by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing support for a proposed legal agreement that sets specific deadlines for establishing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume
by Charles Komanoff (Carbon Tax Center) It is true that the stroke of the presidential pen with which Barack Obama last week granted Shell Oil Corp. permission to drill off Alaska’s Arctic Coast cannot also put into force a U.S.
by Robert Pore (The Independent) Sen. Deb Fischer and Rep. Adrian Smith are being applauded for their support of a a bill to expand the volatility waiver for blends of American Ethanol up to 15 percent (E15), ultimately increasing consumers’
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, has introduced legislation that aims to ensure emissions generated from sustainably harvested biomass would be considered carbon neutral under the U.S. EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan. The bill, known as “The
by Corrine Young and Michele Jalbert (Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)/Biofuels Digest) ... Program changes garnered in the most recent Farm Bill reauthorization have, for the first time, broadened the loan guarantee program to include renewable chemicals and biobased products
by Zack Coleman (Washington Examiner) A riddle: A left-wing environmental organization and a free-market policy group enter the Environmental Protection Agency. What do they want? A national carbon tax. That's what environmental group Friends of the Earth and the free-market R Street
(Algae Biomass Organization) Addition of just 12 words could accelerate pace of large scale, emissions reducing algae projects at fossil fired power plants -- The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the US algae industry, today applauded new legislation
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Specifically, the Energy Independence and Security Act was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush because they all understood that our addiction to
by Damian Carrington and Harry Davies (The Guardian/MSN.com) The world’s biggest and most profitable fossil fuel companies are receiving huge and rising subsidies from US taxpayers, a practice slammed as absurd by a presidential candidate given the threat of climate change.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, news arrives from Joule that the company’s CO2-recycled ethanol meets US and European fuel specifications. No one is dying of surprise that they would do so, but getting Joule fuels registered for commercial
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) There has been a great deal of conversation around the speech I recently gave at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. I would like to further explain some of the key
By Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine) Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves discusses ongoing policy and regulatory discussions affecting the industry. ... In late March, we testified at the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board meeting to review the Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2
by Jason Stein (Journal Sentinel) As likely presidential candidate Scott Walker has shifted his position on a federal ethanol mandate, some of the fuel's skeptics at home in Wisconsin are wary. At an Iowa roundup for White House hopefuls in March, the
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... A new white paper by Harvard economist James Stock – a former member of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisors – acknowledges as much. Unfortunately, the paper’s faulty analysis of the RFS
by Brent Shrum (The Western News) Libby is the top choice for a company looking to build a $46 million plant that would use new technology to turn forest debris into 5 million gallons of liquid fuel per year, but there’s
(Morning Consult) Morning Consult conducted a national poll on behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The survey of 2,047 registered voters took place from April 5-7, 2015. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of ±
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Jeff Flake, R, Ariz., has introduced legislation that aims to amend the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to require the cellulosic requirement to be based on actual production and alter the statutory definition of
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Over the past year, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) increased its work with the biofuels sector of renewable energy, upped its presence and activity at biofuels-related conferences and events, and got into
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) The Environmental Protection Agency is working to finalize the proposed rule on biofuels volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard; the latest proposal would create uncertainty for biodiesel producers and undermine job creation. In a
(Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced legislation today to broaden consumer fuel choice by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Three reports have arrived this week that help – especially in the corner of sustainability relating to biobased energy, fuels and products. One led out of Brazil, tapping the efforts of 137 researchers at 82
by Philip Ellender (Koch Companies Public Sector) On behalf of Koch companies, I am writing to urge you to oppose S. 577, a bill introduced by Senators Feinstein and Toomey that seeks to reform, not repeal, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard(RFS)
by Keith Laing (The Hill) A bipartisan group of House members has filed legislation to hike the federal gas tax and index it to inflation to pay for a new transportation bill. The measure would increase the gas tax, which
by James H. Stock* (Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy) America’s renewable fuels policy is at a crossroads. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is derided by some as an inefficient program that is driving up costs for fuel suppliers and
