by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... (Robert) Murphy simply regurgitates Big Oil’s false argument that the RFS is driving up fuel costs. There’s not a shred of evidence to support that notion, but that’s never stopped these folks before. Murphy
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The battle between U.S. ethanol producers and oil companies has reached a turning point, with the winners poised to gain an advantage over the future of the country’s energy mix and the losers forced
by Ken Root (High Plains Midwest Ag Journal) ...But there were sectors of agriculture that saw a dramatic change in the cost of their feedstock and began to align with each other and any other interest that would sympathize with
by RP Siegel (TriplePundit) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad appeared together recently defending the Renewable Fuel Standard from recent attacks from people like Robert Bradley Jr. who writes for Forbes. Bradley, an adjunct scholar of the fossil-fueled Cato and
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) If the editorial writers of the Wall Street Journal consider themselves students of mine, “An Ethanol Spring,” (April 17), I am saddened to report to you that you’ve failed. Apparently, you skipped too many
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James and Associates/Biofuels Digest) ...There is no question that there have been growing pains along the way, more than we would have hoped, but the industry continues along its trajectory towards scale. We expect 2013 to be a
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) A meaningful change to the country’s renewable fuel mandate would drastically curtail the market opportunity for a cellulosic ethanol plant being built in Emmetsburg by ethanol producer Poet and Dutch-based DSM Advanced Biofuels, a
by Nick Juliano (MidWest Energy News) A proposal to allow renewable energy developers to take advantage of a tax structure that has long been popular among fossil fuel companies is gaining traction among lawmakers tasked with overhauling the tax code. Rep.
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) * Wyden says committee will explore ethanol mandate * Energy committee to look at gasoline prices this Spring * Lawmakers introduced bill ending corn ethanol targets The chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Friday questioned
by Amy Harder (National Journal) It’s hard to rival the diversity and sheer number of groups and companies with a vested interest in the renewable-fuels standard, from food and livestock businesses to those in the environmental and energy sectors. No official
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) To the Editor: What’s there about lower prices at the pump, less pollution and reduced reliance on imported oil that Robert Bradley, Jr., doesn’t like (“It’s Time to Repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard,” April 17)? Thanks
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) The head of a powerful oil industry lobbying group met with top White House officials and senior lawmakers Wednesday about stripping a federal biofuel rule. “We’re talking about the renewable fuel standard (RFS). It’s a hot
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Although conference convener, Biofuels Digest's Jim Lane, insisted that he "discouraged industry bashing," the first morning of this 3-day conference was replete with unveiled references to The Oil Industry, Oil Interests, Big Oil and
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) In unveiling his $3.8 trillion spending plan for the U.S. government on Wednesday, President Barack Obama revived his longstanding attack on oil industry tax breaks and formally launched a plan to pay for alternative vehicle
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) ...Here, we present a proposal for implementing the RFS2 through 2015 that recognizes the constraints implied by the E10 blend wall and will avert the impact of the issues identified in the previous
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The ethanol industry reacted swiftly to the so-called RFS Reform Act, legislation introduced April 10 in the U.S. House of Representatives, which they said would gut the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The bill, introduced by
(EV-olution.org) President Obama’s FY 2014 budget proposal submitted to Congress provides $28.4 billion in discretionary funds for the Department of Energy, an 8% increase above the 2012 enacted level. Among the direct transportation-related highlights of the department’s budget proposal are $575 million
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR Newswire) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) filed formal comments detailing the problems and harmful consequences caused by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard
by Emily Pickrell (FuelFix) On Jan. 1, Congress made algae-based fuel production eligible for a $1.01-per-gallon cellulosic biofuel production federal tax credit. Cellulosic biofuels typically are made from woody, non-food material such as grasses or wood chips, in contrast to ethanol, which
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today (April 5, 2013) responded to the questions posed by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce in a white paper entitled, “Examining ‘Blend Wall’ Challenges”. The Committee is
