by Emily Holden (The Guardian) EPA chief Wheeler says current soot regulations are adequate despite research that shows stricter rules could save thousands of lives -- Under the current standard, which was set in 2012, polluters can emit enough soot to
by Brentan Alexander (Forbes) ... But for advanced biofuels, which qualify for a broad set of renewable credits, their unique diversification of revenue streams is providing protection against the price destruction occurring in the fuels marketplace. ... Potential feedstocks for advanced biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released a proposed rule on April 13 that aims to streamline and modernize the agency’s existing fuels regulations. In the rulemaking, the EPA said it is proposing “some slight modifications to the
by Matt Carr (New Energy America/The Hill) The novel coronavirus pandemic could not have come at a worse time for America’s clean energy industry. After overcoming years of attacks by the Trump administration, the resultant loss of demand is threatening to decimate
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) ... Once our nation gets through the current uncertainty that is ahead of us in the near term, I believe the future of biodiesel and renewable diesel in America is extremely bright. ... Biodiesel, renewable diesel,
(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said today that he will send a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to help the ethanol industry. Grassley said he
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request by refiners for an en banc hearing of the January case that voided three small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, Pro's Eric Wolff reports. READ
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule on March 31. The rule sets corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
(Urban Air Initiative) The EPA is working on another emission testing program, one that will cost $25 million and last five years. This comes on the heels of a previous emissions study funded by the EPA. When the Urban Air Initiative
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... RFA told The Digest that about 4.4 billion gallons of capacity has come offline since March 1, plus what was already idle, the total is about 5.2 billion gallons idle – that’s approximately
(Reuters/NewsMax Finance) The U.S. biofuel industry has asked the Trump administration for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation to help it survive a demand slump triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA published a notice on March 12 announcing 42 states and territories failed to submit state plans under the 2016 emissions guidelines for existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The March 12 notice represents
(BBI International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for the new D3MAX facility at Ace Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin. To participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and generate renewable identification numbers
(The Fuels Institute/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. biomass-based diesel, comprised of both biodiesel and renewable diesel, has increased rapidly in a relatively short time span to become a leading source of alternative transportation fuel. According a new report released March 26 by the Fuels
"EPA’s rule assumes that electric vehicles have no “upstream” greenhouse gas emissions related to their use; in other words, the agency completely ignores emissions related to producing electricity from coal, natural gas, and other sources and distributing the electricity to
by Sean Szymkowski (Road Show) The changes, wrapped into the SAFE Vehicles Rule, will result in less stringent CAFE improvements through 2026. -- The SAFE Vehicle Rule, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lowers
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) The new rule will improve the U.S. car and light truck fleet’s efficiency by 1.5 percent a year, versus nearly 5 percent under current law. The new rule will improve the U.S. car
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday unveiled measures to help oil refineries cope with fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, including waiving anti-smog requirements for gasoline and extending the deadline for small facilities to show compliance
by Susan Reidy (World-Grain.com) Despite a challenging environment, the global biofuels industry is holding steady and driving ahead with new policies, innovations and legislation to promote more robust growth in the future. In the EU, 2020 marks the deadline for certain greenhouse
(Renewable Fuels Association) As part of a package intended to “protect the nation’s gasoline supply in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it intends to wait until “appeals have been resolved and the court’s mandate has been
y Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Renewable Fuels Association released its 2020 Ethanol Industry Outlook, an annual publication that provides policymakers, regulators, consumers, the media, and renewable fuel advocates with key statistics, trends, insight, and analysis on the latest developments
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Check out Part 3 of the National Biodiesel Board’s slide guide that delves into ASTM fuel specifications for biodiesel and fuel quality, biodiesel standards like BQ-9000, legislative updates impacting biodiesel demand and state policies, latest
by Donald Shaw and David Moore (Sludge) Perkins Coie, a law firm with deep ties to the Democratic Party, is lobbying for fossil fuel clients to win exemptions from a federal program to limit greenhouse gas emissions. -- ... The
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. ethanol producers are on track to shut about 2 billion gallons of annualized output by the end of this week because of a slump in demand for fuel, the head of the Renewable Fuels Association trade
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Check out Part 2 of the National Biodiesel Board’s slide guide that focuses on biodiesel’s on-road heavy-duty emission benefits, why they consider biodiesel as “liquid solar energy”, how 3 billion gallons of biodiesel used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While things are topsy turvy around the world right now, Part 1 to this visual National Biodiesel Board slide guide takes us on an industry overview, the diesel vehicle market forecast, the U.S. biodiesel and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Ethanol and farm groups today welcomed the Trump administration’s decision not to seek a re-hearing of a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that struck down certain small refinery exemptions (SREs) under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) created exemptions allowing certain alcohol fuel permit holders to sell ethanol (alcohol) for use in the
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Administration will not appeal court ruling curbing exemptions; Officials directed to look for other ways to help oil refiners -- The Trump administration doesn’t plan to challenge a federal court ruling that dramatically curbs its ability
by Meghan Gordon (S&P Global) US Senator Chuck Grassley, Republican-Iowa, urged the Trump administration Thursday to help the US biofuel industry weather plunging fuel prices and demand, just as the White House was seen as supporting domestic oil producers by
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies) One of the biggest issues I’ve been working on in my consulting practice over the last year is related to the scale up of renewable diesel (RD also known as hydrogenated vegetable oil or HVO).
