by Matthew Mercure (NGT News) U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., have introduced the Green Transportation Act. The legislation directs cities and states to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. The sector represents the single largest source
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is handing over to the Government Accountability Office information on oil refiners that petitioned for exemptions to biofuel blending mandates, in an effort to help the government watchdog investigate the exemption program. The
by Stephanie Kelly and David Shepardson (Reuters) Members of a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee met on Tuesday with representatives from the biofuels and airline industries to discuss ways to expand production of low-carbon aviation fuel, the subcommittee chair told Reuters. The
(NewsDakota.com/NAFB) Midwest lawmakers continue to push for inclusion of more biofuel vehicles in the president’s climate effort to convert the nation’s transportation fleet to electric vehicles. Freshman Kansas Republican Roger Marshall is the latest Midwest lawmaker to join the biofuels push, as
by Richard Ortiz (Fortune) “The shift toward a cleaner future requires CEOs like Elon Musk to invest in me and my skills, instead of interfering with workers who try to come together,” writes former Tesla autoworker Richard Ortiz. ... But in my
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A recent study by Resources for the Future found that funding for research, development and demonstration in advanced energy technologies (carbon capture, advanced nuclear and direct air capture to name a few) mirroring those
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The House Energy Committee will discuss the CLEAN Future Act — Democrats’ marquee climate bill — on Wednesday, with particular focus on decarbonizing the transportation sector. The House Science Energy Subcommittee will have a
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Senate is ready to move ahead with an agricultural climate bill that has bipartisan support and backing from major agricultural lobbies. The Growing Climate Solutions Act was reintroduced Tuesday in the U.S. Senate with
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) After renewable biofuels appeared to be effectively shut out of President Joe Biden's plan for infrastructure, leaders in the ethanol industry and their advocates on Capitol Hill are trying to make the case that biofuels
(Office of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) together with Sen. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Markey (D- Mass.) and Rep. Barragan (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to close tax loopholes and eliminate other federal subsidies for
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne is calling on congressional leaders to include money for the renewable fuels industry in the infrastructure bill they’re crafting. President Biden’s American Jobs Act proposes spending $174 billion to promote the
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS Biofuels News) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will ask Congress to adopt a national clean fuels policy or low carbon fuels standard (LCFS) that would build upon the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the ethanol industry group said
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says President Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan is lacking in many areas important to rural America. During his weekly call with ag reporters Tuesday, the Iowa Republican singled out biofuels. “Unfortunately despite the
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Airlines for America, the main U.S. trade group for the industry, is pushing for more fuel credits to be added to Biden’s multitrillion dollar infrastructure plan. The group is backing a sustainable aviation fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Like magic, it’s the ‘disappearing’ gasoline tax on just the non-renewable portion of transportation fuel. Bob Kozak of Atlantic Biomass Conversions looks at how this can fund a renaissance in new technology for bio-based fuels,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation introduced by the 32 democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 11 could provide federal funding to support the development of alternative fuel infrastructure and expanded use of alternative fuel
(Carbon Capture Coalition) Robust Legislation Addresses Top Two Coalition Priorities from New Federal Policy Blueprint -- The Carbon Capture Coalition today endorsed the bipartisan Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Tax Credit Amendments Act. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate
by David Blackmon (Forbes) With electric vehicles making up just 2% of U.S. auto sales in 2020, achieving a rapid “energy transition” to an all-electric vehicle fleet in the coming 15 years will be a huge endeavor, one that President Joe Biden
by Ian Duncan (Washington Post) ... Widespread production of hydrogen-powered cars has not come to pass, but GM is eyeing an all-electric fleet by 2035 with the backing of the Biden administration. That has lawmakers in state capitals across the country
by Yvette Cabrera (Grist) Democrats who drafted the Environmental Justice for All Act are optimistic it will pass. -- With slim majorities in Congress and an ally in the White House, the Democrats who drafted the Environmental Justice for All
(Office of Congressman Andrew Levin (D-Mich.)) United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congressman Andrew Levin (D-Mich.), along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), today unveiled the BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Modeled after
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Reps. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, and David McKinley, R-W.V., on March 17 introduced the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act, a comprehensive CO2 infrastructure package. The bill
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan bill being unveiled today calls for pouring billions in carbon capture and storage to bolster the technology that sponsors say will be crucial to meet climate goals. -- FIRST IN ME — CO2
by Steve Klein (C Store Decisions/Renewable Energy Group) ... The transportation industry will be a key factor in reaching those goals. There are also many new policies being debated. New York is considering a low-carbon fuel standard similar to California’s. Many
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Bipartisan Sens. Heinrich and Susan Collins (R-Maine), along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), introduced legislation Tuesday that would create a standalone investment tax credit for energy storage technologies for both businesses and homes. Currently,
