(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) The Environmental Protection Agency finally replied to a letter that Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and 11 other senators sent in April inquiring about waivers to the Renewable Fuel Standard, but Grassley was
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) released its 2018 Half Year Report to its producer and vendor members at a networking event in Prior Lake yesterday. The report gave members an overview of Minnesota's ethanol industry in the first
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ditched a detailed plan that would have forced refiners to blend more biofuels into their gasoline and diesel in 2019 to compensate for volumes likely to be exempted under the agency’s small
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy announced today that American drivers have logged 5 billion miles on E15. The latest milestone was reached in the midst of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restrictions on the sale E15 fuel across most of the country. During
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California is ready to work with major automakers on revisions to greenhouse gas emission vehicle rules through 2025 and sees a “window” for a deal in the coming months, the state’s top clean air regulator told Reuters
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court could be good news for the ethanol industry and clean energy programs where adherence to the law is often challenged. Trump said Kavanaugh, in his twelve years as
by Doug Durante (The Hill/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) With a final rule on fuel economy likely to come out in the near future, a considerable amount of attention has centered on higher octane fuels as a pathway to increased efficiency in
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) ... The EPA also jettisoned a plan to incorporate an additional 1.5 billion gallons of biofuel requirements in last week’s proposal to make up for the potential waivers granted to small refineries. The agency said that it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) In a Q&A with The Washington Post on Friday, (EPA Acting Administrator Scott) Wheeler showed he differs from Pruitt in at least one major way. He said he considers an endangerment finding that is the agency's
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Renewable Fuel Standard aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector through 2022. It requires that transportation fuels (such as gasoline and diesel) sold in the U.S. contain annually increasing amounts
by Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) Scott Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general who relentlessly pursued President Trump’s promises of deregulation at the Environmental Protection Agency, resigned Thursday after controversies over his lavish spending, ethical lapses and management decisions eroded
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced it will hold a public hearing in Ypsilanti, Michigan, July 18 to gather public input on its proposed rule to set 2019 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Yes, Virginia, there is cant, pettifoggery, self-dealing, obfuscation, and downright dirty pool when it comes to the deployment of biofuels, chemicals and advanced biomaterials — but there are also some mysteries which can unraveled and
by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association) A record number of travelers will take to America’s highways and byways this Fourth of July holiday, and ethanol will be lowering the price they pay for gasoline while simultaneously strengthening our nation’s energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan delegation of California lawmakers are urging the U.S. EPA to resolve any issues that prevent biomass and waste-to-energy pathways from receiving the same level of support as other forms of energy under the
by Jeff Barber (Opisnet) PA's failure to include in its proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) an estimated 500 million gal of renewable fuels that a federal appeals court last year said the agency illegally excluded from its 2016 biofuel targets
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) ... “As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I also have concerns that EPA may be ignoring or abusing the Administrative Procedure Act as they continue to grant waivers in secret and refuse to respond
by Michael A. Fatigati (Biofuels Digest) ... We now find it necessary to throttle back our drawdown of the fossil carbon account to preserve our climate and through reasoned and sensible policies and regulation moving us towards use of non-fossil or “living”
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (W)hy oil refiners wouldn't use ethanol as a source of octane, under a high-octane fuel standard, without an RFS or RINs. -- ... Ethanol is the best and cheapest source
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Slow to start and with fewer gallons than targeted through the Renewable Fuel Standard, cellulosic ethanol is showing signs of steady growth. -- Cellulosic ethanol production has been gaining momentum in the past five years,
(Argus Media) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was considering applications to waive 2017 federal fuel blending requirements from 33 refiners this month, up from the 29 it confirmed in April, the agency said today (June 26, 2018). Applications increased as EPA faced
by Dale Christensen (Argus Leader) The new EPA Director, E. Scott Pruitt is reworking the EPA. It appears their new mission is to rewrite all the rules to benefit the Oil Industry! The old rule of order was to help create a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 26, the U.S. EPA released a proposed rule that aims to require 19.88 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply in 2019, up from 19.29 billion gallons in
