by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AdWired.com) The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy heard from representatives of the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries Wednesday on the need for “Post Tax Reform of Recently Expired Tax Provisions” that are helping move the nation toward
(Politico's Morning Energy) With a settlement between refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions and EPA in hand and voting in the Pennsylvania special election over, some biofuels observers think the issue may fall off Trump's radar. A biofuels source told ME Tuesday they
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol hosted a webinar Feb. 20 titled “Opportunities and Challenges to Increasing Ethanol Demand in 2018.” The webinar focused on ACE initiatives designed to ensure ethanol continues to grow in the
by Travis J. Tritten (Washington Examiner) ... (Former Navy Secretary Ray) Mabus’ vision is, however, quietly moving forward under the Trump administration. The Pentagon has authorized $140 million to help build two biofuel refineries in recent months, a move that
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel Tax Credit Requires Reinstatement, Will Be Discussed Tomorrow in Ways and Means Committee -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and more than 50 of its member organizations sent a letter to Congressional leaders that calls for extending
(Renewable Fuels Association) Another White House meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 12, to continue discussions between oil refinery and biofuels interests over the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, which were created under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) This year is setting up to be a long year for the biofuels industry. First on the agenda is the fate of the biofuels tax extenders, including the biodiesel blenders, renewable diesel credit, second-generation and alternative fuels
by Doug Lamb and Durham McCormick (Biomass Magazine/Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas) ... While the tax code is clearly not responsible for a bulk of the current boom in RNG, the recent tax reform signed into law at the end of 2017
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On March 8, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced companion bills that aim to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard and sunset blending obligations for conventional, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel fuels. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than 200 companies and trade associations today wrote House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, urging them “to reauthorize and maintain stable mandatory funding for energy title programs in the next farm bill reauthorization.” The letter,
by Anngie Steinbarger (The Republic) I was dismayed to read the Feb. 16 letter from Mark Brown and Travis DeFries, managers at Valero, who want U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., to help oil companies gut the market for Indiana farmers by dismantling
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Rep. John Shimkus' E&C energy subcommittee will hold a "future of transportation fuels" hearing next week. "Because of the evolving nature of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy program, the growth of electric
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, ABLC 2018 opens amidst a flutter of government rollbacks of deployment support but the hope of regulatory relief, breakthroughs in financial structuring, a decisive shift in early-stage projects to nutrition & health, and an
(FuelCellsWorks) The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) applauds the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 today, which included a reinstatement of the federal fuel cell investment tax credit (ITC). "On behalf of America's 10,000 fuel cell and hydrogen
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic victory for algae and other microbial technologies, Congress late last night approved a two-year budget agreement that establishes a $35 per ton tax incentive for carbon captured and recycled from power plants or industrial facilities
by Amy Harder (Axios) ... The effort, called the Carbon Capture Coalition, is a rebranded and broadened version of an earlier group, called the National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative, which had a narrower focus. That coalition focused primarily on advocating for
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... BIO is the only trade association that advocates for the diverse policies that support the entire biobased economy – the full value chain of technologies and infrastructure to convert renewable, low-carbon, low-cost
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has called a meeting early next week with key senators and Cabinet officials to discuss potential changes to biofuels policy, which is coming under increasing pressure after a Pennsylvania refiner blamed the regulation
by Emma Foehringer Merchant (GreenTechMedia) Expanded credits in the budget bill could “absolutely make the difference” for the economic viability of carbon capture and sequestration. -- Among the energy credits tucked inside the budget deal eked out in early February lies a controversial measure: carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
by Meghan Gordon and Brian Scheid (Platts) Reforming the US biofuel mandate will be tricky and will likely have to be done by Congress, not by the Trump administration, according to a recent top energy adviser to the White House. "I don't
by Abby Smith (Bloomberg Environment) Automakers seek consistency in EPA, NHTSA programs as agencies weigh standards’ future; Environmentalists say push is meant to soften vehicle limits -- Automakers may already get what they want this spring as the Trump administration eyes lower
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Texas Senator John Cornyn’s plan to overhaul U.S. biofuels policy faces resistance from the oil and ethanol sectors, reducing chances of a reboot to the controversial regulations, sources familiar with the matter said. The plan, which the sources said
