spring, I made it my mission to help members of the Biden Administration, the Senate, and my own colleagues in the House understand the key advantages of biofuels – from the fact that it’s been proven to be more than

September 24, 2021 Read Full Article

Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Take Preference over Biofuels in Democratic Spending Package

by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) The key committee provisions in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package show that Democrats in Congress are in line with President Joe Biden’s vision to put electric vehicles — not biofuels — at the forefront of the fight against climate change. READ MORE Inclusion of Tax Credits

September 22, 2021 Read Full Article

Washington’s Attack on Oil And Gas May Backfire

by Irina Slav (OilPrice.com) … Last week, the House Oversight Committee wrote to the executives of the biggest oil companies operating in the United States along with the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to inform them that it is now investigating these companies for disinformation on climate change.

September 21, 2021 Read Full Article

Vilsack Discusses Sustainable Aviation Fuel

by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During an appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that it might leave out corn and soybean feedstocks. Agri-Pulse editor and president Sara Wyant asked the secretary

September 21, 2021 Read Full Article

Choosing America’s Farm Fields Over OPEC Oil Fields

by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The key to cleaner and more affordable energy for American consumers lies not in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia and Russia, but in the farm fields of our nation’s heartland. Our leaders in Washington should be looking to American farmers for

September 21, 2021 Read Full Article

Voos Altos e Sustentáveis no Futuro

by Laís Forti Thomaz and Cacia Pimentel (Estadão) O que a nova iniciativa dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO) podem representar para o Brasil? O governo dos Estados Unidos realizou uma reunião com integrantes de toda a cadeia produtiva do setor de combustíveis de aviação para

September 20, 2021 Read Full Article

NGVAmerica: Passing the Infrastructure Bill Will Advance a Carbon-Negative Transport Future

by Daniel Gage (NGVAmerica/ACT News) The recently approved Senate Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 includes multiple opportunities to improve not just the health of our planet, but of its people. The Senate bill rightfully recognizes that natural gas vehicles (NGVs) can and should play an important role in

September 20, 2021 Read Full Article

U.S. Farm & Biofuel Leaders Seek Immediate Aviation Fuel Fix to Budget Bill

(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s top biofuel and farm advocates called on Democratic leaders to fix a major flaw in the House Ways & Means Committee text released Friday night for tax provisions of the budget reconciliation, which is set for consideration Tuesday. As drafted, the text could leave American farmers and biofuel producers

September 14, 2021 Read Full Article

The Tax Route … House Panel to Mark up Green Tax Package … The Draft Bill Is Subject to Amendment

by Matthew Choi and Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) … The draft bill is subject to amendment and already agriculture and biofuels groups are sounding the alarm on language that would provide a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that they argue should be changed, or else risk undercutting the

September 14, 2021 Read Full Article

Not so Fast: But Biofuel and Agriculture Advocates Are Sounding the Alarm

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Not so fast: But biofuel and agriculture advocates are sounding the alarm over the language of a proposed $1.25-$1.75 sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, which they argue would make the administration’s new SAF targets extremely difficult to achieve. Under the bill, sustainable aviation fuels would need to meet

September 13, 2021 Read Full Article

IRFA Issues Open Letters to Sanders, Cruz on RFS, Ethanol

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association on Aug. 27 issued open letters to Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas. The letter to Sanders urges him to rethink his support for the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, while the letter to Cruz asks him to revisit his

September 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Van Hollen Leads Senate Democrats in Announcing New Legislation to Make Polluters Pay for Climate Damage

(Office of Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)) U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) – joined by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) – announced new legislation to require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just

September 10, 2021 Read Full Article

ACE Thanks ‘Biofuel Champions’ for Pushing for Renewable Fuels Support

(Biofuels International) US senators are urging Congressional leaders to include support for homegrown renewable fuels in the upcoming reconciliation package. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Mark

September 9, 2021 Read Full Article

Feenstra Introduces Biofuel Cell Research Act

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, on Aug. 24 introduced a bill that aims to establish a research, development and demonstration program for a commercially viable fuel cell system that uses biofuels as the main fuel source. The bill, titled the Biofuel Cell Research Act, or H.R.