by Bill Chameides (The Green Grok/Duke University) ...As a libation, ethanol’s been around for a long, long time. As a fuel, it dates back to 1826 when it was first used in an internal combustion engine. Ethanol was also the fuel
by Brooke Coleman (National Journal/Advanced Ethanol Council) First, let's assess what we know to be true ... RFS2 is just five years old. We are about one-third of the way through a 15-year commitment to diversify the liquid fuels marketplace with
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. David Vitter, R-La., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have sent a letter to U.S. EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy, asking her to outline “how she will protect American citizens from rising gas prices due
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) There’s a fight for the future of American motor fuels – renewable fuels versus fossil fuels. Environmentalists shouldn’t have much trouble deciding which side they’re on. After all, the major source of greenhouse gas emissions
(Platts) A third key congressional committee has entered the debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard, calling for comment on a series of questions and issuing a "white paper" detailing concerns about the biofuels mandate and some of the proposed solutions
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) Gasoline prices remain stuck above $3.50 per gallon despite the highest monthly domestic oil production in 21 years. Big Oil and renewable fuels advocates on Wednesday blamed each other for motorists’ continued pain at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, it has been one for the record books, emailwise and biofuelswise. Reams and reams of emails attest to the seriousness of the stakes — as NGOs, trade associations and Congress paper
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) ...The suggestion to waive the mandate assumes that ethanol production and blending is motivated only by the RFS and that a lower mandate would result in less ethanol production and blending and
by Amy Harder (National Journal) ...Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., and ranking member Henry Waxman, D-Calif., released the first in a series of white papers on Wednesday seeking input on how—or whether—Congress should change the mandate for production
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) An amendment to a $984 billion Senate government funding bill that would have stripped funds from the Defense Department's drop-in biofuels program failed by a 40-59 vote on Wednesday. Sen. Pat Toomey's (R-Pa.) amendment aimed
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) Major oil companies called on Congress Wednesday to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard, the six-year-old federal law mandating biofuels use that is the base of demand for both ethanol and biodiesel. The American Petroleum Institute, which
by Meg Cichon (Renewable Energy World) Happy birthday, Big Oil! A group gathered in Washington D.C. this week to celebrate 100 years of tax subsidies for the oil industry – but attendees certainly weren’t oil-industry insiders – quite the opposite, in
by Grant Gerlock (KBIA) Ethanol is an up and down industry, and right now it’s down. Ethanol plants in at least 13 states have stopped running over recent months because of higher corn prices and lower demand for the biofuel.
Advanced Biofuels USA, an internationally respected nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting the understanding, development and use of advanced biofuels as an energy security, economic development, military flexibility and climate change/pollution control solution finds the Obama Administration’s proposal for an
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) ...Now two bills recently introduced into Congress seek to delay or ban altogether the sale of E15 gasoline, which contains 15 percent ethanol rather than the 10-percent maximum standard since 1978. As Hemmings Motor News noted last
by Matthew L. Wald (New York Times) A glut of ethanol in the gasoline supply is threatening to push up prices at the pump and may have exacerbated the growing cost gap between regular gasoline and premium, some oil experts say. Refiners
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) filed two amendments to a $984 billion government funding bill on Thursday that would gut the military's alternative fuels program. The amendments already are drawing criticism the program's supporters, which are
by Anne Steckel (Biodiesel Magazine/National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board recently welcomed the proposed rule from the U.S. EPA establishing the 2013 advanced biofuels requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) at 2.75 billion RINs. The U.S. biodiesel industry
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Governor’s Biofuels Coalition met in Sioux Falls Wednesday and sent a letter to members of Congress in support of the Renewable Fuels Standard. The letter from the 30 governors represented by the Coalition, led by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, urges
by Scott Faber (Environmental Working Group/The Hill E2Wire) It’s time to face facts: the biofuels mandate Congress established in 2005 is creating too much bad biofuel and not enough good biofuel. This year, that mandate requires American refiners to use 13.8
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to repeal the E15 waiver and require additional testing of the fuel, despite extensive testing by the U.S. DOE. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., introduced H.R.
