by Maxine Joselow (E&E News) President Biden's EPA is expected to draft interim auto emissions standards based on an agreement last year between California and five car companies, according to sources following the matter. EPA is poised to unveil the interim
by David Shepardson (Reuters/Yahoo!Finance) Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler and other major automakers said on Tuesday they were joining General Motors in abandoning support for former President Donald Trump's effort to bar California from setting its own zero emission vehicle rules. The
(Growth Energy) On Friday, January 29th, Growth Energy, along with others in the biofuels industry, filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Case No. 20-1046) challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to
by Liz Crampton (Politico) A Depression-era financial institution was used by the Trump administration to dole out billions to farmers. Now the Biden team has their own ideas about how the money should be spent. The Trump administration used it to
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) In the past few weeks, we have been working with state lawmakers to advance a bill that would provide partial funding for fuel retailers to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to offer E15. This
by Corey Lavinsky and Zane McDonald (S&P Global Platts) US Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to modify the label requirements for gasoline blended with 15% ethanol; EPA’s proposed mock-up labels are less likely to dissuade a customer from using the blend; E15
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is directing the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a status report every 60 days “on its progress in complying with the court’s remand” stemming from the July 2017
by Jinjoo Lee (Wall Street Journal) In the tug of war for former President Donald Trump’s favors, oil refiners won some surprising victories over ethanol producers. Their fortunes are about to flip under President Joe Biden’s climate-driven administration. The fate of U.S.
(Ethanol Report 1-28-21/Energy.AgWired.com) In this edition of the Ethanol Report , we hear from three Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) staff members about the organization's efforts in advocacy, safety, and education. Troy Bredenkamp is RFA's brand new Senior Vice President for Government
by John Steppe (The Gazette/SoutherMinn.com) Gov. Kim Reynolds is looking forward to “building those same relationships” with President Joe Biden and his Environmental Protection Agency staff that she had with the Trump administration to protect biofuels, Reynolds said during Tuesday’s
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) Biofuels groups have high hopes a Biden Administration will get the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) back on track. But an announcement just days on the job seems to showcase a Biden Administration’s push for electric vehicles
(National Farmers Union) An alliance of farm, biofuels, and environmental organizations last night filed an amicus brief in objection to the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficiency Vehicle (SAFE) Rule on the grounds that it both fails to account for toxic pollution from aromatic-laden fuel
(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
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Sinclair Oil Corporation confirmed on Tuesday it secured biofuel blending waivers for its refineries from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shortly before the departure of the administration of President Donald Trump last week. The company made the statement
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA's Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficiency (SAFE) Vehicles Rule is one of the many federal regulations that are set to be reviewed by the Biden administration, according to an executive order issued Jan. 20. “Our Nation has an abiding
by David Ferris (E&E News) This study, an update by the California Energy Commission on the state's EV charging needs, is the first to try to game out the implications of Gov. Gavin Newsom's earthshaking order to ban the sale of
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Valero has filed a lawsuit in Texas state court alleging a Cypress, Texas,-based commodity group failed to deliver renewable identification numbers, or RINs, as part of an agreement with Valero. In the lawsuit filed on Dec.
(Renewable Fuels Association) In response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today ordered that EPA’s action on Tuesday to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday evening by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. “EPA’s decision
by Bruce Comer and Frank Kim (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) COVID-19 further plagues the already challenged North American biofuels M&A market, while capital investments thrive. -- Biofuels merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in North America remained sluggish in 2020. For
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
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is scheduled to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Jan. 15 extending certain Renewable Fuel Standard deadlines for compliance years 2019 and 2020. A public comment period is open
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA seeks comment on several petitions for a waiver of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) volume requirements from refineries and the governors of several states. The petitions and the associated Federal Register Notice are
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 Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s late-2020 survey of producers tells the story of a resilient, changing industry that’s taken mostly indirect hits from the pandemic. Many producers lowered, but later ramped back up, production in 2020. This publication’s survey
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
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of the (MOVES3) for official purposes outside of California. MOVES3 is the latest state-of-the art upgrade to EPA's modeling tools for estimating emissions from cars, trucks, buses,
(Agri-Pulse) It's been an eventful two weeks on Capitol Hill, and the impacts could linger for an extended period of time. Illinois Republican Rodney Davis, a veteran of the House Agriculture Committee and the ranking member of the House Administration
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering requests from the oil refining industry and its backers for a sweeping nationwide waiver to exempt them from their obligations to blend biofuels, a measure they argue would help them weather the
