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(National Business Aviation Association) A coalition of seven aviation stakeholder organizations has formally submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed endangerment finding of lead in aviation gasoline (avgas). The coalition reaffirmed its support for removing lead from avgas through a safe and smart transition. In its comments, the
Public Comment Requests Closed
January 23, 2023
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(Internal Revenue Service) The Internal Revenue Service today issued three notices asking for comments on different aspects of extensions and enhancements of energy tax benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRS anticipates that constructive comments from interested parties will aid the agency in drafting the guidance items most reflective
November 28, 2022
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(Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA/Federal Register) The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for NRCS to use to inform how NRCS will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund the deployment of climate-smart practices on US farms, ranches, and forestlands through four Farm Bill
November 23, 2022
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(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) Meeting Purpose: The Department of Transportation (DOT) is preparing to execute a new grant program specified in the Inflation Reduction Act Section 40007. This Act gives the DOT $297M for new grants to advance sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and low emissions aviation technologies to reduce
November 16, 2022
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(American Economic Association/Environmental Protection Agency/White House) Biden-Harris Administration Seeks Public Input on Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund–Stakeholder Input Will Help Shape First-of-Its-Kind Federal Fund to Mobilize Clean Energy and Climate Projects and Reduce Pollution in Disadvantaged Communities Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder
October 24, 2022
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Request for Information Seeks Input on Best Uses for Defense Production Act to Bolster National Security, Boost American Manufacturing, and Lower Energy Costs — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a Request for Information (RFI) to determine how DOE could best leverage the Defense Production Act
October 4, 2022
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(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 15-day public comment period on two (2) additional peer review candidates for the external peer review of the Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress (RtC3). EPA previously invited public comment on an initial pool of
August 4, 2022
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(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to EPA’s proposed alternative RIN retirement schedule for small refineries. In its proposal, EPA gives all small refineries, whether they submitted a small refinery exemption (SRE) or not, until February 1, 2024, to demonstrate 2020 Renewable Volume Obligation
August 3, 2022
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(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) … Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) will meet on the dates and times described below. The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public
July 18, 2022
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(Securities and Exchange Commission/Federal Register) The Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is proposing to amend rules and forms under both the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”) to require registered investment advisers, certain advisers that are exempt from registration, registered
July 18, 2022
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(Federal Highway Administration) Today, to advance President Biden’s commitment to combat climate change and bring down costs for families, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for states and municipalities to track and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure
July 13, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) … Growth Energy’s comments focused on the calculation of biofuel GHG emissions. “The proposed rule would require many public companies to calculate and disclose GHG emissions from throughout their entire supply chain and production cycle,” Growth Energy said in its comments. “How obligated parties calculate the GHG
June 26, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on May 23 opened a 30-day public comment period on a proposed consent decree related to a legal challenge filed against the agency by Growth Energy that would require the EPA to issue proposed 2023 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) by
June 7, 2022
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This Panel will focus on the agency’s development of a rule that would propose to reduce air pollutant emissions, including greenhouse gas
May 16, 2022
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by Lynn L. Bergeson (Bergeson & Campbell) On April 20-21, 2022, EPA held a virtual public meeting to provide an overview of the TSCA New Chemicals Collaborative Research Program and give stakeholders an opportunity to provide input. As reported in our March 14, 2022, memorandum on the draft document entitled “Modernizing the Process and
May 9, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Office of Science and Technology Policy, a part of the Executive Office of the President, is taking action to improve the federal definition of “sustainable chemistry” via a public comment period that is open through June 3. The OSTP published a notice of request for
May 6, 2022
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways for certain biofuels that are produced from canola/rapeseed oil and is providing an opportunity for comment on the Agency’s lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis of these pathways. With the approval, these fuel pathways