(Renewable Fuels Association) With the need for a decision only days away, the coalition that successfully won a unanimous court decision against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued its call for the agency to not appeal the decision by launching a
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) A growing number of Democrats are voicing concern that the White House may pursue broad relief for the oil and gas industry amid sinking prices and the coronavirus pandemic. Twenty House Democrats sent a letter to President Trump on
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) ... The downturn in demand for ethanol, which is blended at a 10% rate in almost every gallon of gasoline consumed in the U.S., is coming at a time when ethanol plants were already economically
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... With many ethanol plants on the verge of shutting down, we implore the Trump Administration to take action that equitably supports all liquid fuel industries—including ethanol producers—during this time of unprecedented market uncertainty and
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The widespread introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) as a means of reducing carbon emissions presents a far greater challenge than the public is being led to believe, according to new research by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) This supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) includes clarifications, modifications and additions to certain provisions in the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science Proposed Rulemaking (“2018 proposed rulemaking,” Ref. 1), published on April 30, 2018. This SNPRM
(Office of U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE)) U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General (IG) to open an investigation into potentially unlawful efforts and
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Poltico's Morning Energy) JUST WHEN HE THOUGHT HE WAS OUT:The president is once again caught in the middle of a spat between oil refiners and ethanol producers centered around small refinery exemptions under the RFS, Pro's Eric
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) U.S. DOE and EPA are Screwing America (And No One Cares - Do You?) +VIDEO -- ... So, I did a Google search of his name (Daniel R. Simmons) along with the word "ethanol."
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Earlier this week the Trump Administration was granted a two-week delay in deciding whether to appeal a court ruling on small refinery exemptions. Does that mean an appeal is likely? Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley doesn’t think
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Economic benefits hampered by RFS exemptions -- Today (March 11, 2020) a new study finds despite challenges, Iowa biofuel production continues to have a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, supporting over 48,000 jobs and more than $2.4
by Michelle Rook (AgWeek) Leaders of the nation’s top commodity organizations were focused on trade, biofuels and the upcoming crop season at this year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio. -- ...U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told farmers at Commodity Classic that
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Appeal would be ‘a stunning betrayal’ of farmers, groups warn; Move allows EPA to keep waiving refineries from biofuel quotas -- President Donald Trump’s decision to defend the U.S. government’s power to broadly exempt oil refineries
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) In accordance with Section 2709 of the 2008 Farm Bill, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed technical guidelines and science-based methods to quantify greenhouse gas sources and sinks from the agriculture and forest sectors
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, has offered an amendment to an energy bill to cap the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as time is running out on the EPA to make
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) ... EPA has collected data on every new light-duty vehicle model sold in the United States since 1975, either from testing performed by EPA at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg News/The Eagle) President Donald Trump has decided to appeal a federal court ruling that jeopardized the U.S. government’s ability to widely exempt refineries from requirements to use renewable fuels. The decision follows an intense
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is mulling new measures to help oil refiners cope with the cost of complying with the nation’s biofuel policy, as the agency faces a sweeping legal challenge
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Feb. 21, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019. A total of 23 SRE petitions
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Despite challenging conditions in 2019, Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.31 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year, according to a new study by ABF Economics. In 2019, the industry produced 1.31 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.6
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Trump administration's plans for addressing vehicle emissions may not be as good for society as an Obama administration rule, according to a review released Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) independent science board. The analysis
(U.S. Department of Justice) A Colorado resident was sentenced to 83 months in prison on Friday for his role in a biodiesel tax credit fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. According
by Andrew Deziel (Lonsdale News Review) A bipartisan group of legislators have introduced a bill that would make Minnesota the first state in the nation to embrace E15, or gasoline with 15% ethanol, as the standard. The bill was introduced Monday in the House