(Platts) Prices of renewable fuel credits, needed by refiners to comply with the nation's Renewable Fuel Standard, have skyrocketed over the past few months, an indication to some that the dreaded "blend wall" is close. The price for the traded Renewable
(1011Now.com) ...Nebraska ethanol and ag leaders believe E15 is key in getting idle ethanol plants back to producing. Robert White, the director of market development for the Renewable Fuels Association, tells fuel retailers that gasoline demand dropped 6 percent last year as more
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Feb. 26 hearing featured testimony of three E15 critics, including a representative of the Coordinating Research Council, which has authored research reports concluding E15 could damage engine valves and fuel system components. Absent
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology’s Subcommittee on Environment is scheduled to hold a hearing on mid-level ethanol blends on Feb. 26. The hearing will feature three witnesses: Robert
(Internal Revenue Service) The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-240) retroactively extends certain fuel tax credits that expired on Dec. 31, 2011. The retroactively extended fuel tax credits are the biodiesel mixture credit, biodiesel credit, alternative fuel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 14, U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and David Vitter, R-La., introduced legislation that would overturn U.S. EPA approval of E15 for model year 2001 and newer light duty vehicles. The ethanol industry jumped
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pending legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to limit the ability of the U.S. EPA to increase the cellulosic biofuel requirements its sets each year under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The
By Joshua Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) Thinking about the back and forth on EPA’s cellulosic fuel mandates in the last month, the press on the harmful effects of diverting food crops for fuel processing in certain cases, and the general
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan is truly an advocate for biofuels. While in office, Dorgan authored the first renewable fuel bill, requiring 8 billion gallons of biofuels. When President Bush took office, he asked
by Patrick Rucker (Reuters) President Barack Obama wants Congress to create a $2 billion clean-energy transportation fund using fees paid by oil and gas producers on federal lands, the White House said Wednesday, expanding a plan announced in Obama's State of the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 4, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, released an energy blueprint that calls for a wide variety of changes to U.S. energy policy,
by Jeremy Martin and Jim Collins (Politico) The fuels of the future are here today, and we can thank Congress for enacting the Renewable Fuel Standard. This bedrock policy has brought us to the point where the first commercial facilities producing
by Bryan McBournie (SmartBlog) ... Shell Oil Products’ Downstream Policy and Advocacy Manager John Reese said his company is a big supporter of biofuels, but the RFS needs to be adjusted to avoid problems down the road. He said ethanol blends
(FuelFix) Lawmakers have unveiled the first major proposal to rewrite a mandate forcing refiners to blend biofuels into gasoline, amid a growing outcry against the eight-year-old requirement. Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, introduced the legislation in the
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/BiofuelsDigest) ... That is, the cost of renewed tax breaks for the biofuels industry came at a great cost relative to the benefits gained. Being lumped in with Hollywood filmmakers, rum distillers, NASCAR track owners, Goldman
by Paul Winter (Biotechnology Industry Organization) Less than a decade ago, the nation’s energy experts projected imports of oil to continue to grow throughout the first third of the century. Both Congress and the President recognized that this was a
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) Former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), President Obama’s nominee for Defense secretary, is backing a controversial ban on military purchase of alternative fuels that have higher greenhouse gas emissions than conventional oil-based fuels. Hagel, in a written
by Sandra I. Erwin (National Defense Magazine) The biofuels industry is seeing promising signs from Washington. President Obama in his inauguration speech tied green energy to economic growth. Congress agreed to allow the Pentagon to continue to buy alternative fuels.