by John Duff (Delta Farm Press) ... Regardless of policy, ethanol presents a value proposition to all involved. Ethanol gives farmers access to more markets and greater global market liquidity. In a world where 74% of the variance in the price
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency has consistently ignored recommendations from the Department of Energy to reject or limit waivers to oil refiners seeking exemptions from nation's biofuels law, according to five sources familiar with
(Boating Industry/Boating Owners Association of The United States) With the start of the boating season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) wants to hear from boaters about their experiences with ethanol fuels in an online survey. The short, 13-question survey is an
(National Biodiesel Board) Today (June 25, 2018), a diverse group of trade associations delivered a letter to Congressional leaders announcing a unified position to maintain and extend the current biodiesel blenders tax credit. In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate
(Office of Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)) U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), issued the following statement on the forthcoming biofuel mandate for 2019. “I will carefully examine EPA’s proposed rule, especially its impact
by David Kessel (Marin Independent Journal) ... Discussions on energy use and production are important, but need to be based on factual information, not made up red herrings. • The articles state the intent was to increase renewable fuels. Not mentioned
(The Courier) ... Yet (Iowa Senator Joni) Ernst’s recent attack against Pruitt at a Washington energy forum was triggered over Pruitt’s “lies” about the Renewable Fuel Standard: not expanding year-round sales for the 15 percent corn-based ethanol fuel blend, while
by Tristan R. Brown (Seeking Alpha) Three major policy developments by the White House have had a large impact on U.S. biofuel producers over the past week. The EPA was initially reported to be on the verge of effectively reducing the U.S.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 20, 12 democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Agriculture asked the U.S. EPA to provide additional information regarding its failed implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will propose setting a 19.88-billion-gallon biofuels blending mandate in 2019 under the Renewable Fuel Standard, up about 3 percent from 2018, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The proposal will include
(U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment) ... A number of exogenous policies have greatly impacted advanced biofuels markets and RFS (Renewable Fuel Standards) compliance. These include trade restrictions and duties now imposed on certain imported
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering delaying its widely anticipated announcement on Friday on 2019 renewable fuel volumes as it re-examines plans to force larger refineries to make up for gallons exempted
(Growth Energy) More than 2,800 retail sites will offer E15 by 2021, generating approximately 350 million new ethanol gallons annually, according to a one-pager released today by Growth Energy. The report touts the immense success of E15 and the accomplishments of
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters/Successful Farming) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will propose reallocating biofuel blending obligations waived under its small refinery exemption program to other refiners, in an announcement that could come as early as Friday, according to two sources familiar with the
by Suzanne Danforth and Jim Venhof (Genscape) U.S. domestic ethanol demand suffered this spring relative to 2017, despite consistently favorable blending values and increasing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements. The decline, following a period of historically low ethanol prices this winter, forced
by Ben Miller (Denver Business Journal) Gevo applauded an EPA decision on isobutanol, a fuel that's made from renewable resources like corn. Gevo shares soared 262 percent in Monday trading. READ MORE EPA decision on isobutanol buoys Gevo stock Monday (9News.com) Gevo shares
(Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency is close to releasing its proposal for how much biofuel refiners must blend into the US transportation fuel supply next year, a spokeswoman said Friday. The policy will include 2019 blending requirements for ethanol and advanced
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New polling shows that voters across three Midwestern states are disappointed with Trump administration decisions they view as broken promises of support for local agriculture and renewable fuels industries. In a survey of voters in Iowa, Missouri and
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it will not reallocate exempt biofuel obligations under the small refinery waiver program without an act of Congress, setting the stage for a new clash with lawmakers in corn producing
by Miranda Green (The Hill) A government watchdog has agreed to review the Trump administration's method for calculating the social cost of carbon, including examining the decision to drop the rate as first determined during the Obama's administration. The Government Accountability Office
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Renewable Fuel Standard will be the subject of a subcommittee hearing this week in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On Friday the Environment subcommittee will have a hearing focused on advanced biofuels under