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Yesterday (February 27, 2020), a group of senators wrote a letter to President Trump regarding the January 24 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that found the EPA improperly exceeded its
(Office of Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN2)) Today, U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) delivered a letter signed by 11 members on the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus urging the Select Committee on Climate Crisis to include biofuels as a
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) ... The most effective policies, economists and industrialists agree, are those that put a price on carbon. Doing so with a tax could make for a potent policy, but the idea doesn’t
by Douglas Duarante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ... presented a 10 year plan for E15 and a 30 year plan for E30 that is neither bold nor visionary and clearly suggests they need
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Almost two years after Congress initially expanded a tax incentive for carbon capture and sequestration projects as part of its 2018 budget bill, the IRS on Wednesday released its initial guidance on how exactly industries
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with
by David Vander Griend (Urban Air Initiative) Octane. Mercedes called it the single most important parameter in designing engines. And guess what? Ethanol has the highest octane blending value and the lowest cost of any gasoline additive commercially available. Today’s
by Cácia Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 15th the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) Carbon Management Research Initiative and the Women in Energy program hosted a panel of experts to discuss carbon capture policies and technologies, especially Carbon Capture, Utilization
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2018 is available for public review. EPA requests recommendations for improving the overall quality of the inventory report to be finalized in April 2020, as well
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking White House guidance on the future of its controversial biofuel waiver program after a court ruling cast doubt over its legitimacy, and aims to announce a decision by early next
by Tristan R. Brown (Times Union) ...The state's transportation sector, which currently is responsible for 46 percent of its total energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, must undergo rapid and comprehensive decarbonization on an unprecedented scale. If New York is to
by Cynthia Thyfault (Global Biofuture Solutions) The USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, also known as the “9003” program, provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial scale
(American Banker) Banks in corn country are worried the once booming ethanol business has reached its peak as profits have been pinched by low prices, bad weather and the Trump administration’s moves to curb ethanol use. The price of a gallon of
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association was honored to welcome George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, to the 25th Annual National Ethanol Conference today in Houston. By championing an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy production while in
by Alan Adler (Freight Waves) Waivers of blending rules for small refineries drive up pump price of renewable fuels. -- NATSO, the trade group for highway travel center operators, is trying to preserve subsidies for biodiesel that let members profitably
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In California, Oberon Fuels and SHV Energy are partnering to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. For Oberon’s path to scale, the partnership will include funding to
by Zack Coleman and Alex Guillén (Politico) DOJ was investigating whether Ford, Volkswagen, Honda and BMW illegally coordinated last year. -- The Justice Department has ended its antitrust investigation of automakers who formed a voluntary deal with California to reduce
by Miranda Green (New Republic) If politicians no longer coveted that early "Iowa bump," would they still feel compelled to support ethanol subsidies? In the wake of Iowa’s caucus vote-counting disaster, political staffers and pollsters alike are reconsidering the state’s
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Fifteen years ago, farmers produced so much soybean oil they couldn't figure out what to with it all. It was good for cooking and salad dressing — and not much more. "We were throwing it away," recalled
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) Under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel percentage standards every year. This action establishes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel,
(Natural Resources Defense Council) The Department of Energy is flouting the will of Congress by delaying clean energy R&D and Congress should act quickly to prevent such ideologically driven efforts that thwart action to combat climate change, a Natural Resources Defense
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The 13th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo drew nearly 900 industry stakeholders to Nashville, Tennessee, where, following an awards ceremony, a roundtable discussion with biomass association leaders covered topics including the state of the industry, tax
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new Renewable Fuels Association analysis found that approximately 500 million gallons of E15 were sold nationwide in 2019, setting a new record and proving that the Trump administration’s elimination last summer of an obsolete regulatory barrier is
by Matthew L. Gibson (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... Today I’m going to put on my “Food Production Hat” and share with you some thoughts about where your co-products ultimately end up: Food. What your downstream customers have to deal with. Hopefully,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management published a notice of availability on Jan. 15 establishing eligibility and selection criteria for biomass demonstration project proposals submitted for BLM-managed lands as authorized by the Indian