(NebraskaCorn.org) Ethanol advocates from across the nation came together in Washington, DC in late March as part of a “Biofuels Beltway March” to share their ethanol stories and communicate the widespread grassroots support for American Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The America’s Renewable Future campaign is challenging the two confirmed Republican presidential candidates to take a stand for renewable fuels. In a letter to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who has been forthcoming about his opposition to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amazing questions get asked at ABLC — and except for attendees, you generally don’t hear them, or the answers. Let’s change that. With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) For Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to make inroads in Iowa, here are the factions he'll need to tend closely, according to Iowa political strategists and activists. 1. LIBERTY MOVEMENT: ... 2. CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES: ... 3. LIBERTARIANS:
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Cellulosic fuels offer economic, environmental, and national security benefits, but scaling-up the technology has proven difficult and costly. Companies with an extensive background in the corn ethanol industry are cracking the cellulosic code, with projects that
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) It looks like presidential hopeful Rand Paul has found a clever way to champion ethanol, with an issue that's in harmony with his keep-government-out-of-the-marketplace mentality. Paul, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky, has teamed
(USA Today) ... Apart from Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, they all supported the mandate, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, the latest conservative darling, who arrived at his pro-ethanol position thanks to a 180 degree reverse back flip that would
by Alan K. Ota (Roll Call) Former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert delivered a blunt reminder to farm-state lawmakers about the clout of the ethanol industry with a visit for nearly an hour to the main lobby off the Senate floor
(Growth Energy) Following the introduction of S. 889, the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act, legislation by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which contains a provision to extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to E15, Tom
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol and oil industries have dug in for what could be a pivotal year for the future of the renewable fuel mandate in Washington, with the victor poised to add jobs and reap millions
(Growth Energy) In response to S. 791, the American Energy Renaissance Act, legislation that was introduced last week by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), which would seek to further our addiction to fossil fuels and eliminate consumer choice by repealing the
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A group of Congressional representatives wrote to the House Appropriations leadership this week specifically asking that any funding to help install blender pumps or promote corn ethanol exports be eliminated from the USDA budget. In response to
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) While AAA may be an outspoken critic of ethanol blended gasoline and E15 in particular, some other motor clubs think differently, and one of them was on Capitol Hill this week with the American Coalition for
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The seventh annual American Coalition for Ethanol Fly-in, which included an appearance by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), was another success for the organization, according to Executive Vice President Brian Jennings. “We do this because we know lawmakers and
(TruckingInfo) A bi-partisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced legislation that would end the ethanol mandate, following a similar measure introduced in the U.S. Senate in late February. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced the bill while visiting
by Thomas Pyle (The Wall Street Journal) Presidential hopefuls love the law mandating biofuel use, but there are encouraging signs in Washington that the business handout is losing favor. ... At the Iowa Agriculture Summit earlier this month, most of the prospective Republican
by Stephen Kretzmann and Matthew Maiorana (Oil Change International/Huffington Post) If you are wondering why a pipeline that would create fewer jobs than a new McDonalds is the number one priority of what used to be known as "the world's greatest deliberative
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Every year, the annual Washington, DC gathering of leaders in the advanced biofuels world at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference sports a different "vibe." In the early days of the late 2000's, the atmosphere
by Jerry Hagstrom (National Journal) The biggest takeaways from the GOP-dominated Iowa Ag Summit here this weekend may be the opportunity that the Renewable Fuel Standard offers Hillary Clinton to address income inequality and the danger that the Obama administration's dithering
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On March 11, at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams broke with the “Don’t Mess with the RFS” mantra that has been the collective industry response to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asked for the ethanol industry's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in his keynote address at the 2015 Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference held in Phoenix Feb. 26-27. The opponents
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week there was a Fast Food industry fly-in to DC — arguing for a repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard on the grounds of food price impact. ... It just happens that major report on