by Nichola Groom (Reuters) Two U.S. senators on Wednesday said they have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at boosting taxpayer returns from federal oil and gas leasing, the latest in a string of moves in Washington seeking to reform drilling
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of 10 senators is pressing the Biden administration to use authority under the CARES Act to provide targeted relief to the biofuels industry, which is still reeling from the pandemic that collapsed fuel demand. In
by Graham Warwick (Aviation Week) ... The scale-up challenge is enormous. Barely 0.01% of the 96 billion gal. (364 billion liters) of jet fuel consumed by the world’s airlines in 2019 was sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). But announced projects should
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Leslie Kaufman (Bloomberg) The American Petroleum Institute may come out in favor of a carbon price, a sign of Washington’s dramatic move toward climate-friendly policy. ... But the policy itself has a number of silver linings for
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) House climate proposal includes RFS integrity provisions and Adopt GREET Act recognizes ethanol’s improved environmental benefits. -- Legislators are looking to expand access and acceptance of biofuels with the introduction of several bills this week on
(Aken Gump) On Tuesday, March 2, Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee introduced a sweeping climate proposal—the Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s (CLEAN) Future Act—an amended version of draft legislation released last year in the
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate which would provide a tax credit to automotive and energy manufacturers transitioning to greener technologies. Sponsor Debbie Stabenow of Michigan tells Brownfield it could also apply to biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Carbon Capture Coalition on Feb. 24 released a national policy blueprint that includes near-term recommendations the group says policymakers should adopt in order to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of carbon capture projects. The blueprint
(GreenAir Online) US aircraft and engine manufacturers have called on the new Biden administration to provide sustained government support to help achieve its climate goals. In an open letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Climate Envoy John
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Feb. 16 reintroduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Do Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) policies conflict or complement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? That was the question Dr. Jarrett Whistance with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri was called on to
(Office of Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)) Just last month, President Biden raised eyebrows when he took executive action to begin transitioning federal government vehicles to electric vehicles. It followed a similar move spearheaded by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who last September,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., on Feb. 19 reintroduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, which aims to ensure transparency and predictability in the U.S. EPA’s administration of the small refinery exemption (SRE)
(Renewable Fuels Association) Just as ethanol has played an essential role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the low-carbon fuel will also serve as essential energy for combatting climate change, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said today at the
by Annie Snider (Politico's Morning Energy) President Joe Biden has revived the idea of a carbon tax, but climate hawks on Capitol Hill hope he will give them time to work through the tricky politics of the issue. -- ... THE
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, on Feb. 5 announced the introduction of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act, which includes several tax
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol. The Renewable
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The House Energy and Commerce Committee's climate legislation from last year will be the template for action this year, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday. "After years of headwinds on climate action, this is the first
(Office of Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA-25)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “We are facing an existential threat to the future
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Senate rejected an attempt by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to cap the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as part of a proposed amendment to the COVID-19 stimulus bill, in
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... The Massachusetts senator also said he wants Democrats to pursue a clean energy standard over carbon pricing in their push for climate legislation. "[M]y view is that sector-wide solutions like a clean energy standard
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Part of the Biden Administration’s climate change funds for disadvantaged communities that have suffered from pollution and crumbling infrastructure should be used to ensure that people in those communities can have the cleanest, greenest
by Don Siefkes (Des Moines Register) To bring about a total EV society, we would almost have to double generating capacity for electricity and rebuild the entire residential electric grid -- ... First, recognize that EVs are emission-free only at
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) Bill would require EPA to approve proven technologies, expedite review of others -- U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations that have gone without approval by
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-S.D.)) U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. Specifically, the bill would require
(Algae Biomass Organization) Federal support for advanced algae R&D is on a solid foundation for 2021 with the recent passage of an omnibus appropriations bill that was included in last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation. These funds extend a long-standing tradition
by Alexander E. Kaufman (Huffington Post/Yahoo! News) ... The 11-page Evergreen Action memo highlights the limits of what the Biden administration can do unilaterally. At least a dozen ideas proposed in the document require Congress to act, including nearly all