by Dan Haugen (Midwest Energy News) By organizing as a type of partnership instead of a corporation, companies that extract, process or transport “depletable” natural resources have been exempt from corporate income taxes. That word — “depletable” — specifically excludes renewable
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The USDA estimates that farmers in the U.S. will plant nine million more acres in corn in 2013 than they did in 2011, an increase of almost 10 percent. Over the same period,
by Theda Skocpol (Foreign Policy) If Obama wants to make good on his inaugural promise, he’ll need to remember the lessons he learned as a community organizer. ...The inside game has failed in part because climate reformers have not invested in
(Iowas Renewable Fuels Association) A group of Iowa businesses and organizations today congratulated President Obama on his Inauguration and announced the formation of the Iowa RFS Coalition. In a letter to the President, also copied to both Iowa Senators and
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today urged Congress to begin work on a new five-year Farm Bill with strong mandatory funding for energy programs. The coalition notes that programs included in the farm bill Energy Title including
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Delegates for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) last week voted overwhelmingly to support continuation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), despite the fact that membership in the organization includes a substantial percentage of livestock producers. “The
(AOL Energy/Fuels America Coalition) The oil industry has taken aim at the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a self-interested bid to retain dominance over America's transportation fuel sector. Our dependence on oil is stifling consumer choice and jeopardizing our national
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During a media conference call today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) called the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “unworkable” and stated that they would “like to see complete repeal of the RFS.” Bob Dinneen, President and CEO
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the future success of biofuels in this country is also tied to successfully getting a new five-year farm bill passed. Speaking to delegates of the American Farm Bureau Federation at
(FuelFix) Despite protests from the oil industry, a federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to allow a challenge to an Environmental Protection Agency decision encouraging more ethanol to be blended into gasoline. The American Petroleum Institute, AAA and food producers, including
(Algae Industry Magazine) The year 2012 will go down in history as a turning point for the algae industry. It was the year that algae biofuel became a heated part of the political arena, from President Obama’s touting of algae’s
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) There is a little secret in the renewable energy sector that many don’t know about –New Markets Tax Credits. These tax credits provide incentives for private investors to help fund projects that create jobs and diversify
by Thomas Friedman (New York Times) Whenever I hear the word “cliff,” I am reminded of something that President Obama’s science adviser, John Holdren, used to say about how we need to respond to climate change because no one can
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... Legislation can be hard to digest and so the law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy created a “crib” sheet, or alert, giving a brief overview of how the Act will impact current and future projects
by Pete Bigelow (AOL Autos) Legislation could widen use of E15 fuel blend, which automakers say can corrode your engine Thanks to the fiscal cliff bill signed into law last week, a blend of fuel that contains more ethanol could soon
(FarmDocDaily) ...The RFS for 2013 is expected to require a minimum blending of 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel and 2.75 billion gallons of all advanced biofuels. The difference between the minimum biodiesel requirement and the minimum total requirement is referred
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) It is not often I disagree or take issue withBiofuels Digest; however, the recent article and analysis on cellulosic tax credits left out some key points. There are a number of policy tools to help
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biomass Crop Assistance Program may have been extended through 2013 with the passing of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, but the program’s usefulness in the coming year is still uncertain. Although
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) The extension of a $1.01 per gallon tax credit for cellulosic ethanol will help the fledgling industry later this year or in 2014 when plants now under construction in Iowa come on line, the
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Bradley Frieze, a student at Hood College in Frederick, MD and Advanced Biofuels USA volunteer has posted a petition to stop funding of oil subsidies. The petition is on MoveOn's SignOn web site. At Advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Finding it hard to explain to taxpayers why the PTC is needed, for the jump to cellulosic biofuels lightspeed, or to ward off predatory fossil-fuel evildoers? ...So, although the “fiscal cliff” tax rate deal didn’t directly
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The bad news is, all mandatory funding for energy title programs were stripped from the farm bill at the last moment. “The programs have lived, but they don’t have money,” said Lloyd Ritter, co-director