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) 'Essential Energy,' the theme of the upcoming National Ethanol Conference, is inspired by the inclusion of U.S. biofuel producers on the Department of Homeland Security's list of critical and essential industries during
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Members of the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to President Trump on Jan. 12 urging him to direct the U.S. EPA to immediately reject any pending small refinery exemption (SRE) requests that do not meet criteria established
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association expressed gratitude today to seven Republican members of the Senate who called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to back down from rumored small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Lawmakers on both sides of the
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) ... (President-elect Joe) Biden also campaigned on goals to increasingly electrify the US vehicle fleet and maintain support for renewable fuels, which would erode market share for the petroleum fuel that dominates AFPM membership's output. But
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
(Federal Register/Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that no additional measures are necessary pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 211(v) to mitigate the adverse air quality impacts of the renewable fuel volumes required under CAA
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it would propose to extend deadlines for refiners to prove compliance with biofuel laws, but signaled it would not decide on a slew of pending waiver requests submitted
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) Weaker demand is the main factor now, the $5 corn market could delay the industry's recovery. -- Higher corn prices are roiling the U.S. ethanol industry, but the full impact of the corn price spike might
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The
by Jennifer Shike (Farm Journal Ag Web) With just eight days left in EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s term, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Geoff Cooper told AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory on Tuesday that he’s not surprised
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a 150 percent jump in civil penalties for automakers that don't meet fuel economy requirements won't take effect until model year 2022, a move that could
(Renewable Fuels Association) On “Day One” in office, President-elect Biden’s incoming administration can immediately secure 10.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions simply by rejecting the 66 pending waiver requests from oil refiners who are looking to dodge their
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration is expected to grant waivers to some oil refiners that would exempt them from requirements to blend biofuels into their fuel mix for the 2019 compliance year, according to two sources
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Supreme Court will review a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver that found EPA mishandled the small-refinery exemptions program in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The 10th Circuit ruling
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (January 7, 2021), a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on Jan. 6 issued final regulations regarding the section 45Q tax credit for qualified carbon oxide sequestration. The Carbon Capture Coalition said the final rule provides long-overdue regulatory
(Growth Energy) In a court filing today (January 5, 2021), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association continued to call on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to release the names and locations of refineries granted exemptions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2021? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2020
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Would ensure equity weighed in rulemakings, policies; Transparency urged for environment justice decisions -- The time is ripe to bring a wave of environmental justice advisers into federal agencies to ensure the incoming Biden administration makes
by Brendan Gibbons (San Antonio Report) Enough methane from decaying waste in a private San Antonio landfill can be harvested to offset the need for fossil fuel use by most of VIA Metropolitan Transit’s bus fleet, officials say. CPS Energy, VIA, and
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A consent decree published today in the Federal Register gives EPA until Feb. 19 to decide whether to exempt a refinery owned by United Refining Co. in Pennsylvania from the 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements.
(U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Effective December 30, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain palm oil and products containing palm oil produced by Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and its subsidiaries, joint
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Expecting heightened attention on renewable energy in the years ahead, Growth Energy will be working with America’s elected leaders to unleash ethanol as the engine of the rural economy and the foundation of
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol is ready to execute on Accelerate, a roadmap for sparking new demand for ethanol. The plan is built around implementing new clean fuel policies, protecting what
by Alex Tiller (Carbonvert Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) The road to qualifying for the 45Q tax credit can be confusing, with strict limitations on project phases and what constitutes start of construction. But, navigated properly, the credit is a promising opportunity. Carbon
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) As biofuel producers attempt to force EPA to restore 500 million gallons that a court found were improperly waived from the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2016, a petroleum interest group is arguing those groups have
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday said it was finalizing the first-ever proposed standards regulating greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes. The EPA said its new requirements for airplanes used in commercial aviation and for large
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In today’s Digest, we look at the HOTTEST Digest Slide Guides like Corbion’s biobased Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), Gevo’s low carbon drop-in transportation fuels, Neste, an exclusive Digest Q&A with Clariant, and even some
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed Kurt Kovarik, National Biodiesel Board’s VP of Federal Affairs, at ABLC this summer, check out this slide guide where he outlines NBB’s vision, their new mission of 15 billion gallons of biodiesel