(American Chemical Society) On January 1, the U.S. Senate passed the omnibus National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Within the NDAA Bill, Section E was the culmination of over 15 years of advocacy effort to deliver legislation that seeks to further the
(The CLEEN Project) The CLEEN Project was created through a collective of more than 200 contributors and 70 Advisory Board members from the private sector, federal and state government, environmental justice organizations, and leading climate-focused think tanks who share a
A live webcast will be streamed at 2:00 PM EST at www.eesi.org/livecast Ready to make a difference in climate policy? But not sure where to start? We have you covered. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to join us for our
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 28, 2020, the House overrode President Trump’s veto and passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) by a vote of 322 to 87, and the Senate passed the bill on January 1, 2021,
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) With carbon reduction taking center stage, biodiesel and renewable diesel can provide immediate and substantial benefits, including 80% reduction in both greenhouse gases and particulate matter, an over 40% reduction in carbon monoxide, and
by Sara Wyant (Ag Week) The biofuel industry argues that President-elect Joe Biden can also make progress on his climate goals by expanding biofuel usage mandates, embracing a low carbon fuel policy and increasing vehicle emissions standards. Now that Democrats have
by Marc Heller (E&E News) To Sen. Chuck Grassley, only one prospect may be scarier than putting the politics of ethanol before the Supreme Court: letting his colleagues in Congress vote on it. READ MORE
(Clean Technica) ... Congress voted to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacting H.R. 6395, the “William M. (Mac) Thornberry” NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. ... With the enactment of the FY21 NDAA, Congress again demonstrates
(CQ Roll Call) Changes could paper over differences within House Democratic Caucus between deficit hawks and progressives -- The new rules package for the 117th Congress unveiled by House Democrats on Friday would grant a sweeping new exemption from deficit controls
by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Transportation represents the largest direct source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and policymakers are pushing to fully electrify the sector to help meet national climate goals. A webinar on January 6th 2021, hosted by
(Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/CISION) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (“AFCC”) worked closely with policy makers and appropriators this year to provide changes to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”)’s Title XVII Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (the “Title
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate News) The administration has options to cut emissions even if a Republican-led Senate opposes climate-focused agriculture policies. -- ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the administration said, “has not historically received the sustained political attention of
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Our collective effort has resulted in record-breaking policy support, including: $70 million for algae industry research, development, and demonstration in 2020 Congressional appropriations for DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, Office of Fossil Energy, and Office of Science. $110 million
by Patrick Newkumet (Oil Price Information Service) Renewable fuel industry officials are mostly optimistic that the incoming Biden administration will be more supportive of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) than the Trump White House, though some worry that the president-elect's
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The $1.4 trillion spending package includes appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021, the COVID stimulus package, extensions of popular tax credits that otherwise expired on December 31st, and the Energy Act of 2020, a $35B version
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. Marc Veasey, D-Texas; David McKinley, R-W.V.; Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.; and Pete Stauber, R-Minn., on Dec. 16 introduced the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act, which supports the buildout of the infrastructure necessary to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee announced the food and agriculture provisions of the latest COVID relief deal moving through the House and Senate this week include payments to producers of advanced biofuel,
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Each year, DTN publishes our choices for the top 10 ag news stories of the year, as selected by DTN analysts, editors and reporters. Today, we continue the countdown with No. 9 looking at
by Nick Silvis* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The world is undergoing drastic climate and ecological changes which will have dire ramifications on all facets of global activity. Critical trade relationships, such as the one between the United States and Europe, are facing
by Chris Mooney (Washington Post) ... And all of it is powered by an array of solar and sometimes distant wind installations, which route electricity across the country thanks to a gargantuan network of power lines that triples the scale
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) Clean Fuel Standards like the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) have been around for more than a decade but have not attracted the attention of more narrowly targeted policies promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, or renewable
by John Linder (National Corn Growers Association/Farm Journal AgWeb) ... One song that stuck with me from that decade was “Everything Old Is New Again.” I find a lot of truth in the song’s message when I think about climate
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Congressional negotiators are expected to unveil the legislative text of a $1.4 trillion omnibus deal today that would boost federal agency budgets through next September and thwart a shutdown at week's end, POLITICO's Caitlin Emma
by Earl Draayer (Sioux City Journal) ... Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)) proposes an increase of 50% of oil and gas royalties on federal land leased to oil and gas companies. The royalties were established a century ago under the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) However, the emerging package has drawn the ire of progressive and environmental justice groups who are urging Democrats to walk away and try again next Congress. "We have serious concerns about the prospects of the Senate