April 21, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A public comment period on the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s interim guidance on carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) closed on April 18. The Carbon Capture Coalition is among the groups that weighed in on guidance document, which aims to assist federal agencies
April 20, 2022
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(Bergeson & Campbell) The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) published on April 4, 2022, a request for information (RFI) from interested parties on federal programs and activities in support of sustainable chemistry. 87 Fed. Reg. 19539. OSTP notes that “[t]he term “sustainable chemistry” does not have a consensus definition and
April 6, 2022
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(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the agency’s particulate matter (PM) emissions standards and test procedures for jet engines, and the role biofuels play in reducing PM and greenhouse gas emissions in mobile sources including the aviation sector. “As we have already seen with higher
April 6, 2022
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by Douglas MacMillan and Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) From Coca-Cola to Tesla, companies report emissions in widely different ways. A new federal rule is expected to standardize climate disclosures, putting the U.S. on closer footing with other countries. — The Securities and Exchange Commission plans to require all publicly traded
March 17, 2022
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(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Growth Energy’s supplemental comments are in addition to its
March 8, 2022
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by Justine Calma (The Verge) The Biden administration says the US will ‘likely’ need controversial carbon capture tech to meet climate goals — On Tuesday(February 15, 2022), the Biden administration issued new guidelines for federal agencies on how to assess proposals to capture and sequester carbon dioxide pollution. The new guidance
February 24, 2022
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by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) released comments it submitted to U.S. EPA on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule. The comments support a higher standard for the advanced biofuel (D5) pool, referencing data on available feedstocks and production capacity to support up to 7 billion
February 15, 2022
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(Comstock Mining) Technologies Enable Dramatic Reduction in Carbon Intensity for America’s Decarbonization Portfolio — Comstock Mining Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced its submission of comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) calling for enhanced regulations governing the use of biomass-derived intermediates in the production of renewable
February 11, 2022
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(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today expressed strong support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions, noting that such an action would “restore confidence” in the Renewable Fuel Standard program. EPA’s proposal also would ensure that, moving forward, the SRE program complies with the
February 8, 2022
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RFA Supports EPA’s Proposed 2022 RFS Volumes, Urges Agency to Abandon Retroactive Cut to 2020 Volume
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (February 4, 2022) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized 2020 RVO requirements. In early December, EPA published its proposal to set
February 7, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Members of the biofuel industry who wish to comment on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2020, 2021 and 2022 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) have less than a week to do so. The public comment period on the proposed rule closes
February 2, 2022
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(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of 14 senators for urging EPA to swiftly issue final regulations that restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard and put the program back on track. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the senators outlined several actions
February 2, 2022
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(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has released a new request for information (RFI) on several priority areas relating to activities in the Conversion Research and Development (R&D) program, including: Improved Robustness of Microbial Cells (Category 1) Improved
February 1, 2022
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(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has released a new request for information (RFI) for feedback related to community-scale resource and energy strategies from organic waste streams. The RFI, titled “Community-Scale Resource and Energy Recovery from Waste Solutions,”
February 1, 2022
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Jan. 20, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2020. A total of 69 SRE petitions are now pending, up from 67 that were pending
January 21, 2022
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by Douglas L. Faulkner and Michael McAdams (Leatherstocking LLC /“The Cleantech Conservative” and Advanced BioFuels Association/Biofuels Digest) … The Agency has now moved to approve bio-intermediates, so that manufacturers could earn compliance credits for upgrading feedstocks such as woods and municipal solid wastes at a first facility into a renewable oil
January 6, 2022
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EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 – March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels
December 29, 2021
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(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new Request for Information (RFI) on the scale-up and demonstration of renewable fuels. The RFI, titled “Overcoming Barriers to Renewable Fuel Scale-Up and Demonstration,” seeks input from biofuels producers and technology developers about their readiness to scale process
December 23, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 16, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2021. A total of 67 SRE petitions are now pending, up from 65 in November.