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) Speaking to the ethanol lobbying group, Growth Energy, Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Thursday announced more USDA support for bioenergy research and farmer production of biomass but also praised efforts by the biofuel industry itself
by Loren Steffy (Forbes) It’s time to start building a smarter energy policy. It’s decades past time, actually, ... The Renewable Fuels Standard is a good place to start. ... The RFS was also touted an important step in reducing greenhouse gasses
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 26, Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015. The bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., aims to alter the
(Farm Futures) Bill to eliminate corn-based ethanol requirement of the Renewable Fuel Standard doesn't receive warm welcome from ethanol and ag groups. Calling it a "huge step backward" for energy independence, the National Corn Growers on Wednesday (February 4) made it
(Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are working to repeal a law that drives up the cost of everything from gasoline to groceries. The Toomey-Feinstein Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, introduced today,
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
by Jason Spiess (Fargo Business Examiner) Recently I sat down with Tom Lilja, executive director, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, to chew the fat on a variety of corn-themed energy and agriculture topics. ... "I think a lot of people just
by Ben Adler (Grist) ... But many of the administration’s moves, including a string of recent actions by federal agencies under Obama’s control, show this conventional wisdom to be false. Here are the president’s top eight climate failings, many of them
by Wally Tyner (The Conversation/Purdue University) ... One challenge to commercializing biofuel made from non-food sources — called cellulosic biofuels — has been cost. Unlike ethanol made from corn, cellulosic biofuels are made from the inedible parts of plants or organic materials,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 4, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced the introduction of two bills that aim to alter the renewable fuel standard (RFS), including the RFS Elimination Act and the RFS Reform Act. Reps. Peter Welch,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eight years after then-Senator Obama co-sponsored a bill in Congress calling for a 60 billion gallon biofuels target, President Obama’s EPA slashes the Renewable Fuel Standard targets to wimpy levels, despite ample production capacity, bumper
by Jason Plautz (National Journal) Under President George W. Bush, hydrogen-powered cars were the automotive technology of the future, with the promise of ditching gasoline and driving for miles with only water as exhaust. But a lackluster market and tepid government
(The National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... NBB recognizes the 2015 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners this week. The honorees are: Innovation Tom Butcher, Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brookhaven National Laboratory is one of the premier U.S. DOE national laboratories and the leading technical institution for
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine if you will a country with two natural resource industries. Both produce high demand products. One is the lowest priced producer on the planet and is able to sustain output from their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New technologies, new markets, new research and most of the same policy challenges, as we look at the 14 top trends for 2015. ... 1. Falling oil prices – what’s the impact? The headlines in recent months
by Catherine Rampell (The Washington Post) ... In recent weeks, West Virginia has snatched national headlines for its attempts to doctor school science standards to discredit climate change. The sixth-grade science curriculum, for example, was amended so that, rather than having
by Fawn Johnson (National Journal) Some lawmakers say there needs to be a rebate for low-income families. Others call it a "user fee." Lawmakers may have finally run out of arcane accounting options to fund the nation's highways and
(Environmental and Energy Study Insitute) On January 16, Sens. Feinstein (D-CA) and Toomey (R-PA) floated an amendment to the Keystone XL pipeline bill, the ‘Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015,’ that would remove corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel
(Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA 2nd)) New bill would ensure solvency of Highway Trust Fund, fully-fund public transportation -- Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today introduced the Gas Tax Replacement Act of 2015, new legislation to stabilize the Highway Trust Fund— which
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Republican voters are split on many issues surrounding climate change, and more than half want carbon dioxide regulated as a pollutant. The finding came from an analysis the Yale University Project on Climate Change Communications released Monday,
by Rob Nikolewski (Watchdog.org) It’s possibly the most controversial mandate on the books — a requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard that billions of gallons of ethanol be mixed into the gasoline American consumers put into their tanks. But there’s a new Congress
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) ... For environmentalists, it symbolizes the increasingly urgent need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. For Republicans, it symbolizes everything they hate about how environmentalists seek to block industrial projects. But when Congress focuses
by Gary Truit (Hoosier Ag Today) On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) once again introduced legislation – H.R. 21 – that would hinder the growth and expansion of E15. The legislation would revoke current approval of E15 and require additional