by David Shepardson (Reuters) White House officials will have a new round of meetings with an automakers trade group and California’s “clean air” agency next week before unveiling a proposal to reverse rules aimed at increasing fuel efficiency, participants said on
(National Marine Manufacturers Association) Earlier this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt approved the registration of bio-isobutanol as a fuel additive. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has been a leading voice in the effort to secure approval for bio-isobutanol, raising it
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) A week after the White House suspended its bid to reform the nation’s biofuels policy to aid oil refiners, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday dangled a tantalizing prospect to Midwest corn farmers, saying
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 13, the Senate ag committee approved the its version of the 2018 Farm Bill with bipartisan support. The legislation includes an amendment offered by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that restores mandatory funding to Farm
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Agriculture Committee will take up amendments to the farm bill today, but negotiations were still ongoing as to just which of 186 submitted would get a vote. Here are a few energy highlights
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ON THE HILL: GOP Sen. John Cornyn says finding common ground on an overhaul of the RFS is "like trying to come up with peace in the Middle East." Cornyn has not yet put pen
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to travel to Kansas this morning, where he'll stop by East Kansas Agri-Energy's ethanol plant in Garnett. The trip comes a week after the White House quashed the release
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) A day after a tentative agreement to overhaul U.S. biofuel policy appeared to collapse amid farm-state concerns, EPA chief Scott Pruitt met to discuss the issue with the lead senator pushing for the changes: Ted Cruz. Pruitt had
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 7, the U.S. EPA issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, announcing the agency is soliciting public input on whether and how to change the way it considers costs and benefits in making
by Jenna Bloxom (Colorado State University/Biofuels Digest) ... Now is the critical juncture for a unified bioeconomy to re-assert biofuels as a political powerhouse and compelling policy agenda that defies partisan, geographical, and generational divisions. ... (T)his industry must take the initiative to drastically
(U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) ... U.S. Department of Energy is soliciting nomination for candidates to fill vacancies on the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee (Committee). ... Deadline for Technical Advisory Committee member nominations is
(Urban Air Initiative) Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts recently declared May as Renewable Fuels Month to draw attention to clean burning biofuel options. He’s focused on grassroot efforts to educate and expand access of mid-level blends for his citizens. Urban Air believes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We’ve organized the state of biodiesel into 10 areas of vital interest ranging from the development of markets to the entry of ancillary products and new feedstocks. #1 Tax & Trade Free trade vs fair trade: Dumping
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ASSUME DEAL DEAD: Sen. Joni Ernst's decision to lay into embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt over his alleged about-face on ethanol appears to have paid off. Ernst spoke to President Donald Trump Tuesday night, she wrote on Twitter,
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency is about to allow a new renewable fuel to be sold at the pump, which could revolutionize the fuel business while eliminating the use of corn ethanol in gasoline altogether. For some, the
by Alan Bjerga and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA chief seen as betraying Trump’s promises on biofuels; Trade tensions put demand for agricultural goods at risk -- Even as Donald Trump tweets his support for U.S. agriculture, farmer loyalty for the president looks like it’s starting
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The White House is expected to release its final proposal on revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard today. Pro’s Eric Wolff is hearing from two industry sources that the proposal will include reallocating some of the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine recaps the many recent attempts to hinder the policy, and looks beyond 2022. -- ... But leaders in the ethanol industry are quick to point out this fight is not new; it’s the
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... The ethanol industry could provide a home-grown, energy source that lessened our dependence on foreign imports, replaced a cancer-causing chemical as the octane portion of gasoline, and reduced tail pipe emissions. It would also
(Growth Energy) Tomorrow (June 1, 2018) marks the beginning of the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restriction on E15 sales across most of the country during the summer driving season – June 1 to September 15. The ban on E15 comes at
(Growth Energy) Coalition Petitions EPA to Revise the Way It Calculates Annual Renewable Fuel Obligations; EPA Is Failing to Comply with Statutory Mandate -- Today a coalition of biofuel and agriculture groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to change its regulations to