September 9, 2021 Read Full Article

New Funds Requested for DOE SAF Loan Guarantees

(The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/PR Newswire) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (“AFCC”), and its member companies are asking the Biden Administration to incentivize the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) – since it would be critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. transportation sector and

September 8, 2021 Read Full Article

Klobuchar, Colleagues Urge Schumer, Pelosi to Support Homegrown Renewable Fuels in Reconciliation Package

(Office of Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Speaker of

September 3, 2021 Read Full Article

The Major Problems Blocking America’s Electric Car Future: The Electric Future Is Coming. But How Quickly Is Less Certain.

by Daniel Yergin (Politico) … Targets may be motivating. But no matter how much money is spent, shifting such a vast industrial and consumer ecosystem that is so basic to the economy faces big challenges, with the result that the share of new car sales that are EVS by 2030

August 31, 2021 Read Full Article

Biofuels Industry Hopes Its Efforts to Cut GHG Emissions Will Keep It Relevant as White House Pushes EVs

by Jeff Barber (OPIS) After four years of the Trump administration’s often-chaotic approach to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), many in the biofuels industry were hoping President Joe Biden would bring a level of stability and support to the program. While the new administration has provided renewable fuel producers with some

August 26, 2021 Read Full Article

Bustos Introduces “Bold and Innovative” Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Emissions, Limit Harmful Aromatics and Increase Biofuels Demand

(Office of Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17)) Industry leaders praise bill, Bustos as champion for clean liquid fuels — U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation that leverages greater fuel octane to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, improve air quality by reducing the use of harmful aromatics and increase

August 26, 2021 Read Full Article

Hydrogen Lobbyist Quits, Slams Oil Companies’ “False Claims” about Blue Hydrogen

by Tim De Chant (Ars Technica) Recent studies have questioned blue hydrogen’s low-carbon bona fides. — The head of a hydrogen lobbying group has stepped down amid concerns that blue hydrogen made from natural gas would serve as a “lock-in” for fossil fuels. Oil and gas companies in recent years have

August 26, 2021 Read Full Article

Let’s Prioritize American Renewable Fuels over Foreign Oil and Minerals

by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) … But what’s not easy to see is why the White House recently chose to respond to higher pump prices by pushing OPEC+ countries to increase oil production. It was a baffling move that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. After all, calling on countries

August 23, 2021 Read Full Article

Progressive Pollster: 65 Percent of Likely Voters Would Back Polluters Tax

by Zack Budryk (The Hill) American voters are broadly supportive of proposals to tax major fossil fuel companies for the costs of climate change, according to polling from the left-leaning firm Data for Progress. A survey of likely voters found that 77 percent believe fossil fuel companies have “a lot” or “some”

August 20, 2021 Read Full Article

Congressional Climate Camp #5: Bonus Session: Understanding Budget Reconciliation

(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … Our fifth and final session looked at budget reconciliation, an oftentimes difficult-to-understand process that allows Congress to pass laws related to taxes, spending, and the debt limit with only a majority vote in the Senate (instead of a filibuster-proof 60-vote supermajority). The Senate Parliamentarian determined that

August 18, 2021 Read Full Article

160+ Groups Call on Congress to Include Carbon Management Provisions in Legislation

(ScalingCarbonManagement.com) More than 160 companies, labor unions, conservation and environmental groups and other organizations at the national, state and local level are calling on Congressional leaders to include in any moving legislative package a portfolio of priority carbon management policies, which have been introduced in strongly supported, broadly bipartisan legislation this

August 16, 2021 Read Full Article

Midwestern Senators Request Meeting with Biden on Biofuels

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Several senators from the Midwest have signed a letter to President Joe Biden and members of his cabinet requesting a meeting to discuss climate and energy solutions. Among solutions considered to be of key emphasis in the Biden administration’s climate and energy agenda that the senators contend