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Trump administration Monday proposed significantly slashing a handful of controversial loan and research programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). The cuts to programs meant to help develop innovative energy technologies, which President Trump outlined in his budget
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic victory for algae and other microbial technologies, Congress late last night approved a two-year budget agreement that establishes a $35 per ton tax incentive for carbon captured and recycled from power plants or industrial facilities using algae
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, signed into law by President Trump today, included provisions to extend a host of Alternative Fuel Tax Credits. The incentives originally expired on December 31, 2016, but were retroactively extended through
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Congress passed its budget deal, and among the items in the deal was a retroactive restoration of the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit for 2017. The bill did not include a
by David Morgan (Reuters) ... Just weeks after approving a sweeping tax code overhaul, the Republicans said they would examine as many as 35 “tax extender” measures to see if they should remain on the books. ... “The goal is not to get
by P.J. Griekspoor (American Agriculturalist) Sen. Roberts urged farmers to be ready to ‘sound off’ in support of farmer-friendly legislation. -- March will be the month the 2018 Farm Bill comes to the Senate floor. At least that’s the best guess of Senate
(Argus Media) Marathon Petroleum said it expects US legislators to propose changes to federal fuel mandates this spring. Senators and US Representatives would soon propose changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), chief executive Gary Heminger said during a quarterly earnings call
by Joelle Simonpietri (Biofuels Digest) On Jan 21st 2018, Carlyle-backed Philadelphia Energy Solutions(PES), the largest refinery complex on the U.S. east coast at 335,000 barrels per day, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, blaming Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance costs. In the week since the filing, the Washington Examiner reports
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) More industry players chose to develop and build new capacity rather than buy plants -- The North American biofuels industry experienced the fewest merger and acquisition transactions in recent history in 2017. There were only
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... (B)iodiesel companies are pressing Congress to pass the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit, which expired more than a year ago for the fifth time in its existence. On Jan. 17, 75 companies and
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Washington, D.C., events provide opportunities for constituents to meet with lawmakers and help influence biofuels policy. -- Getting the ear of members of Congress, state legislators or regulatory bodies is not always easy. So many
(Wisconsin State Farmer) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be in Pennsylvania Wednesday, Jan. 24 to roll out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and legislative principles for 2018. READ MORE Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue pulls back the curtain on the
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... This new era of getting our country back on track has and will continue to extend into the biofuels industry, making sure we are providing the cleanest, lowest-cost and highest-octane fuels at the pump.
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Longstanding efforts to rewrite U.S. energy policy to keep pace with market and technological changes are being revived in Congress once again. In an interview with Politico, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and
by Sean Mowbray (Pacific Standard) While the Trump administration has largely rejected climate change as an issue, the Department of Defense and Congress have identified it as a major potential threat to national security. -- ... On the other hand, the Republican-dominated
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Texas Republican John Cornyn is drawing up ideas for new legislation to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, in a bid to end the stalemate between corn-state lawmakers and oily ones. "Cornyn's office has been hosting talks for
by Pete Kolbenschlag (Post Independent/Citizen Telegram) ... Rep. Welch from Vermont is leading an effort to rethink ethanol, and to lead Congress to fix this broken policy. Colorado's congressional delegation should join in this effort before more land goes under the plow,
by John Wagner (Washington Post) With President Trump and Congress turning their attention to infrastructure in the coming weeks, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is preparing for an uphill battle: a push to raise the federal gas tax by 25 cents
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Last year was among the most active and interesting years we’ve seen in the biofuels space. The industry has confronted multiple challenges over the past 12 months, culminating in meetings between senators supportive of
(25 x '25 REsource) As Congress ratchets up its ongoing budget battles – the continuing resolution that is currently funding the government expires Jan. 19 – clean energy advocates of all stripes must hold lawmakers to their longstanding promises to renew
(North Iowa Today) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in 2017. ... Grassley introduced the Food Security is National Security Act of 2017, which would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) ... I am referring to the mandatory requirements in the Clean Air Act that EPA enforce section 202 (l), the “clean octane” provision designed to reduce the use of toxic aromatic compounds in gasoline.