(Solutions from the Land) One of the three pillars of climate-smart agriculture is actions that farmers can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and simultaneously improve profitability. A principal means by which the agriculture sector can help governments around
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... EcoEngineers’ Director of Engineering Jim Ramm details Kernel Fiber Now, a service that helps producers navigate their options with corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol technologies, RINs and more. With intense interest in corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol technologies,
by Abby Smith (Bloomberg) Lawsuits seek to force consideration of prior data in fuel economy proposal; Automakers expect fuller analysis, data to back up agencies’ proposed options -- Lawsuits over the EPA’s April fuel economy determination are more than just a preemptive strike,
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Top officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Energy and Agriculture plan to meet on Thursday to hammer out details of President Donald Trump’s planned changes to the nation’s biofuel laws, according to
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews Publications) It was good news and bad news for corn growers and ethanol proponents after President Donald Trump met with legislators to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard. A White House meeting with Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Joni Ernst,
by John Tsitrian (Rapid City Journal) ... And forgetting about soybeans for a minute, there's the matter of Trump administration policy on the ethanol mandate, aka the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a major matter for corn producers. Trump's Environmental Protection
(National Farmers Union/Wallaces Farmer) NFU President Roger Johnson says year-round use of E15 would have significant benefits for farmers and the economy. -- NFU President Roger Johnson wrote to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on May 22, urging EPA to immediately institute
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, would like to see administrative changes made to how EPA hands out Renewable Fuel Standard waivers to small refiners, estimated by one ethanol industry study to have resulted in about
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters/Daily Mail) Marathon Petroleum Corp, the second-biggest refining company in the United States, has asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a hardship waiver exempting one of its facilities from the nation's biofuels law, two
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) While the numbers are still making their way through the regulatory process, sources tell Pro's Eric Wolff, refiners can expect to blend 500 million more gallons of advanced biofuels next year into the nation's
(WBIW) Following reports that gas prices are on the rise, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly today urged President Trump to take an important step towards addressing the price surge by reducing regulatory burdens around the blending of biofuels. Current regulations on Reid
by Ryan Felton (Jalopnik) Major automakers are still reeling from the sudden realization they’ve collectively succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome, after they buddied up with President Donald Trump to alter fuel economy standards set by his predecessor. Since Trump went waaaay further than the automakers could’ve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But they’re part of the Washington dialogue this month, waivers and easy outs, since reports surfaced in media that the US Environmental Protection Agency granted a Renewable Fuel Standard hardship waiver for CVR Energy’s Wynnewood, Oklahoma
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Trump Administration is taking a new look at Obama Administration era Co2 regulations. On the transportation side, these include reviewing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards; threatening to take away California’s authority to set
(Biofuels International) Following the introduction of a bill to warn consumers about the perceived dangers of E15 in small engines, representatives from the ethanol industry have questioned the rationale for the legislation. The biofuel proponents say that the new rules are designed to
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Ag technology promoters are pedaling hard for biofuels-friendly policies in Washington, D.C., to make life livable for cash-strapped farmers supplying markets that didn't exist 30 years ago. Erick Lutt, director of industrial and environmental policy for Biotechnology
(Urban Air Initiative) A proposed rule to make ethanol blends above 15% illegal in anything other than flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) is a potential death blow to the ethanol industry according to the Urban Air Initiative. This coincidently comes at a
by Gavin Blade (Utility Dive) o A coalition of utilities and electric transportation companies sued the Enviornmental Protection Agency earlier this month over its efforts to roll back automotive fuel efficiency standards set by the Obama administration. The suit, first reported by Axios,
by Pat Westhoff (Columbia Tribune) ... Biofuel policy decisions also have the potential to have large impacts on commodity markets and farm income. Most cars in this country run on a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol. At current gasoline
by Aaron Smith and Vincent Smith (Investor's Business Daily) ... The most immediate impact of the RFS wars is to focus attention on corn ethanol and petroleum gasoline at the detriment of second-generation biofuels. These fuels — produced from the inedible parts