August 13, 2021 Read Full Article

RFA to the President: Choose U.S. Farm Fields Over OPEC+ Oil Fields

(Renewable Fuels Association) In response to this week’s announcement by the White House calling on OPEC+ member countries to increase oil output, the Renewable Fuels Association today sent a letter to President Biden supporting the Administration’s call for an investigation into the true causes of recent higher gas prices. The letter also underscored

August 13, 2021 Read Full Article

Private Help: Breakthrough Energy’s Catalyst Program Is Planning to Spend $1.5 Billion over Three Years

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) PRIVATE HELP: Breakthrough Energy’s Catalyst program is planning to spend $1.5 billion over three years in partnership with the Biden administration to boost clean energy technology. The group, founded by Bill Gates and private investors in 2015, aims to build commercial demonstration projects in sustainable

August 13, 2021 Read Full Article

There at the Beginning: Bob Dinneen

(Renewable Fuels Association) One of the leading authorities on the history of the U.S. ethanol industry didn’t get his start working for the energy or agriculture sectors. He grew up in the suburbs of Boston before finding his way to our nation’s capital. It was, at the beginning, softball that brought

August 12, 2021 Read Full Article

Exclusive-Exxon, Chevron Look to Make Renewable Fuels without Costly Refinery Upgrades -sources

by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) … The companies (Exxon and Chevron) are looking into how to process bio-based feedstocks like vegetable oils and partially-processed biofuels with petroleum distillates to make renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable gasoline, without meaningfully increasing capital spending. Commercial production of renewable fuels is costlier than

August 12, 2021 Read Full Article

ACE: Senate Infrastructure Package Falls Short for Low-Carbon Biofuels

(American Coalition for Ethanol/GrainNet) American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement on the lack of investment in low-carbon biofuels in the bipartisan infrastructure package the U.S. Senate passed today (Aug. 10): “The Senate’s infrastructure bill is a missed opportunity to capitalize on ethanol’s ability to deliver significant

August 11, 2021 Read Full Article

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Passes US Senate with Billions for EV Charging Network

by Sean Szymkowski (Roadshow) The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, but once it reaches President Biden’s desk, it will create a national EV charging network. — On Tuesday morning, the US Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill. After weeks of negotiations

August 11, 2021 Read Full Article

Exclusive: U.S. Weighs 2050 Target in Bid to Wean Airlines off Fossil Fuels

by Allison Lampert and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/US News and World Report) U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is quietly discussing a target date of 2050 for weaning aircraft off fossil fuels as part of the White House’s broader push to fight climate change, sources familiar with the matter said. The Biden

August 11, 2021 Read Full Article

The Infrastructure Deal Could Create Pipelines for Captured CO2

by Justine Calma (The Verge) The bipartisan infrastructure package gives billions to carbon capture and removal — A new generation of pipelines could be born out of the bipartisan infrastructure deal making its way through Congress. But instead of hauling oil and gas, the pipelines would carry planet-heating carbon dioxide. The

August 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Biofuel and Ag Leaders Call for Accountable Life Cycle Analysis for SAF Tax Credits

(National Farmers Union) On Friday, Growth Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means outlining its recommendations for

August 10, 2021 Read Full Article

Ethanol Advocates Discuss CFS, post-2022 RFS at FEW

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … When it comes to a federal clean fuels standard (CFS), Bliley (Chris Bliley, senior vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth Energy) stressed the importance of a technology-neutral policy. “You can’t put your thumb on the scale for anyone,” he said, noting that

August 9, 2021 Read Full Article

Lawmakers from Both Parties Call for Investment in Ag as a Climate Solution

(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) Thirty lawmakers from both houses of Congress have written a letter urging House and Senate leadership to support an historic, long-term investment in farmers, ranchers and rural communities as a part of upcoming infrastructure and climate change legislation. Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Abigail Spanberger