(Farm Bureau News) A recently introduced bill would continue several expired tax provisions important to farmers and ranchers. Offered by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the Tax Extenders Act of 2017 (S. 2256) would extend several tax credits for
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman became the first New York statewide elected official to back a carbon tax this week, POLITICO New York's Danielle Muoio reports. "That includes passing legislation to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a carbon
by Emily Atkin (The New Republic) The legislation is a boon to fossil fuel companies not only because of what it includes, but what it doesn't. -- By now, it’s no secret that the sweeping tax reform package approved by Congress
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. renewable fuel credits remained under pressure on Thursday as expectations mounted that lawmakers may soon renew a $1-per-gallon rebate for biodiesel blenders that could curb worries over tight supplies in the thinly-traded market. Prices of the biomass-based diesel
by Hagstrom Report (The Fence Post) Renewable fuels groups this week issued statements celebrating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which established the Renewable Fuel Standard and called for an even bigger commitment
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Trump has hosted two meetings in recent weeks with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and others focused on the Renewable Fuel Standard and renewable identification numbers (RINs). Those representing the biofuels industry are speaking out
(American Coalition for Ethanol/KTIC) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings sent a letter today (December 15, 2017) to Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Kevin Brady and Chairman of the Committee on Finance Orrin Hatch urging
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) To cut petroleum usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fuel efficiency standards are set to rise significantly by 2025 under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards—jointly administered by the National Highway
by Jessie Stolark (Enviromental and Energy Study Institute) On December 12, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.” At the heart of
by Richard Valdmanis and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump’s administration called two lawmakers from the U.S. corn belt to convince them to join talks about potential changes to biofuels policy to ease the burden on oil refineries, according to a spokesman for
by Peter Z. Grossman (Washington Examiner) ... People forget how we wound up with an ethanol mandate worth over $20 billion per year (and that doesn’t include various subsidies). EISA was passed because Americans besieged members of Congress, demanding a solution to soaring
by Susan Cornwell (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump is open to reforming the country’s biofuels policy if it can be done in a way that protects jobs in both the refining and agriculture industries, senators said on Thursday after a meeting with
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The American Enterprise Institute is out with a report looking at policymaking lessons from the RFS. It argues the biofuels mandate would be better as a rate standard than a volume standard, EPA should issue
by Andrew F. Quinlan ( Center for Freedom and Prosperity/The Hill) ... A refiner must earn RIN credits to meet its annual obligation by selling enough gallons of biofuel or by purchasing them — the credits, not the actual product — from others with
by Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Billions in breaks for energy sought in ‘tax extenders’ bill; Lobbyists are seeking new credits for coal, nuclear plants -- Energy lobbyists, who failed to get a range of expired breaks for biofuels to coal-fired power plants into the
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... Another aspect of U.S. agricultural exports that is changing is ethanol and its byproduct DDGs. In the past 3 years, U.S. exports of ethanol have grown significantly. Cary Sifferath, Senior Director of Global Programs
by Jarrett Renshaw, Richard Valdmanis (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to meet with representatives of the oil refining industry and their legislative backers to discuss the nation’s biofuels program, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The White House meeting
by Ron Paul (Campaign for Liberty/Fox News) ... While I am sure many Republicans would love to see the RFS repealed entirely – myself included – some have proposed a simple compromise that would seemingly benefit even the ethanol lobby: allow
by Amy Harder (Axios) ... That's how I see things with a carbon tax, despite many economists insisting it's the best, simplest way to combat climate change. There's four big problems, as I explained at the Brookings InstitutionTuesday: Most Republicans elected officials don't publicly
(National Biodiesel Board) Starting today, nearly 100 members of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) are in Washington, D.C., to participate in their biannual fly-in to the Nation’s Capital. NBB members plan to storm the Hill to encourage reinstatement of the biodiesel
by Devin Henry (The Hill) The Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday introduced an Interior Department and environment spending bill that would cut nearly $150 million in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) next year. The legislation provides $32.6 billion in funding