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 Michelle Lewis (Electrek) Pete Buttigieg, casually known as “Mayor Pete” since he was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, for eight years, was nominated last week by President-elect Joe Biden to be secretary of transportation. Buttigieg reiterated what he wants
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
(Haldoe Topsoe) The world’s first podcast about renewables for the refinery industry season two. This time, Sylvain Verdier and Mikala Grubb from Topsoe look into some of the most pressing topics in renewables and the refining industry, including trends in
by John Herath (Farm Journal AgWeb) President-Elect Joe Biden officially announced his climate cabinet on Saturday, including the nomination of Michael Regan of North Carolina to be EPA Administrator. On the eve of that announcement, Regan was on the phone with
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) Renewable diesel — also known as green diesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil, or hydrotreated esters and fatty acids — has now gained widespread attention throughout the world. This growing interest is turning into
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) As developers, investors and plant operators explore options to increase production and market share of renewable fuels, the concept of carbon intensity (CI) must be well-understood. It might be the deciding factor that
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) For organizations looking to develop, construct and commission a new renewable diesel plant, it’s important to understand the various market conditions at play to avoid poorly made investments and the pitfalls of lost
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 Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 17, reporting that five additional SRE petitions have been filed with the agency seeking exemptions of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. The status
by Brady Dennis (Washington Post) President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Brenda Mallory, a longtime expert in environmental law and regulation, to head the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality, according to several people familiar with the decision who spoke anonymously
by Brady Dennis, Steven Mufson and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) President-elect Joe Biden will choose to nominate Michael S. Regan, who heads the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, as the next Environmental Protection Agency administrator, according to two individuals
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Information released by the White House Office of Management and budget indicates the a proposed rule to set 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard could be released soon. A rulemaking is
by Miranda Green (The New Republic) ... California’s pathbreaking climate measures range from a ban on future car combustion engine sales to setting a historic 100 percent clean energy goal by 2045. And in order to implement Joe Biden’s still more ambitious campaign promise
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politco's Morning Energy) The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court not to review the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision creating a strict new definition of who qualifies for small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, and National Farmers Union today filed a brief challenging EPA’s August 2019 decision to exempt 31 small refineries from their obligations to comply
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 Clifford Krauss (New York Times) Used cooking oil is one of the ingredients in renewable diesel, which generates far less emissions than conventional diesel and allows refineries to take advantage of federal and state incentives. -- ... Companies that
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
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted a notice of intent to sue letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its failure to fulfill its statutory obligation to issue the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by November 30th, 2020, an annual deadline set by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s in Hot Water? Some of the Usual Suspects get into the usual trouble. We note that EPA missed the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation deadline, and Growth Energy threatens a lawsuit. Really. We get tired of reporting on
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,
(Renewable Fuels Association) An annual analysis of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements by the Renewable Fuels Association reveals that while nearly all new 2021 automobiles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use E15 gasoline, far fewer models are being offered as
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Ford Motor Co is urging major automakers to consider backing a framework deal with California on vehicle emissions in a bid to reach industry consensus before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, according to a letter seen
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has missed its Nov. 30 statutory deadline to set the 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel. While the delay was
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he overriding objective should be to increase demand, which increases ethanol volume and corn grind. With that in mind, do we continue to fight for what is almost certain to be a reduced
By Laura Sanicola (Reuters) If U.S. President-elect Joe Biden tries to restrict development of oil and gas drilling on federal lands, the American Petroleum Institute (API) will use “every tool at its disposal” including legal action, chief executive Mike Sommers said
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia asking the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address its improper waiver of 500
by Christina Stella (WVIK/NPR) ... As Americans hunkered down for lockdowns, gasoline demand across the country plummeted. Ethanol industry leaders issued warnings that the financial repercussions of widespread lockdowns could be significant to plants across the country. They later reported half of
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
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Nov. 19, reporting that six additional SRE petitions have been filed with the agency, including one for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year 2019 and
(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 Sebastien Malo (Reuters/WestLaw) A federal appeals court vacated for the second time on Tuesday a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denial of small oil refinery Ergon West Virginia Inc's (EWVI) request for an exemption from the country's biofuel regulations after finding