August 6, 2021 Read Full Article

Biden Seeks to Electrify Auto Industry: White House Driving Electric Vehicles, Raising Questions on Direction of Biofuel Policies

by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The president will sign an executive order to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 “zero-emission” vehicles, including battery, fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The executive order also will set new long-term fuel-efficiency and emission standards “to save consumers money, cut pollution,

August 5, 2021 Read Full Article

U.S. to Set Electric-Vehicle Sales Target of 50% by 2030

by Ben Foldy and Katy Stech Ferek (Wall Street Journal) General Motors, Ford and Stellantis executives with union leaders are expected to join President Biden in announcing voluntary targets — Auto makers including General Motors Co. , Ford Motor Co. and Jeep maker Stellantis NV will aim to make electric

August 5, 2021 Read Full Article

U.S. Senate Democrats Target Big Oil for Carbon Polluters Fund

by Richard Cowan (Reuters) A group of Democratic U.S. senators on Wednesday unveiled legislation establishing a $500 billion fund to be financed by Big Oil and other “carbon polluters” that they hope to attach to broader climate control legislation expected later this year. Modeled after the 1980 “Superfund” program in which

August 5, 2021 Read Full Article

Amendment Holds Slow Senate Infrastructure Bill’s Progress: Delays May Push Debate into the Weekend, Frustrating Hopes to Finish This Week

by Jessica Wehrman, Lindsey McPherson, and Joseph Morton (Roll Call) … The bill already includes language requiring a study on the “cradle to grave environmental impact” of electric vehicles. But Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, wants tighter language and has an amendment to require a study on the “emissions of the full lifecycle of

August 5, 2021 Read Full Article

Grassley Says Electric over Ethanol Vehicles a Climate Religion for Many in Infrastructure Bill

(National Association of Farm Bureaus/NewsDakota.com) A Midwest Senator claims the pending infrastructure bill’s heavy emphasis on electric over ethanol-powered vehicles has several root causes, ranging from climate change to ethanol’s continued reliance on blending with gasoline. Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley was asked why the big imbalance in the pending Senate infrastructure

August 5, 2021 Read Full Article

Biprtisan Infrastructure Bill Includes $25 Billion in Potential New Subsidies for Fossil Fuels

by Alleen Brown (The Intercept) Instead of reducing the role of fossil fuels in the economy, critics say, the bill subsidizes industry “greenwashing.” … The latest draft bill would make fossil fuel companies eligible for at least $25 billion in new subsidies, according to an analysis by the Center for International

August 4, 2021 Read Full Article

Axne Wants More Biofuels, Broadband Funding in Infrastructure Compromise

by Katie Akin (Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne said Tuesday that passing an infrastructure proposal without biofuels funding would be “short-sighted.” A bipartisan group of senators came to a compromise proposal last week on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure proposal. The deal includes $550 billion in new spending, but

August 4, 2021 Read Full Article

California CEOs Urge Feinstein to Withdraw Anti-Ethanol/Anti-Biofuel Legislation

(Renewable Fuels Association) In a July 28 letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Alto Ingredients CEO Mike Kandris, Calgren Renewable Fuels President Lyle Schlyer and Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee said ethanol “already reduces GHG emissions by 52%, on average, when compared directly to gasoline,” and has accounted for 35% of

August 3, 2021 Read Full Article

The Sky’s the Limit for South Africa’s Sugar Industry if It Finds the Aviation Biofuels Sweet Spot

by Andrew Russell (Daily Maverick) … All these moves show that the transition to sustainable aviation fuels is accelerating quickly. As the sector takes off, the only question is whether South Africa will ride the trend on the way up. The South African sugar industry, like the global aviation sector, was

August 2, 2021 Read Full Article

Harder Introduces Landmark Legislation to Help Farmers Lead on Climate Change

(Office of Representative Josh Harder (R-CA 10th) Bill will establish billions in new initiatives to support the efforts of the agriculture industry in leading the way on climate — Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) reintroduced his Future of Agricultural Resiliency and Modernization (FARM) Act which would help farmers across the country more effectively