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is listing 35 minerals used in aircraft, cellphones, and other important technologies as "vital" to national security in a move to wean the U.S. off foreign suppliers. The list includes such valuable metals
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency is meeting with California officials this week in Washington to negotiate the creation of a national fuel efficiency standard after the state sued the Trump administration over its proposed easing of the
(Biofuels International) Struggles and triumphs of the biofuels industry were brought into sharp focus at the Platts 7th Annual Biofuels Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. With speakers from across the biofuels sector, the event at the Grand Hotel Kempinski covered the latest policy updates
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Stakeholders from across the North American renewable natural gas (RNG) industry descended on Capitol Hill today (May 15, 2018) for more than 65 meetings with federal lawmakers to communicate the importance of continuing to develop and
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Several environmental and public interest groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency’s April 2 announcement to roll back vehicle emissions standards. The suit was filed on Tuesday
by Tsvetana Paraskova (Oilprice.com/USA Today) Crude oil and gasoline prices are on the rise after President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. Now, many consumers are seeing their extra money go to rising gas prices, potentially undercutting a key
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Trump administration is moving ahead with plans to submit a series of options for softening fuel efficiency standards to the White House for approval in the coming week, two officials briefed on the matter Tuesday said. The U.S.
Mario Parker and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) The Environmental Protection Agency plans to ask for advice on whether -- and how -- to boost the transparency of an opaque $9 billion market in biofuel compliance credits amid allegations of manipulation, said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Trump in a pickle: support his beleaguered EPA Administrator over oil refinery bailouts, or rally his Midwestern farm-state base? -- In Washington, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa tweeted: “I’ve supported Pruitt but if he pushes changes to RFS
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) A recent amendment to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 requires the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish the national mandatory bioengineered (BE) food disclosure standard. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing a new rule that
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle keeps close tabs on what's happening with biofuels even though he's been out of the U.S. Senate more than a decade now. Daschle, who is working with the
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has sent its proposal for the federal biofuel mandate's 2019 ethanol volumes and 2020 biodiesel volumes to the White House, according to Office of Management and Budget records. The notice did not contain
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The American Petroleum Institute is no fan of Trump's effort to make administrative changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Trump administration is working on a memo laying out a series of administrative changes, including
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the American Biogas Council (ABC) invite you to a briefing about the numerous challenges posed by organic wastes—to human health, water and air quality, and to businesses that must manage these wastes—and how anaerobic digestion offers
by Lawrence Solomon (Financial Post) Henry Waxman, the U.S. congressman who pushed to cut tailpipe emissions in 2007, is among those who now say biofuels like corn ethanol and soy biodiesel are increasing global warming pollution -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The Trump administration will scale back the use of biofuels waivers for small refineries and count ethanol exports toward federal biofuels usage quotas as part of a broad overhaul of the nation’s renewable fuel policy,
by Mahmood Ebadian and James D. McMillan (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) ... The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was enacted in 2007 to enhance domestic production of fuels and spur economic development while reducing reliance on imports and improving the
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... First of all the export RIN issue does raise trade questions but if RINS go back to pennies then it would be hard for anyone to consider it a subsidy. And how
by Tom Krisher and Ken Thomas (Associated Press/Chicago Tribune) President Donald Trump told leaders of the world's top automakers on Friday that he wants to see more cars built in the United States as his administration weighs plans to reduce gas mileage and
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) Executives from top car companies arrived at the White House on Friday amid a looming legal conflict between the Trump administration and primarily Democratic-led states over climate rules for automobiles. “We’ve made a lot of progress in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new food safety program has been developed by the Iowa Biodiesel Board to help biodiesel producers comply with the U.S. government’s Food Safety Modernization Act, deadlines for which are quickly approaching. Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production,