December 17, 2021
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(Environmental Protection Agency) On December 7, 2021, EPA proposed to deny more than 60 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions from small refineries seeking exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for one or more compliance years between 2016 and 2021. The proposed decision results from EPA’s review of the
December 10, 2021
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(Growth Energy) Today (December 7, 2021), Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor offered a mixed review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rulemaking regarding domestic biofuels blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) would undercut blending requirements for renewable, low-carbon biofuel in 2021, and would retroactively
December 8, 2021
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Request for Information Will Guide the Selection and Management of Critical Climate Investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a Request for Information (RFI) on technologies ready to be demonstrated that reduce carbon emissions and remove carbon dioxide
December 6, 2021
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by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) The Energy Department is taking the first steps to implement initiatives of the recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure law, which includes more than $10 billion for DOE for carbon capture, direct air capture and industrial emission reduction. The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management
December 6, 2021
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to modify certain compliance dates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. First, EPA is proposing to extend the RFS compliance reporting deadline and the associated attest engagement reporting deadline for the 2019 compliance year for small refineries only. Second, EPA is proposing
December 3, 2021
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(Federal Register) A Proposed Rule by the Environmental Protection Agency — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting information and requesting comments to assist in the potential development of regulations for pyrolysis and gasification units that are used to convert solid or semi-solid feedstocks, including solid waste (e.g., municipal solid waste,
October 12, 2021
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(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is seeking public comments on a new initiative designed to create revenue streams for agricultural producers through market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. “Through extreme weather, drought and fire, our agriculture producers are on
October 8, 2021
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(American Coalition for Ethanol/GrainNet) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) set forth recommendations today (Sept. 27) on how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards can and should place much greater emphasis on improving the quality of liquid fuel and the role low-carbon, high-octane ethanol can play
September 28, 2021
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by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group of 21 state attorneys general, the District of Columbia, and several major U.S. cities urged the Biden administration to finalize significantly stricter vehicle emissions rules than it has proposed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August called for reversing the Trump-era loosening of vehicle
September 28, 2021
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(Solutions from the Land) The EPA is proposing to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent. As part of an executive order issued in January by President Biden, the EPA has been ordered to consider whether to suspend,
September 16, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 8 issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public comments to assist in the potential development of regulations for pyrolysis and gasification units that are used to convert solid or semi-solid feedstocks into useful products, such as energy, fuels
September 15, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration on Aug. 30 announced it is seeking public comments to help inform development of its U.S. Clean Technologies Export Competitiveness Strategy. The strategy aims to identify key issues influencing the deployment of clean technology goods and services, highlight
September 10, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has scheduled 12 meetings with interested parties to discuss a proposed rule to set renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The U.S EPA on Aug. 26 delivered a proposed rule to set RFS RVOs to the
September 8, 2021
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(NGVAmerica/NGV Journal) NGVAmerica President Dan Gage provided testimony at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hearing on the Biden administration’s notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles for Model Year 2023 and later. The much-expected action proposes to restore emission standards back to levels that
September 6, 2021
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(Solutions from the Land) Earlier this month, the EPA published in the Federal Register a rule proposing its Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. Seeking public comment through Sept. 27 (a public hearing is set for next Wednesday, Aug. 25), the agency aims to reverse the weakened emissions requirements adopted
August 20, 2021
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(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (August 5, 2021), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to set robust federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks to secure pollution reductions through Model Year (MY) 2026. The proposal, which revises standards set by the previous administration, also outlines the Agency’s
August 6, 2021
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(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is releasing a request for information (RFI) to understand the current barriers and actions needed to make its funding opportunities and innovation and entrepreneurship activities more inclusive, just, and equitable, in line with the Administration’s climate goals. DOE is committed to developing
June 10, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A notice published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology states that the 106th annual meeting of the National Conference on Weights and Measures will address a proposal related to E15. The event is scheduled for July 18-23 in Rochester, New York, and will be
June 8, 2021
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(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agency to Host Public Listening Session on April 22, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is requesting public input from interested parties, including potential customers and interested stakeholders, to help create a new Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program. To ensure a diverse
April 2, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on March 30 announced it is seeking public input on a new rural energy pilot program that was authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, a bill signed by former President Donald Trump on Dec. 27, 2020. Section 781 of that nearly 5,600-page bill authorizes
March 31, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on March 15 announced it is opening a 45-day public comment period to gather input on its climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy, including several topics focused specifically on biofuels, bioproducts and renewable energy. The agency said the notice soliciting public comments represents an
March 16, 2021
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(Environmental Protection Agency) Per an announcement in the Federal Register (FR) FRL-10019-87-OAR, the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory is now available for public comment. To ensure your comments are considered for the final version of the document, please submit your comments by March 15, 2021. Learn more on how to submit comments.