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) As the aviation industry recovers from the severe contraction caused by the pandemic, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) will be essential to help the sector achieve a path to net-zero carbon emissions by
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Briefing Series: By Air, Land, and Sea: Navigating the Climate Future -- The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing series on climate mitigation and adaptation in the transportation sector. The series covered ports, aviation, and public transit. As
(Renewable Fuels Association) With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again, threatening to derail an already tenuous
(Office of Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09)) Bipartisan legislation will provide tax credits for the production of renewable chemicals -- U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act, legislation that will create an allocated
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Dec. 3 introduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction to
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) ... Carbon sequestration payments to farmers is something said to be on the table for the incoming Biden administration as a path to address emissions reduction. Duvall said any potential program should be a market-based system and
by Senators Tom Udall (D-N) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) (New York Times) One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) ... Biden has said axing fossil fuel subsidies will generate money to help pay for his broader $2 trillion climate plan. While Biden can take executive action to reverse President Donald Trump’s rollbacks of rules meant to
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Growing interest in combining federal, state credits in low-carbon projects; Congress’ inaction on 45Q credit extension a worrying sign for new efforts -- A mix of federal and state environmental incentives are drawing investors towards low-carbon,
(American Farm Bureau Federation) The American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 60 other organizations are urging Congress to extend tax provisions that promote biofuel production, as well as craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Among more than 30 temporary tax provisions,
by Geoff Cooper (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) Already contributing to decarbonization, ethanol is a phenomenal low-carbon molecule that will continue to play an instrumental role in the transition to net-zero emissions. And because it is here today, there is
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso's decision to relinquish the Environment and Public Works Committee gavel in favor of the Energy and Natural Resources chair has shifted new attention to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). She is
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Some of the largest biofuels companies plan to ask Biden to impose a nationwide standard to reduce carbon emissions from transport fuels, Reuters reports, citing five sources familiar with the matter. The push reflects the
by Jim Magill (Forbes) As industry leaders and policy makers increasingly confront the challenges of battling climate change triggered by an excess amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they are increasingly turning to an old
(Office of Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA 26)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “As a member of the House Select Committee
(Carbon 180) We partner with policymakers, scientists, and businesses around the globe to develop policy, promote research, and advance solutions that transform carbon from a pollutant to a resource and foster a prosperous, carbon-conscious economy that removes more from the
(Growth Energy) Today, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) introduced the Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act of 2020 to encourage low-carbon fuel production and increase production of cellulosic biomass into renewable fuels. This legislation would expedite the approval process
by Charlie Mitchell (The New Republic) The president-elect will have to overcome major obstacles, including some of his own advisers and campaign proposals. -- Last month, when asked on Pod Save America to name three or four things atop his first-term agenda, Joe Biden mentioned a
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR) U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. introduced legislation to help address the climate crisis by encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and crop resilience and lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. “In 2020 alone,
by Joseph Glandorf (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... Congress is considering legislation that would address these hurdles, including the Electric Vehicle Freedom Act, and has already passed the Charging Helps Agencies Realize General Efficiencies (CHARGE) Act (see part 2 of this article). ... Renewable energy and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did the bioeconomy win or lose? If you missed the conversation on Thursday at DigestConnect, check out this slide guide from Mike McAdams, President of Advanced Biofuels Association for his post-election analysis from the Presidential
by Stephanie Kelly and Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Renewable fuels are a niche market for now, but with Democratic President-Elect Joe Biden set to enter office with a divided Congress, legislation supporting demand for products like renewable diesel could garner bipartisan
by Meghan Gordon (S&P Global Platts) Republican played key role in biofuel mandate talks; Opponent supported clean energy, denounced 'Big Oil'; Ernst took heat for commodity prices, EPA confirmation -- US Senator Joni Ernst, Republican-Iowa, held onto her seat after a tight race
(RFD TV) A prominent Republican Senator says that he is in favor of gas-free cars, but Senator Chuck Grassley says that buying one should not be a mandate. ... Last week, a group of Democrats introduced a bill that would
by Kim Chipman and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg Green) Presidential, Iowa Senate races put biofuel in spotlight; Renewable Fuel Standard uncertainty clouds ethanol outlook -- ... The winner will oversee a “reset” of the congressional mandate to blend biofuels with gasoline. This
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies) ... Items I selected this month include: • Solar Costs Declining Quickly: More quickly than even the IEA has projected. That will have consequences in transport that includes cheaper EV charging, green hydrogen and electrofuels.