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) When Ted Cruz, a strong opponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard, won the Iowa caucuses four years ago, political pundits said it was the “beginning of the end” for national biofuels policy. After all,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and Growth Energy are among the groups that submitted comments to the USDA regarding the development of its new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The USDA issued a request
(National Association of Farm Broadcasting/KRVN) The National Biodiesel Board released comments in response to the USDA’s request for information on the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The NBB stated it’s grateful that biodiesel is included in the program. The infrastructure needs for
(Ethanol Report/Renewable Fuels Association) In this episode of The Ethanol Report, we hear about a new court ruling that could be a game changer for Small Refinery Exemptions, get a preview of the 25th annual National Ethanol Conference, learn about
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Investors representing almost $113 billion in assets under management warned oil, gas, mining and timber companies not to take advantage of Trump administration environmental rollbacks, arguing they should consider the financial risk. Trump rollbacks
by Rick Fox (Ohio Ethanol Producers Association/Columbus Dispatch) Even though Ohio is one of the nation’s leading ethanol producing states, it lags far behind other states in terms of the number of retailers that offer higher blends of ethanol gasoline such
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) ... While climate change has been given short shrift on the debate stages, it’s been widely discussed as the state races toward its first-in-the-nation caucuses on Monday. Record-setting flooding devastated nearly every corner of the state
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Jan. 27 submitted a proposed rule to streamline fuels regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final step before a proposed rule is released
The discussion will highlight alternatives to gasoline aromatics that benefit public health, the environment/climate change, national security, and the economy. These solutions could be implemented in the upcoming Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. Governors, public health, environmental, energy, public
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a decision that is expected to broadly impact the Environmental Protection Agency’s approach to granting small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit late on Friday struck
by John Herath (Farm Journal Ag Web) If elected president, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) plans to immediately roll back all of the small refinery exemptions made to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Klobuchar made the pledge on the AgriTalk Radio
(Federal Register/Land Management Bureau) The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is establishing eligibility and selection criteria for Tribal Biomass Demonstration Project and Alaska Native Biomass Demonstration Project proposals submitted for BLM-managed lands, as authorized by the Indian Tribal Energy Development
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s rule allowing year-round sale of E15 is a monumental achievement for the ethanol industry, but might also stymie growth for higher blends. Challenges to the rule could take the issues to
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) As discussions about climate change ramp up, ethanol and its impact on emissions and the environment should be top of mind. -- We’re only halfway through the 116th Congress and, already, there have been
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce the release of the complete suite of TSCA Tutor™ regulatory training courses online and on-demand at www.TSCAtutor.com. Professionals seeking expert, efficient, essential training can preview and enroll in on-demand
(Hagstrom Report/Fence Post) ... In a call to rural reporters, Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley R-IA) noted that he continues to warn the Trump administration that farmers are watching the management of the Renewable Fuel Standard and that he had heard
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) Biofuel industry advocates say they’re pleased with how the Democratic presidential candidates are talking about ethanol and biodiesel in Iowa, although most of the campaigns haven't provided specifics about how they would increase demand. READ MORE Trump
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... They have been three years in the valley of the shadow of Death, and have emerged on the other side with huge wins in recent weeks on tax credits, progress on Argentine and China
by Ryan Beene and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Revised proposal will require modest annual efficiency gains; Draft rule is under review by White House budget office -- ... A draft of the final rule, now undergoing a final White House
(National Biodiesel Board) Attendees hear from industry leaders representing the Fuels Institute, the National Truck Equipment Association, and major OEMs -- Attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo received an enlightening glimpse into the future as industry leaders from the
by Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) The biofuel's intended uses for energy independence and greenhouse gas reduction have become matters of debate. But no one questions its political clout, economic importance or staying power. -- ... Janet McCabe is
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Jan. 16, reporting that five new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019, up from 16 petitions
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) As the keynote speaker at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said “2019 sucked” but the industry is focusing forward now into the “Roaring ’20s.” Cooper offered four predictions for the new