February 17, 2021
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry testified against the U.S. EPA’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines during a Feb. 9 virtual hearing. Public comments on the proposal can be filed through March 11. The EPA published a proposed rule in
February 11, 2021
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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 grew sharply during President Trump’s tenure, supported by several government
January 29, 2021
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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 through March 11 and a virtual public hearing is scheduled
January 20, 2021
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(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 provided below. Comments must be received on or before February
January 20, 2021
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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 the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service to identify eligible applicants seeking
November 18, 2020
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(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 of future guidance. At the same time, however, RFA called
October 27, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy/Federal Register) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0002372 regarding the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Research and Development Activities & SuperTruck Initiative. The purpose of this RFI is to
October 9, 2020
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(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 Food Efforts to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). EPA’s Federal
October 2, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published notice on Aug. 26 requesting comment on sources and analytical approaches on which to base an EPA determination of an updated weighting factor (F-factor) for E85 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) for model years 2021 and later. The notice explains that the
August 27, 2020
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Urban Air Initiative (UAI), a coalition of state corn grower organizations, and the American Coalition for Ethanol, and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition filed comments last week opposing a proposed EPA rule they say would penalize ethanol for its lower carbon profile. In a notice of proposed rulemaking, EPA
August 18, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) EPA proposed setting fuel efficiency standards for aircraft engines to bring the U.S. in line with rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization to reduce carbon dioxide, although green groups have long decried the ICAO standards as inadequate to driving down emissions from the aircraft
July 23, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on July 13 issued a final rule that aims to increase private investment in rural communities by making it easier for lenders to access four guaranteed loan programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program. The rule is scheduled to take effect Oct.
July 15, 2020
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(Urban Air Initiative) On behalf of the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above Proposed Rulemaking (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072). UAI is a not for profit technical organization with a particular focus on automotive emissions and fuel composition. We are disappointed that EPA fails
July 1, 2020
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(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (June 4, 2020), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal to improve the rulemaking process under the Clean Air Act by establishing requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality analyses of benefits and costs are provided to the public for significant rules. This proposal, when finalized, will
June 16, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A 30-day public comment period is now open on the U.S. EPA’s proposal to determine that no additional fuel control measures are necessary to mitigate air quality impacts of required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The EPA released a pre-publication version of the
June 10, 2020
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(Environmental Protection Agency) Clean Air Act Section 211(v) requires EPA to complete an “anti-backsliding study” to determine whether the renewable fuel volumes required in the Act adversely impact air quality as a result of changes in vehicle and engine emissions. After considering the results of the study, EPA is required
June 2, 2020
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by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA’s release of a so-called “anti-backsliding” study on Friday that calls for no further action to mitigate potential adverse air quality effects from renewable fuels, was met with disappointment by two ethanol industry interest groups. The study is required by the Clean Air Act and
June 1, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) The IRS on Thursday released proposed rules for an expanded carbon capture and utilization tax credit, ending a more than two-year wait for the regulations. Congress expanded the carbon capture credit in early 2018 as part of a bill that funded the government, but
May 29, 2020
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) This action proposes the EPA’s procedures for developing and issuing guidance documents and to establish a petition process for public requests to modify or withdraw an active guidance document. The purpose is to ensure that the EPA’s guidance documents are: Developed with appropriate review; Accessible and transparent
May 21, 2020
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(Environmental Protection Agency) This action proposes to update the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) existing gasoline, diesel, and other fuels programs to improve overall compliance assurance and maintain environmental performance, while reducing compliance costs for industry and EPA. EPA is proposing to streamline its existing fuel quality regulations by removing expired
May 15, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration could soon begin publishing data related to the production of biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG). The agency has proposed to modify an existing information collection focused on natural gas to include these renewable fuels. The EIA published a notice
May 6, 2020
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make adjustments to certain laboratory tailpipe emission testing procedures for automobiles, light trucks, and heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans as the result of a test fuel change that was finalized as a part of EPA’s 2014 Tier 3 vehicle emissions
April 22, 2020
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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 measure 12 micrograms per cubic meter. Strengthening the standards to
April 15, 2020
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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 Renewable Fuel Standard,” but indicated it does not plan to
April 14, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments and suggestions on objectives and opportunities leading to research goals and informed product goals to facilitate transformative breakthroughs to enable U.S. agriculture to meet the Department’s goal of increasing agricultural production by 40 percent to
April 3, 2020
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(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 proposes that the scope of the rulemaking apply to influential
March 18, 2020
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(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 at the entity-scale. In the report, Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in
March 7, 2020
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(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 as subsequent inventory reports. To ensure your comments are considered
February 17, 2020
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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 for information (RFI) on Jan. 16 seeking public input to
February 3, 2020
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(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 biodiesel, renewable diesel, Bioheat, and sustainable aviation fuel are
February 3, 2020
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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 for public comment. According to a summary published by the
January 29, 2020
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(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 of sales of renewable fuels. “Feedback from farmers, retailers and
January 16, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The public comment period of U.S. EPA’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking that addresses the agency’s plan to reallocate future Renewable Fuel Standard volumes lost to small refinery exemptions (SREs) closed Nov. 29. More than 11,700 comments were filed on the proposal, according to data
December 3, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … It’s a back and forth game of Trump’s promises to help farmers and agriculture and support ethanol and biofuels, EPA giving small refinery waivers to big oil companies, …. … (T)he latest responses from Midwest Senators, the American Coalition for Ethanol, how both
November 11, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted call-in information for its Oct. 30 hearing on the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking released Oct. 15 that seeks comments on how the agency should project the volume of small refinery exemptions (SREs) in future annual Renewable Fuel Standard rulemakings
October 29, 2019
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On October 15, 2019, EPA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking seeking additional comment on the recently proposed rule to establish the cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes for 2020 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.