August 2, 2021 Read Full Article

North Dakota Carbon-Capture Pipelines Offer Climate Aid; Activists Wary

by Stephen Groves (Associated Press) Two companies seeking to build thousands of miles of pipeline across the Midwest are promising the effort will aid rather than hinder the fight against climate change, though some environmental groups remain skeptical. The pipelines would stretch from North Dakota to Illinois, potentially transforming the Corn

July 30, 2021 Read Full Article

Thune, Farm-State Colleagues to Biden: Biofuels Noticeably Absent From Your Agenda

(Office of Senator John Thune R-SD) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today led several of his colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden requesting a meeting with him and representatives of his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and promote biofuels as a key solution for America’s energy and climate agenda. The

July 29, 2021 Read Full Article

Fact Sheet | Proposals to Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies (2021)

by Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) U.S. direct subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are estimated at roughly $20.5 billion per year, including $14.7 billion from federal subsidies and $5.8 billion from state subsidies. When externalities such as health, environmental, and climate factors are included, it is estimated the United

July 29, 2021 Read Full Article

Biden Wants to Turn America’s Auto Fleet Electric. It’s Harder than It Seems.

by Juliet Eilperin and Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) When it comes to meeting President Biden’s climate goals, the math is clear: Half of all cars and SUVs sold in 2030 need to be electric. Next week, the president, major carmakers and the nation’s largest auto union plan to promise to

July 29, 2021 Read Full Article

QUOTE OF THE WEEK — Angie Craig

“I was disappointed not to see biofuels included in the initial bipartisan infrastructure framework, but rest assured that as conversations in Washington continue to focus on infrastructure investments and efforts to address climate change, I will continue to fight to ensure renewable fuels have a seat at the table. After

July 28, 2021 Read Full Article

Its Time to Make Long-Lasting and Transformative Investments in Biofuels

by Representative Angie Craig (D-MN 2nd) (The Hill) … I’m a supporter of biofuels. Biofuels offer predictability for farmers, drive economic growth and investment in rural America and decrease the carbon intensity of our transportation sector. These benefits are why I am pushing for immediate policy and budget changes to

July 28, 2021 Read Full Article

Crapo, Whitehouse, Reed, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Encourage Innovation in the Clean Energy Sector

(Office of Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)) According to a report by the International Energy Agency, approximately 40 percent of cumulative CO2 emissions reductions needed to meet sustainability targets rely on technologies not yet commercially deployed on a mass-market scale. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and U.S.

July 27, 2021 Read Full Article

New Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Digester Costs for US Farmers

(Bioenergy Insight) Bipartisan legislation has been introduced by US Senators to encourage investment in biodigester and nutrient recovery systems while establishing a new market for farmers. The Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act, a bill brought forward by US Senators John Thune and Sherrod Brown, will help expand the market for renewable biogas

July 27, 2021 Read Full Article

Setting the Record Straight on Renewable Fuels

(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-I)) Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Setting the Record Straight on Renewable Fuels — Many bills that get introduced in the Senate won’t go anywhere. They are simply messaging documents. I usually do not care to comment on these bills. It simply isn’t

July 23, 2021 Read Full Article

New Federal Bills Target Food Waste

by Natasha Lasky (Our Daily Planet) A new series of bills have been introduced in Congress that aim to quell food waste. These bills — the Zero Food Waste Act, and the Cultivating Organic Matter through the Promotion of Sustainable Techniques Act (COMPOST) —will reduce food waste and in turn help create jobs, slow

July 21, 2021 Read Full Article

Feinstein, Toomey, Menendez, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Repeal Ethanol Mandate

(Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)) Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act, a bill to end the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The mandate requires annual increases in the amount of renewable fuel

July 21, 2021 Read Full Article

Fischer: More Choices and Cleaner Fuel at the Gas Pump

(Office of Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)) … The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which I reintroduced with Sen. Amy Klobuchar in response to the ruling, offers a common-sense solution to this problem. Our bill would reinstate the waiver that allowed high-ethanol blends like E15 to be sold all year.