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (May 3, 2018) five Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to shift administrative time and staff away from demand-destroying Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and toward pathway approvals for
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) E15 retailers from across the country are urging President Trump to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency follows through on his commitment to allow fuel containing 15 percent ethanol to be sold year-round. “This common-sense change will allow
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) At ABFA, we’ve been keeping our eyes on the U.S. EPA during the first quarter of 2018. The EPA’s actions over the next several months will have ripple effects through the industry, in the
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas’s Marcus Gillette discusses the organization, its goals and progress in expanding the production and use of RNG in North America. -- ... The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (‘RNG Coalition’ for
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The looming fight between the Trump administration and the state of California over climate change rules for cars will cover some familiar terrain - where the liberal state and its environmentalist allies have won
(Institute for Energy Research) The Trump administration is considering expanding the ethanol fuel waiver in the Clean Air Act (CAA) to allow E15 fuel (gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol) to be sold year round. The Environmental Protection Agency has indicated
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s expanded use of waivers to free small refineries from the nation’s biofuels law has saved the industry as a whole hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a Reuters review of public
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Tentative agreement struck during a White House negotiation; Refiners could benefit with biofuel exports allowed for quotas -- A tentative deal on U.S. biofuel policy struck at the White House would allow year-round sales of higher-ethanol gasoline in
(Urban Air Initiative) Urban Air Initiative uncovered what looks to be more fishy fuel testing. Last year, we called out the Coordinated Research Council (CRC) for using flawed fuel blending practices when evaluating ethanol emissions. These CRC studies matter because EPA often uses
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) As the drip, drip of Pruitt scandals becomes a deluge, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s supporters continue to claim that he should be protected because he’s “advancing the president’s agenda.” But because he’s breaking a key Trump
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -Shares of CVR Energy have more than doubled since August, resulting in a $1.4 billion paper gain for Carl Icahn, who holds an 82-percent stake in the company. -CVR Energy's stock price slumped through much of last
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) The biofuels industry found itself in an unusual position for much of the past 12 months. Typically confined to debates in the trade press, biofuels-related headlines are now splashed across the mainstream media. It’s new
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In April, the European Commission, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), below50, the Biofuture Platform, and the ART Fuels Forum formally expressed the sense that low-carbon fuels will be required as part of capping
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter Thursday to EPA asking it to move administrative time and staff away from Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and instead toward approvals for cellulosic ethanol. "The
by Camille von Kaenel (E&E News) ... The Trump administration's efforts to weaken vehicle pollution requirements could set up a split U.S. market, concentrating fuel-efficient cars in mostly Democratic states and gas guzzlers in the red states. President Trump's plans could
(Growth Energy) A new radio ad launched today by Growth Energy reminds listeners across the heartland that it’s “make or break time” for the rural economy. Slated to air alongside a digital ad campaign in Midwestern states, the radio spot encourages listeners to join Growth
by Sonari Glinton (National Public Radio) Martin Winterkorn, the former head of Volkswagen, was indicted on Thursday along with five other former VW executives on charges of conspiracy and fraud in connection with a years-long scheme by the automaker to cheat
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The White House is planning a meeting next week between President Donald Trump and senior leaders of major U.S. and foreign automakers to discuss planned fuel efficiency rule changes through 2026, automakers and administration officials said on
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, mentioned on Tuesday he wants to change language in recent appropriations bills approved by Congress in the past three years. Grassley told agricultural journalists the language may be one of the
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Successful Farming) The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according
by John O'Dell (Trucks.com) “Stay the course” is the message a panel of leading clean vehicle developers, users and regulators delivered Tuesday in the wake of the Trump Administration’s plan to roll back tough fuel economy and emissions regulations developed under