(Algae Industry Magazine) According to the Algae Biomass Organization, as part of the bi-partisan “Fiscal Cliff” legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on January 1, 2013, algae-derived fuels are, for the first time ever,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Four tax provisions were in the bill that directly impact biofuels. Cellulosic biofuels producer tax credit. ... The provision would extend this production tax credit for one additional year, for cellulosic biofuel produced through 2013. The proposal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...As the sunset of 2012 gives way to the dawn of 2013, here at the Digest we resist the holiday temptation to look back over the challenges and highlights of the year gone by, and
(Specialty Equipment Market Association) SEMA has joined with a number of other trade associations to sponsor “Smarter Fuel Future,” a website intended to raise awareness about the economic and environmental threats posed by the United States’ current biofuels policy. The
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) The Obama administration lent its support Wednesday to a congressional effort that would open a financing structure for renewable energy. Energy Secretary Steven Chu called on Congress to approve legislation that would let investors utilize
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Unofficial reports indicate that biofuels provisions have survived a House-Senate conference over the Defense bill. According to sources, House and Senate conferees have finished work on their conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act. Sources
by Dave Juday (Hawaii Reporter) President Obama's re-election paves the way for him to actually pursue the "all of the above" energy strategy he has promised. After a series of government-backed green tech companies collapsed, the Obama team smartly
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) House Republicans plan to put the renewable fuel standard on trial next Congress, a House Energy and Commerce Committee aide told The Hill. Committee staff is gearing up for hearings on the subject, citing recent
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An alternative energy company looking to build multiple energy beet-to-biofuel plants in Kentucky recently became the first corporation to join the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association. Although federal rules currently prohibit the growth of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Policy, finance, technology, feedstocks, markets, prices, opposition. Here’s what’s on your mind, as the critical 2013 deployment year for biofuels looms. So here are 15 burning questions as suggested by various Digesterati — divided for convenience
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) The biofuel industry breathed a big sigh of relief last month when the EPA declined several governors’ petitions to waive the Renewable Fuel Standard. Then, after a herculean group effort, the industry and
by Christopher Goins (Politic365.com) The chairman of Wendy’s Restaurant’s supply chain cooperative, which is responsible for food purchases for Wendy’s Restaurants, says that because of EPA Renewable Fuel Standards every individual Wendy’s Restaurant has to pay $20,000 to $30,000 more per
(25 x '25) ... In any strategy aimed at meeting America's soaring energy demand, biomass must be considered a principal among the several renewable, sustainable solutions that make up the fastest growing domestic energy sector since 2006. ...While there also has been
(NAFA Fleet Management Association/Free-Press-Release-Center) Uncertainty surrounding a pair of alternative fuel incentives is impacting vehicle purchase decisions and fuel planning by many fleets. While the country is focused on the so-called "fiscal cliff", lost in the negotiations is an important extension
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) ... Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) said Thursday that they’re seeking support for a resolution declaring that a carbon tax would be economically harmful. “There’s a lot of talk in Washington
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Senate voted 54-41 in favor of an amendment offered by Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina to repeal section 2823 of the annual Defense appropriations bill. Sec. 2823 of the FY13 NDAA
by Paul Clarke (The Hill E2Wire/Truman National Security Project) ...To free us from the whims of distant countries, America must invest in renewable technologies and take advantage of our energy resources here at home. Our dependence on oil from unstable and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Senate voted 62-37 in favor of an amendment offered by Senator Mark Udall of Colorado to repeal section 313 of the annual Defense appropriations bill. Section 313 language, which was offered by
(US Department of Energy) The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decisions makers find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and
by Geof Koss (Roll Call) More than one-third of the Senate is calling for removal of provisions in the defense authorization bill that would limit military efforts to develop alternative fuels. In a Nov. 16 letter to Senate leaders, 38 senators
(National Farmers Union) National Farmers Union (NFU) and a wide-sweeping coalition of 235 agriculture organizations including Advanced Biofuels USA sent a letter to Congressional leadership today urging for the passage of a new five-year farm bill to be signed into law by the end
(Inside EPA's Clean Energy Report) President Obama is planning to launch wide-ranging talks with experts on what can be done in the short-term to address climate change, as well as a public “education process” to consider realistic long-term actions that
(Environmental Entrepreneurs) Plans in Congress to kill military biofuels programs could also derail $10 billion+ in economic activity; creation of more than 14,000 jobs, study finds The military’s plans to expand its use of biofuels in planes, ships and other vehicles would
(Platts) The US ethanol industry's loudest voice in Washington expects to have to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard during congressional hearings next year. Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, told reporters Friday he considers it likely that ethanol opponents