by Editorial Board (The Washington Post) THE PRICE of crude oil dipped below $50 a barrel on Monday. National gasoline prices average a little over $2 a gallon. On principle and on politics, now is the best time Washington has
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... Sen. McConnell has promised a return to regular order. That means lots of votes on lots of potentially contentious issues. It will be interesting to see if he follows through on that pledge given
by Lawrence Summers (The Washington Post) The case for carbon taxes has long been compelling. With the recent steep fall in oil prices and associated declines in other energy prices, it has become overwhelming. There is room for debate about the
by Kyung M. Song (Seattle Times) U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is set to take over her party’s top seat on the Senate Energy Committee. But Cantwell’s pro-environment agenda likely will find little traction under Republican control of the Senate ... Democrats
by Henry C. Jackson (Capital Press/Associated Press) The refinery in Hugoton, Kan., built by Seville, Spain-based Abengoa, is the largest cellulosic biorefinery in the world. At the RV Park he owns in a remote corner of southwestern Kansas, Jan Leonard is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Instead, you pointed to “bolt-ons”, “policy stability”, “financing”, “supply chain” and “focusing on winners” as the advanced bioeconomy imperatives for 2015. You’ve told us, in many communications, that the industry needs focus — and needs, specifically, to focus
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) December 19, marks the seventh anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After a year-long talk fest, the BPC emerges with a report on RFS reform, and lays an egg. Was the process doomed from the start by an insistence of “RFS reform” as a topic for
(Roll Call) ... The legislation would allow the Defense Department to continue buying biofuels in bulk but raises the threshold for qualifying purchases. The department has to consider “the fully burdened cost” of the fuels and whether their price is competitive
(FarmEnergy.org) The big news from our nation’s capital this past week has been the passage of the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015, which began on October 1st. The federal government had been operating on funding extensions and was facing
by Kevin Drawbaugh (Reuters) Dozens of temporary tax breaks, including big ones for business research, wind power and foreign profits, were renewed by the U.S. Senate late on Tuesday, putting to rest worries that further delays in dealing with the
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) published a report outlining 40 different options that it said could improve the country’s ethanol mandate. The BPC said it set out to find a “middle ground” for reforming the Renewable
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) submitted comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy yesterday calling on Congress to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) includes timely approval for advanced biofuel pathways as
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization) The underlying legal constructs of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remain in working order, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule and its other regulatory missteps. Over the
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recently held a briefing on the technologies involved in commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw
(25 x '25) Federal regulators have stumbled again in following the congressionally approved roadmap for expanding and accelerating biofuel development and use, announcing Friday they will not finalize 2014 blending requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) until sometime next
by Nicholas Bergin (Lincoln Journal Star) The biofuels industry is gearing up for a fight, a national industry spokesman said Monday. Doug Durante, executive director of Bethesda, Maryland-based Clean Fuels Development Coalition, predicted lawsuits over the Environmental Protection Agency’s
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate includes a provision that would encourage carbon utilization technology. The Algae Biomass Organization has spoken out to applaud the bill, which calls for greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations that
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Policy uncertainty has adversely impacted the U.S. biodiesel industry, but media reports would have you believe the sector is teetering on collapse. The facts show otherwise. There have been numerous reports in the past several months
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Nov. 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that aims to prohibit the U.S. EPA from proposing regulations based on science that is not transparent or not reproducible. The bill, titled “The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) Mike McAdams discusses work on Capitol Hill, founding of the Advanced Biofuels Association and the importance of engaging in the ongoing public debate about renewable fuels. “We’re the people you hire to protect you from the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To open ABLC Next, what we like to call the “heads of the 7 families” — or in this case, the heads of seven key trade associations for the advanced bioeconomy, joined us on stage
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In early 2014, (Senator James M.) Inhofe (R-OK) expressed interest in repealing the RFS, and instead focus on expansion of domestic oil and gas drilling. Inhofe wrote that the RFS should be repealed, “allow[ing] ethanol
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) ... Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, another ethanol group, agrees that “biofuels policy is bipartisan and always has been.” But he also looks for more pressure on ethanol in the Senate – not from new