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input to help with the creation of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), a new program that will expand the availability of domestic ethanol and biodiesel by incentivizing the expansion
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. has purchased a partially complete ethanol plant in Kansas. While the company previously said it would convert the facility to cellulosic production, Aemetis Chairman and CEO Eric McAfee said there are currently
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Almost two years after Congress passed a law more than doubling tax credits for power and industrial plants that build systems to prevent carbon dioxide emissions, efforts to begin construction are on hold. Companies have announced plans
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From GHG emissions and carbon savings to growing public policy support, REG is working hard on improving biodiesel’s LCFS value. Check out this Slide-Guide from REG’s Director of Government Affairs, Lindsay Fitzgerald’s presentation at ABLC
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA and NHTSA on Tuesday sent their new auto emissions and fuel efficiency rules to the Office of Management and Budget for review, EPA confirmed to ME. This is the second half of the
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine/Biomass Power Association) As we begin 2020, I thought an update of the Biomass Power Association’s pursuit of electric RINs, or eRINs, would be in order. Last year was big for us, and while we would
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... NBB undertook a formal strategic planning process in the second half of 2019 to ask the tough questions, define the challenges and opportunities, and to lay out a roadmap to achieving those
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) The recent conflict with Iran and its proxies in Iraq has served as a reminder of the enduring potential for geopolitical risk to unsettle petroleum markets – not just globally but also in the U.S.
by Josh Pedrick (S&P Global Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has set the 2020 cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) at $1.80, in line with S&P Global Platts expectations, the agency said on its website. Parties obligated under the Renewable Fuel
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A trio of Democratic senators urged four major Marathon Petroleum shareholders to exert influence to shift the refining company's climate change lobbying efforts. The letters from Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Martin Heinrich (N.M.) to JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard cited
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Financial Post) The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) will review the Trump administration’s use of waivers exempting oil refineries from the nation’s biofuel blending requirements, according to a letter dated Friday, after lawmakers called for an investigation. The so-called
(DTN Progressive Farmer) The American Petroleum Institute (API) utilized a portion of its State of American Energy 2020 report to reiterate its complaints about U.S. biofuel policy. “Biofuel mandates distort the marketplace to use products that can damage vehicles,” API stated. API maintained
by Sean Reilly, Kelsey Brugger, Maxine Joselow and Ariel Wittenberg (E&E News) ... The SAB (Science Advisory Board) also lobbed extensive criticism at the Trump administration's rollback of Obama-era clean car standards. "There are significant weaknesses in the scientific analysis of the
by Bob Miller (Destin Log) Ethanol is in fact an excellent solvent and will help keep injectors clean. -- I just read Ron Hart’s opinion piece in your paper. I don’t want to call it ignorant but it is extremely poorly researched. Essentially
(Diesel Technology Forum) he Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI). This initiative will include a future rulemaking
by Michael Karlik (Colorado Politics) Suncor Energy U.S.A. has filed a petition asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to review a federal decision denying the company a one-year exemption from the country's biofuels requirement at its two refineries
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., Valero Energy Corporation and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to look at whether the EPA is following the law by not considering past petitions to change the point
(Renewable Fuels Association) RFAEditor’s Note: In keeping with a long-standing RFA holiday tradition, our very own Senior Strategic Advisor offers his views on what is on the way “out” as we turn our calendars to 2020 and what will be
by Cassie Mullen (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) As we enter this new decade of the 2020s, the future looks incredibly bright for higher blends of ethanol. Here are a few of the highlights we experienced in 2019 that will no
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a final rule for the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program on Dec. 27. The program provides quarterly payments to producers of eligible advanced biofuels. To be eligible for payments, the advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 64 countries have targets or mandates - but how much where, and when, and what? Besides the EU, the major blending mandates that will drive global demand are those set in the US, China and Brazil
"Locally, a chain of convenience stores has installed blender pumps selling mid-level blends in addition to E10 and E85. Consumers are responding by purchasing nearly as much E30 as E10, resulting in 2.5 times more ethanol sales compared to E10-only
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative/ICM) Mid-level blends are the future of the ethanol industry, and the U.S. government can't be trusted to promote their use. ... An overlooked provision in the recent rule allowing year-round sales