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) ... BIO has led the effort to prompt Congress to recognize the important and emerging biobased sector. Congress’ current effort to reform taxes can revitalize U.S. manufacturing and grow the economy by including legislation supporting
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Giving consumers year-round access to E15 fuel is a major focus of the ethanol industry. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says getting the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver extended to E15 is the key. “You give
by Richard Gilmore (Biofuels Digest/GIC Group) ... The carbon tax alliance is led by prominent Republicans along with some fence sitting Dems and their respective linesmen from public policy think tanks. While seemingly counter-intuitive in light of the Administration’s rejection of any
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA has added a summary of the findings of its USDA-funded feasibility study based on 2016 energy beet project at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. New charts and graphs based on the data developed for
(Bioenergy Insight) The American Biogas Council (ABC) has welcomed the introduction of a new bill in Congress which would extend the renewable electricity tax credit to include anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas technology. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s bill, labelled the Renewable Electricity Tax
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On November 2, House leaders announced their Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). Among the major proposed changes to the U.S. tax code, there are significant changes to the tax incentives offered to the
(National Biodiesel Board) Republicans Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives Unveil New Tax Reform Proposal -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) responded to the release of the comprehensive tax reform proposal issued by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas): “NBB members across
(Digital Journal/BusinessWire) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today thanked Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representatives Ted Poe (R-TX) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) for reintroducing the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act of 2017. This bipartisan bill would level
(PR Newswire/NATSO) On October 31, a diverse group of biodiesel producers, fuel retailers, and trucking interests sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee in support of extending and phasing out the biodiesel blenders' tax credit,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Industry stakeholders and legal experts discuss the recent RFS court ruling, the ongoing U.S. trade cases against Argentina and Indonesia, and the biodiesel tax credit in context of U.S. EPA’s Notice of Data Availability. -- ... According
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) To create additional value in the biobased economy, companies and investors are turning toward the production of renewable chemicals and products. They argue that in prioritizing higher-value chemicals and products, advanced biofuels will
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Business Wire) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today thanked Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and co-sponsors Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Al Franken (D-MN) for introducing the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2017 (S.1980). The
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization and 66 renewable chemical producers recently asked leaders of the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture to reauthorize the Farm Bill’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Manufacturing Assistance Program (Section 9003). BIO
by Mary Kuhlman (Public News Service) The huge algal bloom in Lake Erie is receding, but clean water advocates say the annual problem won't go away without changes in federal policies. One measure raising concerns is the ethanol mandate, which requires a
by Ben Wolfgang (The Washington Times) Citing one nominee’s stance on the federal ethanol mandate and another’s supposed ties to Koch Industries, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat, on Wednesday placed holds on two key nominations for top-level jobs at the Environmental Protection Agency. The move
by David Friedman (The Hill/Consumers Union) What if our government rolled back a program that saved consumers over $45 billion on fuel since 2010? What if they did this despite the fact that the industry involved enjoyed record sales and profits
(Office of Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)) Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced that two Hawaii businesses will receive $1.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding to develop offshore seaweed as a potential clean energy source. The funding was awarded
by Melanie Zanona (The Hill) ... Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who has also been leading a House push to pave the way for autonomous vehicles, reintroduced a bill that would promote investments in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies that
by Keith Laing (Detroit News) U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has introduced legislation that would allow automakers to apply credits for gas mileage improvements from model years as far back as 2009 to help comply with emission rules that require