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is accepting comments on a proposed information collection request related to the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. In a notice published in the Federal Register, the USDA said the information collection is needed for
(95.3 MNC) Jasper County, Indiana will soon have its first E15 fueling station thanks to efforts from two farmer-owned cooperatives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ... Ceres Solutions owns the CountryMark-branded station on North McKinley Avenue in Rensselaer, Indiana,
(WNAX) Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley told farm reporters Thursday that 2020 has been a tenuous year for renewable fuels. He says ethanol demand has been hurt by the pandemic and gap year waiver requests for refiners has created a lot of
by Nichola Groom, David Shepardson (Reuters) California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols, who sources say could be the next federal environment chief, said on Thursday her state’s agreement with manor automakers for fuel efficiency requirements could serve as a “good
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
RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper reminds us that President Elect Joe Biden committed on the campaign trail to put an end to the Trump Administration’s EPA small refinery waivers on day one according to Brownfield Ag News. READ MORE
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 Katie Pratt (University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment) Sulfur found in biofuel feedstock could pose serious problems to the industry, because it causes pollution, is toxic to the catalyst and corrosive to biorefinery equipment. A national group
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The EPA has asked the Supreme Court for an extension to file a response to a refiner's petition for review of an appeals court's January 2020 ruling on small-refinery exemptions. HollyFrontier Corp. appealed to the high
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Government incentives drive renewable diesel projects growth; Demand up as regional low carbon regulations increase -- Once the scourge of the US refining industry, some refiners are now looking to renewable fuels to help their bottom
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) ... Poet’s cellulosic ethanol plant at Emmetsburg was named Project Liberty. Following Poet’s lead, two other companies built cellulosic ethanol plants — one in Kansas and one at Nevada in central Iowa. The owners of those
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
(Today/Reuters) Both U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden have tried to clinch rural votes ahead of the election by voicing support for corn-based ethanol. But big questions remain over how either would administer the nation's biofuel law,
by John Herath (Farm Journal's Ag Pro) Wheeler (EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler) said on the AgriTalk Radio Show on Monday that he will not consider those waiver requests until after the courts have spoken on that appeal. “The refiners appealed that to
by Chris Dunker (Lincoln Journal Star) In lifting a restriction on the sale of E15 during summer months, corn growers and ethanol producers praised President Donald Trump for removing a major roadblock to expanding sale of the 15% ethanol blend. ... The
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 Marc Berger (Daily Citizen) ... The EPA announced that E15 -- a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol -- can be pumped through existing E10 infrastructure, helping expand the market for ethanol at a critical time. Despite this, we’re
(Growth Energy/Renewable Fuels Association) Upon the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to adequately respond to several Freedom of Information Act requests filed by the biofuels industry regarding the small refinery exemption (SRE) program and EPA’s radical escalation in granting SREs in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the top 5 registered producers of cellulosic biofuel in the U.S., Iogen’s Brian Foody shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 on what cellulosic biogas is and how is it used today,
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding emissions standard compliance calculations for Flex Fuel vehicles (FFVs), the Renewable Fuels Association supported the EPA’s new approach to maintaining some level of certainty for automakers in the absence
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering changes to labels for gasoline containing higher blends of ethanol, or E15, in an effort to appease the biofuel industry’s concerns that current labels discourage use of the fuel, according
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) COVID-19 has impacted every industry in some way, but Mike McCurdy from ICF shared this slide guide at ABLC2020 demonstrating how COVID-19 has had limited impact on some areas for renewable fuels and how compliance fuels’
by K. Johnson (Storm Lake Times) ... I hear a lot of political lip service these days about reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and cleaning up the air. Alcohol from corn and grains should be a major part of that
(WNAX) Senators from 15 oil producing states have written to the EPA Administrator asking him to freeze the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2021. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says courts have already determined that what they’re asking for
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
(Solutions from the Land) NACSAA 'Capstone Submission' Stresses CSA Is 'Foundational' to Global Agreement -- North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance has handed over its capstone submission into the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, the global platform for ag policy
Stability? Will there be the incentives and markets where lowest-carbon fuels, renewable chemicals, protein, advanced foods and sustainable agriculture can thrive? Investment? Where will the money come from for developing and nurturing new companies, and deploying new technology at commercial scale? Technology? How will technologies adapt to
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today blasted the latest attempt by oil refiners and their supporters in the Senate to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard. On Wednesday, a small group of oil-state Senators submitted a short letter to EPA Administrator Andrew
by George Miller (Columbus Dispatch) ... From geothermal steam in Nevada to the low-carbon biofuel feedstocks harvested across Ohio, carbon savings are available through the labor and ingenuity of green energy workers in every community. We’ve seen this strategy work in