by Larry Pearce (The Hill) In 1990, Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments and directed the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the dangerous chemical additives in gasoline. Today, 24 years later, this law has yet to be enforced
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have argued
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters Africa) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have
by Laura Barron-Lopez (The Hill) Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is preparing legislation that will put a price on carbon and he plans to introduce it next month. Whitehouse announced the legislation during a conference at New York University on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) (The Hill) Imagine a future where America controls its own energy destiny — a future in which we stop spending $1 billion per day on foreign oil and start investing those funds to rebuild our
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At the Department of Energy’s two-day conference Biomass 2014: Growing the Future Bioeconomy, technologies, feedstocks, and innovation in the bioenergy sector were on display. Attendees celebrated three U.S. advanced cellulosic biofuel refineries that are close
by Eli Stokols (KDVR.com) President Jimmy Carter called a tax on carbon emissions “the only reasonable approach” to combating climate change during an appearance here Tuesday, but lamented that even piecemeal actions are unlikely to get through a divided Congress. Carter,
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) .... But, when the Iowans visited Washington recently a few of them also spoke with members of Congress and congressional staffers from non-ag regions in an effort to educate them about agriculture and about
by Alexander Bolton (The Hill) Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rand Paul (Ky.) are trying to avoid an ethanol landmine in Iowa. ... Iowa kingmakers in the party such as Sen. Chuck Grassley want the Republican presidential nominee in 2016 to champion ethanol. That’s
(nacsonline.com) New, non-mandatory rules that go into effect June 1 will allow Missouri gasoline retailers to sell E15, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. With the change, Missouri joins a dozen other states that offer E15. However, not everyone is as pleased with the change. AAA
by Jeff Myrick (HutchNews.com) By now, we’re used to it. U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler/Hutchinson, has drawn criticism from Kansans because of his actions in Washington, D.C. And again it involves agriculture, the state’s leading industry and something Huelskamp, a
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Afraid of losing their stranglehold on the fuels market, petroleum groups have long complained that the RFS is unnecessary. More recently, their arguments have become more brazen, suggesting that renewable fuels are responsible
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Kansas, one of the more interesting political battles of the US 2014 election season will take place on Tuesday August 4, when Republican (and Tea Party-fave) congressman Tim Huelskamp — who has called for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are 5 Tell-Tale Signs that you have the Boss from Hell. And when it comes to the US federal government and advanced biofuels, all five are kinda pointin’ right at ol’ Uncle Sam. Congress passed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics/Renewable Fuels Association) ... Reflecting this enhanced competitiveness and maturation, ethanol prices (both FOB plant and delivered at key U.S. markets) have declined, while crude oil and conventional gasoline prices remained stable or increased. Consequently: 1. U.S.-produced ethanol continues to improve
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, has introduced legislation that would require fuel suppliers to disclose country-of-origin information for transportation fuels. The bill, titled the “Country of Origin Labeling for Fuels Act,” was introduced July 16
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The American Petroleum Institute (API) is focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its fight to reduce the ethanol blending mandate, conceding that there’s little short-term hope in congressional action. Bob Greco, API’s director of downstream
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) The federal policy used to build up the nation's ethanol and advanced biofuel capacity could soon be harnessed to spur the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. In a final rule issued last week, U.S. EPA said it
(Capital Press) As the federal government is set to lower the Renewable Fuels Standard for this year, the National Chicken Council asserts that diverting the corn supply to ethanol has resulted in more than $44 billion in higher feed costs to
by Paul Waldman (The Washington Post) ... The Congressional Budget Office says that starting next year, the fund won’t have enough money to meet its obligations, and keep in mind that means just the projects that are already in progress. New projects would
(Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.)) Provides common-sense solution for American-made energy Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements, today introduced H.R. 4849, the Phantom Fuels Elimination Act. The legislation would repeal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Delta Air Lines is partnering with the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit organization founded by Sir Richard Branson, in an effort to accelerate low-carbon jet fuel production worldwide. This is part of the global carrier’s commitment
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates are traveling to Washington this week to voice concerns about the Obama Administration’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for biodiesel. The biodiesel supporters, who will be visiting with lawmakers