by Tammy Mastroberte (Convenience Store News) ... One of the top issues right now is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which provides for the inclusion of increasing volumes of renewable fuel into the marketplace each year. With the convenience store industry selling more
by Trey Mewes (Mankato Free Press) As federal officials back off of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, U.S. Sen. Al Franken believes there's going to be more work to do to ensure farmers and rural communities benefit from renewable energy sources. The
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Both Senate EPW Chairman John Barrasso and bill sponsor Deb Fischer now say a measure S. 517 (115) that would allow year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol won't even get a committee vote this
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill focused on rural development and energy programs. The committee has now held nine hearings this
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth above 15 billion gallons will require new markets and widespread understanding of ethanol's carbon-reduction value. -- ... The guaranteed market for 15 billion gallons has been achieved and anything we do beyond that volume will
by Justin Worland (Time Magazine) Sen. Lindsey Graham endorsed a "price on carbon" to fight climate change, breaking with much of the Republican Establishment. Speaking at a climate change conference held by former Secretary of State John Kerry at Yale University, the South Carolina
(Platts/UkrAgroConsult) The US could have trouble meeting its biodiesel blending mandate as imports from Argentina and Indonesia have been cut off by duties, sources have said. "Without Argentina this year or early next year there's going to be a shortage in
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Today, 10 percent of the U.S. gasoline supply is provided by renewable fuel, primarily ethanol. Increasing the use of renewable fuel, which is more sustainable and less polluting than gasoline, will require
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Senator Al Franken (D-MN), together with Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced the Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017, to reauthorize Title IX programs and funding through 2023. ... According to the Agriculture Energy Coalition,
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy is holding its annual advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., this week, bringing together over 150 leaders in the ethanol industry from across the country to champion the association’s policy priorities on Capitol Hill. During Growth Energy’s Biofuels
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
by Liz Morales (Columbus Telegram) Agriculture was a main topic of discussion Wednesday during U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer's listening session in Albion. Fischer said she expects a big fight when the 2018 farm bill is debated in Congress. “The Heritage Foundation
by Lon Carrier (Argus Leader) ... The ethanol volume requirements will likely remain at this level until the EPA takes over the program entirely in 2023. At that point, the agency could cut corn ethanol out of the mandate altogether, which
by Kelsi Bracmort (Congressional Research Service; posted by OurEnergyPolicy.org) Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the RFS, particularly the challenges associated with implementing the RFS and with compliance for entities required to use renewable fuels. Some question whether it is time
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) We were disappointed, but not surprised, to see Mike McAdams and his members come out in support of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard in Biofuels Digest (July 26 – The Time Has Come for RFS
by Lisa Friedman (The New York Times) With a sweeping overhaul of the tax code on the horizon, two Senate Democrats believe this is the moment to broach the third rail of climate change policy: a carbon tax. The plan by the senators, Sheldon
(Bioenergy Insight) The Almond Alliance of California has called for increased funding from the Farm Bill in order to help develop bioenergy outlets for almond biomass and byproducts in the state. Kelly Covello, president of the Almond Alliance of California, explained to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late July, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced legislation that aims to repeal bioenergy programs contained under Title IX of the 2014 Farm Bill. The bill, titled “Farewell to Unnecessary Energy Lifelines (FUEL) Reform Act,” or
by Erica Quinlan (AgriNews) ... Kip Tom, a corn and soybean farmer in Kosciusko County, thinks the benefits of ethanol need to be talked about more. ... “The consumer is saving money in their transportation fuel because of ethanol. “It’s a cleaner-burning
by Senator Al Franken (D-MN) (The Globe) ... That’s why I pushed back hard when President Trump recently proposed more than $230 billion in Farm Bill cuts, including $29 billion in cuts to the crop insurance program, which farmers depend upon
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen keeps a signed copy of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which included the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), hanging on the wall of his office as a