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... The Zero-Emissions Vehicles Act of 2020 would end sales of new vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035 and boost the market for electric vehicles. Monte Shaw with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says, as
by Martin Wahl (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) This is the first in a series of articles being prepared by Lee Enterprises Consulting experts addressing opportunities and concerns for the growing hemp and cannabis industries. Topics will include cultivation, feedstock management, project
(Office of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)) The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2020 will position U.S. to lead global auto industry -- Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) today introduced in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House
by Jacob Holzman and Gaurang Dholakia (S&P Global Platts) ... As a result, observers have predicted that producers of battery and base metals such as lithium and nickel could benefit from a Biden victory. ... The benefits to metals producers from a
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Joe Biden and key Democrats in Congress say they want to use the trade agenda to fight global warming if they win the White House and Senate next month, POLITICO's Gavin Bade reports .
(Office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)) U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), James Lankford (R-OK) and Angus King (I-ME) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal funding available for the acquisition and leasing of new federal vehicles.
y Lisa Grouette (Globe Gazette) At a press conference in Mason City on Wednesday, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expressed enthusiasm over recently launched plans to advance biofuel infrastructure projects within the state. Ernst and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Late Thursday, the House of Representatives passed another COVID economic relief package, the HEROES Act II, which provides for $2.2 trillion in coronavirus relief and includes an important provision for the renewable fuels industry. The following is a
(Renewable Fuels Association) As Congress and the administration continue negotiations on another potential COVID-19 relief package, a new study by university economists finds that ethanol producers will experience roughly $8 billion in losses this year due to the pandemic’s impact on
by John Herath (Farm Journal Ag Web) ... They (Pro Farmer's Jim Wiesemeyer and Farm Journal's John Herath) also lay out how the oil and biofuels industries need to work together if they want to preserve a future for liquid
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ...What did become clear was Democrats in both the House and the Senate are paying more attention to biofuels at the moment. And yet, given that Congress is going to pass a temporary funding
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act passed by the U.S. House includes provisions of the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act put forth by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN). The provisions set an annual deadline for refiners to request exemptions from
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., on Sept. 24 introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, a bill that establishes a minimum octane standard for gasoline and requires sources of added octane value to reduce carbon emissions by
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) ... Trump administration could spend $50 billion — quadruple the cost of the auto industry bailout — in less than three years to buffer the impact of trade war and pandemic on agriculture. Farm groups
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson puts ethanol second only to the hog industry in priority to get some kind of assistance to mitigate losses this year due to coronavirus restrictions. “Because of the price of oil collapsing
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Tuesday that the House will take up the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act sponsored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., just as the House Energy and Commerce
by Amie Simpson (Brownfield Ag News) Growth Energy members are talking with lawmakers about issues impacting the biofuel industry this week during the virtual Biofuels Summit. CEO Emily Skor says it’s especially important to have these conversations now because of the demand
(Renewable Fuels Association) The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today unveiled the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which contains provisions requiring more transparency and accountability in EPA’s process for evaluating small refinery exemption requests under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The provisions
by Justine Calma (The Verge) Democrats will commit today to a wide-ranging new progressive agenda that simultaneously tackles pandemic recovery, climate change, and systemic injustice. They’re calling the agenda THRIVE, which stands for “Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Merely playing defense on the RFS does not constitute a plan to expand ethanol demand. We need to go on offense because it is a matter of when, not if, Congress
by Karl-Erik Stromsta (GreenTechMedia) The upcoming U.S. presidential election will dictate the pace of decarbonization in the world’s largest economy for decades, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie. Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s $2 trillion climate plan, including a pledge to set the
(Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis) ... In the near term, we must continue to significantly grow solar and wind energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles while conducting more research into new technologies, advanced biofuels, and smaller and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Senate Democrats Climate Committee released a new report on Aug. 25 that details how climate action by Congress can create new jobs and grow the U.S. economy. Biofuels and bioenergy are among the topics