(US Department of Agriculture) Now Apply for Renewed Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (June 9, 2014) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) Biodiesel producers and farmers who raise the feedstocks for the biodiesel industry took to Capitol Hill this week, joining a group of U.S. Senate Democrats in their calls to end policy uncertainty that is hurting their industry. “The uncertainty
(National Biodiesel Board) One hundred seventeen biodiesel companies and affiliated businesses from 41 states called on President Obama Wednesday to stand behind his past support for the U.S. biodiesel industry by continuing sustainable growth under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Highlighting
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Just as a good-sized portion of the country is hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, Fuels America launches an ad campaign to remind drivers just how much they are saving at the pump, thanks to ethanol and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, following mark-up, is reported to not include any attempts to undermine the Defense Production Act’s Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project, which protects the military’s ability
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2015 agricultural appropriations bill, which aims to reduce funding levels for several Farm Bill Energy Title programs. A markup session on the legislation was held May
by Maxx Chatsko (The Motley Fool) ... President Bush believed America could reduce gasoline consumption from 142 billion gallons in 2007 to just 114 billion gallons in 2017. The biggest reduction would come from a projected annual production of 35 billion gallons
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The food versus fuel debate arose once again in front of Congress. At last week’s U.S. House Ag Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., opponents and proponents of the Renewable Fuels Standard presented their arguments on the RFS
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) Is the alternative energy industry losing the influence-peddling war to fossil fuels? Perhaps you caught the editorial in Sunday’s New York Timestaking “the Koch Brothers and their conservative allies” to task for “spending heavily to fight incentives for renewable
(PR NewsWire) Updating WWII "War Bond" Model to Spark Job Creation, Energy Security, Clean Energy, and Increased Energy Efficiency Clean energy boosters on Capitol Hill are borrowing a page from World War II "war bonds" by introducing today a new bill
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified about the farm bill and the rural economy, during a U.S. House of Representatives Committee hearing. As part of that, he talked about the USDA’s work to create markets
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. EPA’s final rule for 2013 renewable fuel standard (RFS). The petitioners are asking
by Henry C. Jackson (Associated Press/The Republic) ... Heitkamp came directly to the Senate from the energy industry, where she worked for 12 years, including as a director of Dakota Gasification Company, a coal and natural gas company. Before that, as
(25 x '25) Feedstock, Equipment, Conservation, Farm and Energy Groups Tell EPA Not to Compromise Full Potential of Biofuels Concerns over the future of biofuels in a future national energy strategy were aired before some pretty influential parties this week, as
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s policies with regard to bioenergy were among the topics discussed during a recent EPA budget hearing held by the House Committee on Appropriations. During the event, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy addressed
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/US News and World Report) Ethanol is less expensive than gas, and consumers will benefit more if it's used. Logic is nowhere to be seen in petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski’s call to reduce or revise the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) A crop that has had an undeserved stigma attached to it could now become a source for biodiesel and ethanol. The recently passed and signed Farm Bill contains a provision that would allow hemp to be grown
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) As new negative advertising hits Iowa today skewering Democrat Bruce Braley for insulting farmers, a positive ad thanking the U.S. Senate candidate also goes up today. The pro-veterans political organization VoteVets.org is spending $245,000 on
by Timothy Cama (The Hill E2Wire) Four members of the House who want the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to be lowered wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ask what problems the agency has faced in writing regulations for
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Ron Wyden, released his “Chairman’s Mark” of the “Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency Act of 2014″ (EXPIRE Act). The Chairman’s Mark extends all expired advanced biofuels tax provisions 2 years
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Wearing a tie and sporting a “Don’t Mess with the RFS” button, 10-year-old Ethan Fagen was the youngest of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Biofuels Beltway marchers this week on Capitol Hill. Ethan came along with
(PR NewsWire) A group of biofuel trade organizations today sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) encouraging extension of critical advanced biofuel tax incentives -- the Second Generation Biofuel Producer
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) A pro-veterans political group placed a full-page advertisement in today’s Des Moines Register targeted at potential 2016 presidential candidate Ted Cruz, who visits Iowa today. The ad centers on the federal mandate that requires fuel
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Fortunately, the Administration’s budget for 2014 contains a proposal for a nearly 10-year extension of the advanced biofuel tax credit, which was first adopted by Congress in 2007. By contrast, the budget proposal
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