by Brendan O'Connor (Splinter News/Special Projects Desk of Gizmodo Media Group) In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel: affirming science. Specifically, the 30-million-member group, which
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... The House Agriculture Committee has its road trip, labeled "Conversations in the Field," which included a field hearing in Texas on Monday and another one at Farmfest in Minnesota on Thursday. Now Agriculture
by Carl Zulauf, Gary Schnitkey, David Orden (FarmDocDaily) Thirteen agricultural economists put together short papers describing issues that will surface during the writing of the next farm bill. For each issue, the author describes the "policy setting" and details "farm bill
by Sara Taginawa (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Tuesday, July 25, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing examining the future of biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to Emily Skor, chief executive officer
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A Senate committee won’t hold a vote next week on legislation that would have allowed higher ethanol concentrations in some gasoline. The legislation had been pushed for months by corn-state senators like Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Sen. John
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Thursday, July 20, Senate Appropriators reported several spending bills for FY2018 out of committee, including budget proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Energy. Both bills
by Amy Harder (Axios) Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Brian Schatz of Hawaii are introducing a carbon tax bill next Wednesday at the American Enterprise Institute. If that sounds familiar, that's because they did the same thing two years ago with another
by Bill Morris (Habitat Magazine) Bills before Congress would devote $10 billion to clean-energy projects. -- The New York Green Bank, which has been financing solar, wind and other sustainable-energy projects statewide since 2014, has proven so successful that some people want
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., recently introduced legislation that aims to establish a 15-cent-per-pound production tax credit for renewable chemicals made from biomass. The bill, known as the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2017, or H.R. 3149, was
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) NATSO, the national association representing truckstops and travel plazas, along with the Advanced Biofuels Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), Petroleum Marketers Association of America, and the
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. Jim Inhofe will take to the Senate floor to opine on the need for Republicans to work together to support fossil fuels. Sources familiar with Inhofe's thinking say he'd like to introduce amendments that
by Dale McCall (Rocky Mountain Farmers Union/Brian Allmer Radio Network) America’s farming communities are facing an economic crisis. Not since the 1980s have farm incomes declined so far so fast. The Wall Street Journal called it the “next American farm bust” and
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The United Steelworkers fear Sen. Deb Fischer's bill to allow year-round sale of 15 percent ethanol fuel could allow more smog. The union sent a letter Thursday to all 100 senators arguing that the RFS
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) Proponents call on Congress to support legislation to remove barriers to make E15 ethanol blend available year-round. -- The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that would change the language in a federal regulation that currently
by Tom Ewing (Renewable Energy World) A new business-based climate advocacy group stepped into the CO2 spotlight this summer. The Climate Leadership Council (CLC) took center stage with op-eds in the nation’s biggest dailies and a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal. The
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 29, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill for FY2018 providing $144.0 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), $876 million lower than FY2017 and $4.64 billion
by Steven Mufson and Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) The White House has branded this week “energy week,” rolling out a buzzword, “dominance,” and replaying lines from last year’s Trump campaign in an effort to portray the United States as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the draft House Appropriations Committee’s FY2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill was released, and cut the Rural Energy for America Program from $50 million to $9 million, cut the Section 9003 Loan Guarantee program by $65
(Biofuels International) Members of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) have gone to Capitol Hill in Washington to urge Iowa’s Congressional delegation to keep fighting for a reformed biodiesel tax incentive. The two biodiesel bodies claim
by Mark M. Palmer (Renewable Fuels Nebraska/The Grand Island Independent) Gerald Kosmicki’s June 25 letter attacking U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer for supporting ethanol displayed a complete lack of knowledge regarding current fuel economics. Unfortunately, many people like Mr. Kosmicki still
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Federal fuel regulations play a major role. That’s because warm summer weather makes it tougher to hold down automotive emissions, so the U.S. EPA requires cleaner fuel blends from June 1 to Sept.