October 16, 2019
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(Internal Revenue Service/Federal Register) … The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is
October 2, 2019
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(Federal Register) The Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) requests input from all interested parties on the U.S. Bioeconomy. The Bioeconomy represents the infrastructure, innovation, products, technology, and data derived from biologically-related processes and science that drive economic growth, promote health, and increase public benefit. Through this Request for
September 13, 2019
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(Biobased and Renewable Products Update) On August 30, 2019, the National Chicken Council submitted a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing concerns with the proposed required volume obligations (RVO) for 2020 combined with the recent waiver that will increase the use of ethanol-15 (E15) under the Renewable Fuel Standard
September 6, 2019
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by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) More than two dozen representatives from the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry spoke at Wednesday’s public hearing in Michigan to provide feedback on 2020 biofuel volumes proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. “The RNG Coalition is the
August 6, 2019
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by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) The Environmental Protection Agency hosted an annual hearing in Ypsilanti, Mich., on next year’s biofuel targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Many members of the biofuel industry pushed for higher levels and for the agency to correct demand lost from previous small refinery exemptions. … In his
August 1, 2019
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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 proposes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel that apply to gasoline and diesel transportation fuel produced
July 31, 2019
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(Renewable Fuels Association) In oral testimony presented at a public hearing today in Ypsilanti, Mich., the Renewable Fuels Association urged the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that its 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard final rule prospectively accounts for expected small refinery exemptions and properly addresses a 2017 court order to restore 500
July 31, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted call-in information for its July 31 hearing on the proposed rule to set 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The agency announced plans to hold the hearing earlier this month.
July 30, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced plans to hold a public hearing July 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on its proposed rule to set 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The agency released the rulemaking on July
July 12, 2019
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(Renewable Fuels Association/AgNewsWire) The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday issued proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program for calendar year 2020, with a total renewable fuel volume of 20.04 billion gallons, of which 5.04 billion gallons are advanced biofuel, including 540 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel. That leaves the 15-billion-gallon requirement
July 8, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration is seeking a three-year extension with changes to its Petroleum Supply Reporting System. The proposed changes include those related to biofuels reporting. The PSRS consists of six weekly surveys that make up the Weekly Petroleum Supply Reporting System, eight monthly
July 3, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published a notice in the Federal Register June 24 announcing it has opened a review of the Renewable Fuel Standard under Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. According to the notice, section 610 of the RFA requires that an agency review,
June 26, 2019
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by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Under new size specifications for the 45Q tax credit, almost all ethanol plants are eligible, said Jamey Cline, in business development for Christianson PLLP. With revenues trending downward since 2018 and falling below operating expenses, diversification of revenue streams is crucial, he added. Cline was
June 23, 2019
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(Hunton Andrews Kurth) The Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) and Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) have released Notice 2019-32 (the “Notice”) seeking comment on key issues to be interpreted in the Section 45Q carbon oxide sequestration tax credit. Congress significantly enhanced the Section 45Q tax credit in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018
May 17, 2019
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by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union) and Jim Seurer (Glacial Lakes Energy) (Farm Forum) … It does in fact, propose to provide year-round exemption from vapor pressure limits for blends of 15 percent ethanol, but does no more. The EPA proposal does not extend to higher blends. The anticipated increase
April 24, 2019
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(South Dakota Farmers Union) On the eve of a public hearing to receive comments on the long awaited ruling to allow year round rvp relief for E15, the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) called the rule a backdoor effort to limit ethanol blends. In a call with supporters today, SDFU President
March 28, 2019
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of a proposed extension of an existing information collection request (ICR) related to E15 it plans to submit to the Office of Management and Budget. A notice published in the Federal Register March 18 explains
March 26, 2019