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans are circulating a trimmed down coronavirus aid package that leaves out additional aid for farmers as well as the $1,200-per-person stimulus checks included in their earlier, $1 trillion HEALS Act. The new proposal includes business
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) ... “Thankfully, I am not invested in refineries,” said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at IHS Markit and founder of Oil Price Information Service. “They are having a pretty miserable year. They don't
(RFD TV) ... The head of the Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, says that ... USDA Secretary Perdue has made his position clear on using unspent CCC money for pandemic-crippled biorefineries. "Secretary Perdue has said pretty bluntly, 'look unless Congress
by Jeremy Dillon (County 17/E&E News) The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will head to Wyoming this week for a field hearing to analyze the state’s efforts on carbon capture and sequestration.The hearing is likely to provide another opportunity for
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) Energy Policy Tracker: Since March, U.S. has devoted more to its fossil fuel sector than any other G-20 country -- At least $71.6 billion in federal funds has been allocated directly or indirectly to
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The push to alter biogenic emissions regulations could boost corn farming and ethanol production while cementing the role of biobased solutions in the fight against climate change. Political inertia, however, remains the primary barrier
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six former U.S. EPA administrators representing both republican and democratic administrations are calling for a “reset” of the agency as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The Renewable Fuel Standard and a potential federal
(Our Daily Planet) ... (U.S. Senator Kamala) Harris has been a steady champion of climate action in the Senate but perhaps her strongest stance has been her newly-released landmark legislation called the Climate Equity Act which would ensure that any environmental regulation or
(Office of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)) Today (August 7, 2020), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced the introduction of America’s Clean Future Fund Act, a bill that would spur job creation by investing in a clean energy economy, achieve critical reductions in
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (August 6, 2020), Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require U.S. EPA to update its decade-old greenhouse gas lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. American Coalition for Ethanol
(KMA Land/Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) ... During a virtual forum with the Iowa Farmers Union on Wednesday, Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne was asked whether fossil fuel companies should be eligible for pandemic relief funds. “Listen, my personal belief is no,” Axne
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President of the Industrial & Environmental Section at Biotechnology Innovation Organization shared this illuminating slide guide on how BIO is advocating for a resilient future, promoting LCFS
by Mark Dorenkamp (Browfield Ag News) House Ag Committee chairman Collin Peterson says he and his colleagues are working to make sure ag provisions included in the HEROES Act are put in the next round of coronavirus relief. “Currently being negotiated
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just
(U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing focused on the development of carbon removal technologies in the United States. Murkowski also highlighted the introduction of the CREATE Act, a new bill she is cosponsoring to
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol is undoubtedly playing a role in 2020 politics in Iowa, including the presidential race. Getting the word "ethanol" into the next aid package also might become a tipping scale in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. The
by Shuting Pomerleau (Niskanen Center) The paper reviews the principles of border adjustment, the principal design choices policymakers would face when establishing a border adjustment for a carbon tax, and the implications of different design choices. It also provides a
by Micheal Clements (NAFB News Service/NewsDakota) Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to make E15 available at every U.S. gas pump. Specifically, Ernst calls on EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to certify biofuel infrastructure for
(Urban Air Initiative) This is a conversation related to ethanol and octane. The Urban Air Initiative presents its perspective on a 95 RON Octane Standard and the value it can bring to the corn ethanol industry. Urban Air President Dave
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry may have to depend on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for aid, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday, after Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package without specific appropriations for the
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package Monday that would give the Agriculture Department broad authority to spend an additional $20 billion to compensate agricultural producers and processors for the impact of the pandemic. The money would augment
(Office of Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) together with Sen. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Markey (D- Mass.) and Rep. Barragan (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to close tax loopholes and eliminate other federal subsidies for the
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) ... Republicans had hoped to release their plan last Thursday, but (Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell (R-KY) announced instead that leaders of key committees would roll out portions of the plan, expected to cost about $1
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