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... Energy Information Administration is already warning drivers that they are likely to see the highest gasoline prices in four years. The good news is that ethanol is helping to offset higher prices at the pump,
(Office of Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)) U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined 16 of their Senate colleagues in writing to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt highlighting the benefits of year-round E15 sales. The letter comes
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California
by Gavin Bade (Utility Dive) Utility companies clashed with oil industry interests over electric vehicle and fuel subsidies at a meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative political group, last Friday. Oil-backed groups led by the Institute for Energy
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Federal subsidies for renewable energy—including biofuels for transportation use and renewable generation of electricity—dropped to $6.7 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2016, a 56 percent decline from FY 2013. Renewable subsidies in FY 2010 and FY
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The deal creates the largest US oil refiner (and a top-five refiner globally) at 3.1 million barrels per day of capacity — Valero is around the same size, but that includes overseas operations. ... The (Marathon Petroleum)
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol ) ... The timing of this year’s fly-in was fortuitous, amid talk of “win-win” deals for refiners and biofuel producers and a snowstorm that put the citizens of D.C. on edge. Our
by Jess Hewitt (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises Consulting) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a comment period for the registration of the use of Isobutanol in gasoline. Why is this important? Because since the states banning of the use of MTBE
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted a financial hardship waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, exempting the Oklahoma facility from requirements under
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration plans to argue that California does not have the authority to enforce stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, despite the Obama administration's 2009 waiver, according to a source familiar with a forthcoming
(Urban Air Initiative) The resistance to ethanol expansion is really about politics and a desire to squash competition. But if you weed through all of PR campaigns and simply evaluate fuel options from the perspective of what's best for the average
(DTN The Progressive Farmer) Oil state partisans, including certain refiners, have raged about a credit-trading market within the program that they say causes undue economic pain. The biofuels industry counters that those compliance credits, known as renewable identification numbers, are essential
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) EPA’s recent actions in exempting small refineries from their Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations for 2016 and 2017 have effectively lowered the volumetric obligations by at least 1.6 billion gallons, according to an analysis of
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae is on a roll in Congress. Despite a challenging fiscal environment, the latest federal spending bill passed by Congress includes new funding for algae R&D that will be available in FY2018 and, for the first time, tax
(United Steelworkers/PR Newswire) The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that on Thursday, April 26, about 100 workers from independent merchant oil refineries owned by Monroe Energy, Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) and PBF Energy will rally for their jobs in Washington, D.C., bringing
by Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) At one of a series of bioenergy conferences in Brussels, April 10-12, 2018, some combination of hearty guffaws, inward chuckles and solemn nods greeted the predictable but well-delivered punchline from Miguel Ivan Lacerda de
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt moved Tuesday to limit what science can be used in writing agency regulations, a change long sought by conservatives. The proposed rule would only allow the EPA to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, in a meeting with members of the forestry community, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency announced the Agency issued a statement of policy making clear, that future regulatory actions on biomass from managed forests will
by Alyssa Danigelis (Energy Manager Today) A new map and project database show at least 76 operational renewable natural gas production facilities in the United States and Canada now. That represents an 85% growth from the 41 projects built by 2014,
by F. Todd Davidson (Forbes) A seemingly small action from the Environmental Protection Agency could spark a new war between Big Oil and Big Ag that could have far-reaching effects on the U.S. agricultural, energy, and transportation industries. Last month the EPA granted an
by Barry Amundson (Grand Forks Herald) U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D, is concerned about two major issues that can affect farmers and ranchers this year. One is the farm bill that faces an uncertain future as it's set to expire in September. The
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Despite efforts by President Donald Trump to settle a long-running dispute between ethanol backers and the refining industry, progress on a biofuels deal has stalled. Instead, the administration has taken a piecemeal approach to the
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