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Here’s a riddle: If Congress doesn’t want to raise income tax rates but wants to raise revenue, what can it do? One answer: Pass a carbon tax. A relatively moderate-sized carbon tax could raise $1.25 trillion over the next
(25 x '25) ... However, most post-election analyses say that voters want meaningful solutions, not political rhetoric, to address our economic and energy challenges. The best tool that must be given a high priority is a comprehensive national policy that will rapidly
by Brent Erickson (BIO/Biofuels Digest) For the advanced biofuels industry, the 2012 election turned on Senate races. ...The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has jurisdiction over the RFS. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will remain Chairwoman, but recent media reports have raised
by Holly Jessen & Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Looking into the future, Jeff Roskam, CEO of the Kansas Alliance for Biorefining and Bioenergy, fears any modification of the renewable fuel standard (RFS). “Period,” he says. “Not only would this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) KATZEN International chief says generation 1.5 ethanol is the key path to reaching RFS2 targets – with new feedstocks, advanced fermentation plants. Phil Madson, President of KATZEN International, has authored a new Ethanol Across America White
by Bradley J. Fikes (North County Times) Famed genomics researcher J. Craig Venter, who is working to develop biofuels from photosynthetic algae, acknowledged this week that alternate fuels are “dead” unless the federal government mandates their use with a carbon
(Renewable Fuels Association) Waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2013 could actually result in higher net feeding costs for livestock and poultry producers, according to a new analysis conducted by Cardno-ENTRIX and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The study found that if a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Romney campaign issued a long-awaited white paper on agricultural policy. Among the highlights: ...“He will not only accelerate the development of conventional energy sources, but also advance new technologies by funding early-stage research and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a year of low congressional approval and not much congressional action. But every election is an important one, and there’s lots of unfinished business from this past cycle. Here are nine friends of energy independence
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“Fuels America is built around one core idea: renewable fuel is essential to the U.S. economy, our nation’s energy security, our rural communities and the environment,” said former Congressman Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. Reps. Pete Olson, R-Texas, and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the Stop RIN Fraud Act of 2012 (H.R. 6444) Sept. 20 to shore up weaknesses in the U.S. EPA’s renewable identification number (RIN) program. The RIN program
(Agricultural Energy Coalition/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today (September 12, 2012) called on Congress to pass a five-year Farm Bill with mandatory funding for a strong Energy Title. The Senate has passed a version of a five-year
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) ...Tom Buis, the CEO of biofuels industry group Growth Energy, said the “170-some appointments” biofuels proponents held Monday through Wednesday assured him of bipartisan and administration commitment to the renewable fuel standard (RFS). “I think they
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), has slammed ethanol saying it opposes the use of E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. ...The court has ruled in favor of E15 and now SEMA is spearheading
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) ...Monte Shaw, executive director with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, credits the uptick in gubernatorial and congressional interest to oil groups viewing 2013 as the last chance to nix the RFS before it forces them
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Renewable biomass has a significant potential to improve U.S. energy security, advance rural economic development and energy security, protect and restore water quality and other environmental resources, and help mitigate and adapt to the
(Delta Farm Press) A coalition of 39 of the nation’s foremost agricultural organizations has formed in an effort to raise public awareness of the need for Congress to pass a new, comprehensive, five-year farm bill before current farm programs expire in
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney issued a white paper outlining his energy policy this week. In that paper, in order to facilitate private-sector-led development, he said that is would “support increased market penetration and competition
by Philip Rucker (The Washington Post) ...While Romney stressed the idea of independence, the plan relies heavily on imports from Canada and Mexico, two of the world’s biggest oil producers. Hence the use of the phrase “North American” before energy
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) A bill to establish a US Treasury funding mechanism that would finance “clean energy” projects has been introduced as part of a renewable electrical energy bill (HR 6275) in the US House of
by Bruce Babcock (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development) ...The sharply lowered production estimates suggest the preliminary assessment of the impact of the drought on crop prices and biofuel production that I conducted last month needs to be updated. 1 In the
(Renewable Fuels Association) Responding to an official waiver request of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released the following statement: “The Environmental Protection Agency should reject Governor Perdue’s waiver request out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the governors of North Carolina, Arkansas, Maryland and Delaware made a formal request for a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard, in response to the 2012 US drought, which has caused a sharp