July 20, 2021 Read Full Article

Climate Border Patrol

by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) unveiled legislation Monday to create a carbon border fee mechanism, putting into legislative text a system to tax carbon-heavy imports, like steel or aluminum, to protect U.S. companies that are likely to face stronger domestic

July 20, 2021 Read Full Article

How a Powerful US Lobby Group Helps Big Oil to Block Climate Action

by Chris McGreal (The Guardian) The American Petroleum Institute receives millions from oil companies – and works behinds the scenes to stall or weaken legislation — … Shell issued a separate report revealing that its single largest donation to political lobby groups last year was made to the American Petroleum Institute, one of the

July 19, 2021 Read Full Article

RFA CEO: Multiple Reasons for Ethanol Optimism

(Renewable Fuels Association) Low-carbon ethanol’s “brightest and sunniest days remain ahead” despite recent judicial setbacks and a growing policy push on electric vehicles, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said in keynote remarks today at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo. Even after two recent disappointing court decisions, “The ethanol

July 15, 2021 Read Full Article

Representataives Angie Craig, Adrian Smith Lead Bipartisan Effort from Congressional Biofuels Caucus in Introducing Legislation to Allow Year-Round E15 Sales

(Office of U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN 2nd) Craig and Smith’s Legislation has been endorsed by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association — Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led Co-Chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in introducing the Year-Round Fuel Choice

July 14, 2021 Read Full Article

Biofuels Infrastructure Can Support Iowa, Save Planet, Says Axne

Cindy Axne (D-IA-3rd) Key funding would help reduce carbon emissions and reliance on foreign energy while investing in Iowa’s rural communities — Investments in biofuels infrastructure represent the best of all worlds as we chart a path to an energy economy that allows us to reduce carbon emissions and be less

July 12, 2021 Read Full Article

Five Ways to Save Year-Round E15 Sales E15’s Path Forward May Include Courts, Congress, Regulation

by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The nixing of EPA’s E15 rule that allowed year-round sales has in many respects taken the ethanol industry back to square one. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last week tossed out the Trump administration’s rule that had been widely celebrated

July 9, 2021 Read Full Article

Alaska Aims to Become ‘Most Fuel-Efficient’ US Airline: CEO

by Pilar Wolfsteller (Flight Global) Alaska Airlines is aiming to become the most fuel-efficient US airline in the next five years, the airline’s chief executive says. During a 30 June webinar sponsored by The Washington Post, Ben Minicucci outlined the Seattle-based carrier’s ambitious sustainability efforts, in order to reach its goal of achieving net

July 7, 2021 Read Full Article

With Assistance, Agriculture Can Help with Climate Change

by Collin Peterson (Minneapolis Star Tribune/Governors’ Biofuels Coalition) … According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture accounts for just 10% of U.S. CO2 emissions, with livestock accounting for just 4%. On a net basis, agriculture and forestry actually eliminate more emissions than they produce, removing some 729 million metric tons

July 7, 2021 Read Full Article

Court Losses Are Only Temporary Setbacks, Says Ethanol Industry

by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) Despite losing two high-profile cases in seven days, the ethanol industry says the future is bright for the corn-based biofuel that it promotes as a low-carbon alternative to gasoline and a tool to slow global warming. “We view both decisions as only temporary setbacks but neither

July 7, 2021 Read Full Article

Opinion: The Smart Way to Reduce Emissions and Outmaneuver Our Rivals

by James A. Baker III and Greg Bertelsen (Washington Post) … One thing has become crystal clear during the long-running debate about climate change: Most nations won’t risk their own economic well-being in the hope of reversing what is clearly a global problem. And it would be a mistake for

July 6, 2021 Read Full Article

Progressives Set Sights on Civilian Climate Corps Program: Exclusive

by Rachel Franzin (The Hill) A progressive environmental group plans to focus its advocacy around President Biden’s proposal to create conservation and reforestation jobs, according to a strategy memo obtained by The Hill. The youth-led Sunrise Movement will be pushing for a Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) — similar to the New Deal-era