by Doug Rebout (GazetteXtra) ... The EPA has consistently undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard by granting Small Refinery Exemptions—or waivers—to big oil, essentially cutting billions of gallons of biofuel demand and cutting off this vital market to corn farmers. The president
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Oct. 15 issued its final Fuels Streamlining Rule, which streamlines the agency’s existing regulations for gasoline, diesel and other fuels. It does not, however, change the stringency of existing fuel quality
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) Reinford Farms in central Pennsylvania has been a pioneer in integrating codigestion of manure and food waste on a dairy farm. -- ... In 2008, Reinford Farms installed a 526,000-gallon complete-mix anaerobic digester supplied by RCM
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Oct. 15, reporting two additional SRE petitions have been filed for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year 2019. No other changes were made to the
by Erin Murphy (The Courier) Campaigning in Iowa on Wednesday night, President Donald Trump touted his administration’s work to boost the ethanol industry and help farmers in Iowa. Trump’s administration this year issued a rule that allows gas stations to
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) commissioners approved a policy statement that they are open to establishing market rules that will allow for putting a price on carbon dioxide emissions. The statement, which was not
by Maddie Biertempfel (KXNet) Midwest AgEnergy’s Blue Flint biorefinery in Underwood turns corn into ethanol, but that process’s byproduct, carbon dioxide, can be harmful to the environment. The energy company is working to mitigate those effects by testing out a carbon
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill Overnight Energy) During the second day during the politically-charged confirmation hearing for Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination for the Supreme Court, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) invoked environmental issues to ask the nominee for her views on administrative
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that the Commercial Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Standards Phase 1 rules saved 270 million tons CO2 and 530 million barrels of oil
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) With his $2 trillion plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Joe Biden might seem a far from ideal president for the Texas oil and gas industry. But new analysis by Goldman Sachs says that compared with a
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) Connecting people from renewable fuels companies with projects they want to finance to the people who can finance them was a key goal for Parhelion Underwriting’s recent virtual roundtable. The finance panel included Justin Goldstein
by Steve Kopperud (Brownfield Ag News) This was the week agriculture – organized and individual – emerged from the political closet and started laying down markers for the November 3 election. The Ag CEO Council, comprised of the heads of 21 of
by Chris Teale (Smart Cities Dive) More than 200 elected officials at the city and state level issued a joint declaration Thursday calling on automakers to stop supporting the Trump administration's rollback of national and state clean car standards. The "Clean Cars Declaration" urges
by Eric Wolff (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump carbon rules for power plants goes to court in a mirror image of the case from 2016 when the Obama administration's more stringent rules faced the judges. -- ... It's déjà vu all
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... But what we thought we did know was that he (President Donald Trump) was determined to remove regulations that were holding back American business. So that held some excitement and promise
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A survey of ethanol plant CEOs and general managers shows the COVID-19 downturn had a significant impact on their operations. Most producers have substantially ramped up production since spring, but a full recovery is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 106-billion-gallon global (21-billion-gallon domestic) commercial jet fuel market is projected to grow to over 230 billion gallons by 2050. Cost-competitive sustainable alternative jet fuels for aviation are needed to decouple carbon growth from market
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition) Scientifically Backed Change in Status of Carbon Emissions from Ag Feedstocks Could Provide Massive Boost to Struggling U.S. Economy -- The Biogenic CO2 Coalition, a working group of leading trade associations that support American agriculture, today released a new
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico) The agriculture secretary has kept farmers in Trump’s corner, but Democrats claim he crosses the line between public duties and political promotion. -- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue offered a spirited pitch for voters to reelect President Donald
(Bergeson & Campbell) On September 29, 2020, EPA announced that it has submitted for review and approval an information collection request (ICR) on Anaerobic Digestion Facilities Processing Wasted Food to Support EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program and Sustainable Management of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Despite estimates that ethanol producers could lose up to $8 billion this year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says he has no authority to make payments to plants through the Commodity Credit Corporation under the latest round
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Securities and Exchange Commission member Allison Herren Lee said on Tuesday that "climate change presents a systemic risk to the financial market" and that "there's certainly evidence that climate risks are currently underpriced." Lee, who
by Art Cullen (Washington Post/Storm Lake Times) One big reason Republicans are shoving a Supreme Court appointment through the Senate before the election is their rising fear of losing the upper chamber — and the White House — in November.
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 Robert Rapier (Forbes) This week at a campaign rally in Jacksonville, Florida, President Trump made a puzzling claim. Near the end of a story about Kamala Harris, Trump said “The great state of Iowa — where I made ethanol possible for them...” I
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 Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The D.C. Circuit on Friday hosted the annual legal rite: a challenge to EPA's blending mandate under the Renewable Fuel Standard, with this round focusing on the rule governing 2019 requirements. Biofuel producers argued that
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