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Romney platform is remarkable, vis-a-vis biofuels, for ignoring the word altogether – so we are left to guess as to an incoming Administration’s attitude towards nearly 10 percent of the US energy supply. Generally, as
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) ... The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has been warning its political allies on Capitol Hill that attacks against corn ethanol will hinder next-generation fuels, too. BIO has reached out to lawmakers such as Sen. James Inhofe
(25 x '25) While passage last week by the House of Representatives of a bill that would provide much needed relief to drought-stricken livestock producers is laudable, the means by which the bill would pay for the disaster help is
(Clean Energy Victory Bonds) On August 2, Representative Bob Filner and 10 cosponsors introduced the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act of 2012, H.R. 6275 in the House of Representatives. The bill, officially entitled “To promote the domestic development and deployment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/BIO) ...While there are a number of obstacles impeding further growth in alternative energy, few are as critical as the joint EPA/NHTSA proposed rules establishing light-duty vehicle GHG and fuel economy standards. The proposed rule eliminates
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James & Associates) In addition to declining U.S. oil demand and surging liquids production from onshore shale plays, there is a third component to our thesis that the nation is moving towards oil independence by 2020. We project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee marked up the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012, which included key energy efficiency and biofuels tax credit provisions. Included in the bill: the Cellulosic Biofuels
(Brownfield Ag News) Some strong criticism today from Iowa Senator Charles Grassley directed towards that coalition of livestock, meat and poultry groups asking for changes to the Renewable Fuels Standard’s ethanol mandate. “I think that what the group is really asking
by Brent Erickson (BIO/Biofuels Digest) Despite oil industry claims of “$10 million in fines for non-existent fuels” – they paid exactly $19,010.16 for cellulosic ethanol waivers in 2010, costing US consumers 14 millionths of one penny per gallon. So why
by Susan Cornwell (Reuters/Chicago Tribune News) A Senate subcommittee approved legislation on Tuesday that continues funding for the Pentagon's use of biofuels, a senator said, in a move pushing back against critics trying to limit outlays on programs such as the
(Platts) The $1.01/gal federal tax credit for cellulosic fuel production, as well as the $1/gal biodiesel tax credit, would each be extended under a proposal released Wednesday by the Senate Finance Committee. The cellulosic credit would also be expanded to include
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization) As we all basked in the glory of the annual Independence Day festivities, we were reminded once again about the importance of "Buying American." Nowhere was this more evident than in Congress, where several
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Arch-critic of the cost of military biofuels — Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe — comes under scrutiny over earmarks for natural gas-based military fuels that cost 29 times more than conventional fuels. In Washington, the battle over
by Olga Belogolova (National Journal) Republicans in both the House and Senate this year have proposed cutting funds for alternative-energy programs in the defense authorization bill. But these efforts won’t gain much traction, National Journal’s Energy & Environment Insiders say. More than
(Oil and Gas Online) The American Petroleum Institute (API) filed a lawsuit with the D.C. Circuit Court late yesterday challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) mandated use of nonexistent cellulosic biofuels in the 2011 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “EPA’s unattainable and
by David Alexander (Reuters) * Ex-Senator Warner leads veterans in pushing alternative fuels * Senator Inhofe seeks accounting for Green Fleet demonstration * Fossil fuel dependence means more conflict, veterans warn Military veterans and former lawmakers urged Congress on Tuesday to continue
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) First – he says the flexibility built into the RFS allowing obligated parties to carry over blending credits from previous years significantly lowers the economic impacts of a short crop. According to Babcock – the
by Amanda Peterka (Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Proposed fuel economy standards could hamper the U.S. biofuels industry, a coalition of rural energy proponents and farm organizations said yesterday. In comments filed with U.S. EPA, the groups warned that the new corporate average fuel
by John Maday (Cattlenetwork.com) The renewable fuel standard, which mandates expanding use of ethanol for fuel, always has been a point of contention between grain producers and grain users such as livestock producers. This year’s shrinking corn crop has brought
(National Chicken Council) In response to a new economic study on the impact of corn ethanol production on food prices and commodity price volatility, a coalition of livestock and poultry groups is urging Congress to reform the federal Renewable Fuels
(25 x '25) As the “green strike group” makes its way through the waters of the Pacific Rim this week, the performance of the advanced biofuels helping power many of those ships is a cause for celebration of American innovation
Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest) ...The Navy doesn’t go to war, or even a war simulation, with unproven technology. That sends a message loud and clear to those who hope the Age of Biofuels has not yet arrived. If you’re a fossil
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