by Gerald Kosmicki (Grand Island Independent) ... Why not just say farmers need a higher price for their corn, rather than the posturing concern for the environment? We had $7 corn during the Obama years, but a cry from the GOP
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) ... With the oil industry lobbying vigorously in opposition, the future of the bill, introduced by a bipartisan coalition of Midwestern lawmakers, remains in question. But the proposal, nonetheless, represents the ascendance of an increasingly influential ethanol
(Biofuels Journal) More than 25 advanced biofuel producers and trade associations today sent a letter to members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, asking them to support the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S.517), the Biotechnology Innovation
by Brian Dabbs (Bloomberg BNA) Long-awaited efforts to modify biofuel policy are entering the limelight across Capitol Hill. A Senate panel will host a hearing next week on a bill to allow summer sales of vehicle fuel with high concentrations of
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy today announced a seven-figure campaign aimed at promoting legislation that will allow U.S. retailers to offer more biofuel choices to customers year-round. The bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517) is now awaiting action
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Corn ethanol has reached its official limit under the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel program, which means other less-developed, low-carbon fuels will have to step up to fill a 21 billion-gallon gap by 2022. ... Under the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) It’s June 1st, which means the kids are out of school, the pools are open, and E15 pumps in two-thirds of the nation are shutting down. Today marks the official beginning of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rural Business Service to shut down; BCAP, REAP, loan guarantees gone; food stamps, crop insurance slashed. Want to understand what USDA is targeting, cutting, growing or eliminating — but don’t have the time to wade through
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) It's not scheduled yet, but Senate EPW Chairman John Barrasso told reporters Wednesday that legislation allow year-round sale of gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol would still get an EPW markup. "We haven't sent a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy submitted a request for a $1.433B cut, or 69.3 percent to the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy annual budget, and targeted a $168.4M cut in the budget for
by John Fialka (E&E News/Climatewire) In May 2016, investigators from the Government Accountability Office assembled a panel of 19 experts in Washington to explore what had happened to a program to develop a commercial market for advanced biofuels. It had been
(Office of Senator Gary Peters) U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced they are reintroducing the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act to encourage investments in research and development of clean vehicle and advanced safety
by Mike Lorenz (The Hill/Sheetz) Since the founding of Sheetz in 1952, “choice” for our customers and innovation have been central to our mission. ... Since choice and a total focus on our customers is central to who we are, it only makes
By Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Rep. John Shimkus, chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment, said he expected to begin a series of meetings on how to potentially revamp the Renewable Fuel Standard in the coming
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce the publication of New TSCA: A Guide to the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act and Its Implementation, released today by the American Bar Association (ABA). This new book is
by John Duff (Ethanol Producer Magazine/National Sorghum Producers) A drastically changed farm economy means the next bill will likely be very different than past ones. ... -- It is hard to believe the current Farm Bill expires in less
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Republican lawmakers from corn-producing states are hoping to get a vote on a pro-ethanol bill as soon as possible after striking a deal ahead of last week's failed repeal of the Obama administration's methane rule
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) After months of the House passing bills taking shots at the regulatory reform process, the Senate today kicks off its own overhaul efforts in earnest with a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs business meeting.
by Saskia de Melker and Laura Fong (PBS News Hour) STEPHANIE SY: In the rising Eco-Right movement, you could say these are the Eco-Righteous. EVANGELICAL MARCHERS: Hey, hey! ho, ho! Fossil fuels have got to go! STEPHANIE SY: Among the throngs of environmentalists
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Bipartisan legislation from Sen. Deb Fischer that would allow year-round sale of gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol will get a Senate EPW markup and hearing, your host and Pro's Eric Wolff report. Chairman
by Chelsea Harvey and Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) The U.S. Senate narrowly voted down a resolution on Wednesday to repeal an Obama-era rule restricting methane emissions from drilling on public lands — with three Republicans joining every Democrat to
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