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... I do remain bullish, because I believe in ethanol. It’s the right fuel at the right time—and for the time to come. It’s the low-carbon, low-cost fuel America and the world
by Andrew Duguid (Battelle/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Changes to Section 45Q of the U.S. tax code have made it easier for ethanol producers to take advantage of tax credits for capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. However, producers must act fast
by Charles Lane (Washington Post) ... For the past 10 years, I’ve waged a quixotic counteroffensive against electric-car boosterism, raining skepticism on the vehicles’ potential to cure climate change, much less to be the clean, green wave of the transportation future. ... Otherwise, electric cars will
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill/Changing America) To prepare America for a green future, you have to understand the power politics of the present. -- ... But the real drivers of biofuel policy in both
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 19, reporting that six new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019, up from 10 petitions
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine talked to three experts about the past year, and what they see moving into 2020. -- 2019 brought a Reid vapor pressure waiver for E15, but it also brought excessive small
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The future of liquid fuels, whether derived from renewable resources or not, might depend on a collaboration between ethanol and petroleum interests. -- While electric vehicles are gaining popularity, experts say a quick transition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogenics is a unit of Cummins Inc. active in designing, manufacturing, building and installing industrial and commercial Hydrogen generation, Hydrogen fuel cells and MW-scale energy storage solutions. Based in Mississauga, Canada with manufacturing facilities located in Germany,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Should Santa bring coal for EPA’s stocking this year? Do the biofuels and agriculture industries think the EPA just put coal in their stocking? Is it thumbs up or thumbs down from biofuel
(AgNewsWire) To say 2019 has been a rough year for the ethanol industry would be an understatement. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper says it was one of the worst years - if not the worst - the industry
by Josh Siegel and Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) Environmental Protection Agency head Andrew Wheeler said he was not involved with the Justice Department’s decision to launch an antitrust investigation against four automakers that joined with California on fuel efficiency rules, a move that
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The refining industry is disappointed that EPA on Thursday withdrew a proposed rule to set a biofuel blending schedule under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2020 through 2022. The agency said it needs to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, Congressional leaders announced a five-year extension of the biomass-based diesel tax credit as part of a year-end tax extenders package. As Christmas gifts go, the importance and value of this to the biomass-based diesel
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020, and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021. Through this action, the Trump Administration has fulfilled
by Matt Carr (New Energy American/The Hill) ... In 2016 Big Oil received the gift of the century in a Donald Trump presidency. Despite promises in Iowa to grow the renewable fuels industry and to promote clean air, he immediately set out to do exactly
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The White House will stick with its current proposal on 2020 biofuel blending requirements, despite anger in Farm Country that the plan does too little for corn growers, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The issue
(South Dakota Farmers Union/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Following her remarks at the Glacial Lakes Energy annual shareholders meeting last week, a broad group of ethanol, agriculture, and clean air supporters commended South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for her leadership in advancing 30%
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, the airlines were just about the first customers to clamor for advanced biofuels. In 2006, Richard Altman of the recently-formed Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative showed up at one of the earliest advanced biofuels
(Grand Rapids Herald Review) Recently, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, along with South Dakota Gov. and coalition vice chair Kristi Noem, sent a letter to President Trump urging the administration to consider 30 percent ethanol
by Mark Weinraub and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... (Indiana farmer Paul) Hodgen’s troubles reflect the increasing difficulties faced by America’s corn farmers as a meltdown in the ethanol industry hits the corn market – adding strains to farmers already facing poor
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismarck Tribune) As a Richardton ethanol facility gears up to store its carbon emissions underground, the company that runs a coal-fired power plant north of Washburn has secured funding to help determine whether it should pursue
by Gabe Schneider (MinnPost) In August, Corn Plus, one of the oldest biofuel plants in the state of Minnesota, closed. Forty employees lost their jobs. The reasons for a slump in the biofuels industry are many, but one stands out: a
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers, released a new report demonstrating how claims on the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) alleged impact on endangered species “relies on unsupported assumptions and speculation.” The report was authored by Ramboll, a global
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