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by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The EPA has given stakeholders a little more than a month to weigh in on the proposed rule that would allow year-round sales of E15. The proposal is being published in the Federal Register today, and the comment period ends April 29th. Minnesota Corn Growers president
March 22, 2019
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(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held in Ypsilanti, MI on March 29, 2019 for the proposed rule ‘‘Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations.’’ This proposed rule will be published separately in the Federal Register. The pre-publication version of this proposal can be
March 19, 2019
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by Danielle Romano (Convenience Store News) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulatory changes around higher ethanol blends, and they’re drawing mixed reactions. … “NACS is concerned that the proposed rulemaking would generate more problems than solutions,” said Paige Anderson, NACS’ director of government relations. “We believe that EPA’s proposal would
March 14, 2019
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(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On March 12, 2019, EPA proposed regulatory changes to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 during the summer months. EPA is also proposing regulatory changes to
March 12, 2019
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(U.S. Department of Energy) On December 27, 2018, a Federal Register Notice (FRN) was published announcing proposed survey changes to the Petroleum Supply Reporting System. These changes enhance collection and reporting of biofuels a number of ways: EIA-819 Monthly Oxygenate Report will be expanded to incorporate EIA-22M Monthly Biodiesel Production
January 9, 2019
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(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), comprised of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS), hereafter referred to as the Agency, is issuing a direct final rule to update the Agency’s Environmental Policies and
December 3, 2018
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is extending the comment period on a previously announced information collection request (ICR) that aims to consolidate and update recordkeeping and reporting burden and cost estimates related to the Renewable Fuel Standard program into a single, easy-to-understand format. The EPA said the
November 15, 2018
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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking stakeholder feedback to inform the research, extension and education priorities of NIFA. In short, NIFA is the extramural funding agency within USDA. NIFA are attempting to ensure that they reach a broad spectrum of organizations involved in food and agricultural
November 7, 2018
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA’s Farm Service Agency has opened a public comment period on the revision and extension of a currently approved information collection associated with FSA Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership Grants to states. A notice published in the Federal Register indicates the information collection was originally needed for
November 5, 2018
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Comments are due today on the Trump administration’s proposal to freeze Obama-era fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks. California remains front and center in the fight against the joint EPA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposal, vowing to fight the administration over its plan
October 26, 2018
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by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association) A high-octane, low-carbon fuel containing 20-40% ethanol used in optimized engines would be the lowest cost means of achieving compliance with fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2021-2026 and beyond, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis will testify today
September 26, 2018
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by David Shepardson (Reuters) California’s top air regulator urged the Trump administration on Sunday to abandon a plan to freeze fuel efficiency standards through 2026, as automakers urged state and federal regulators to reach agreement to extend nationwide rules. Mary Nichols, who chairs the state’s Air Resources Board, asked the U.S.
September 24, 2018
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(Nebraska Corn Board/KTIC) The Nebraska Corn Board is committed to expanding corn markets for farmers and offering motorists a greater selection of clean-burning, home-grown fuel options. The Board recently allocated funds in its 2018-2019 fiscal year budget to help further develop the renewable fuel infrastructure in the state. Through this grant
August 28, 2018
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by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Federal Agencies Disagree on Accounting for Small-Refinery Waivers in 2019 — EPA has made clear it is not considering public comments on small-refinery waivers and how they affect the Renewable Fuel Standard. But a USDA memorandum sent to EPA on Aug. 15 disputes the EPA’s
August 28, 2018
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A bipartisan group of nearly 40 U.S. Senators led by Patty Murray (D-WA), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have sent a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase volume obligations for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel and ensure any small refiner economic hardship exemptions
August 24, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 2019 proposed US Renewable Fuel Standard proposed volumes attracted a major raspberry from the ethanol industry. As the American Coalition for Ethanol noted: “Unfortunately, EPA continues to take actions which undermine the letter and spirit of the statute and harm the rural economy. While refiners
August 24, 2018
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(Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking comments on its proposed approach to monitoring the wholesale and retail markets for ethanol used in fuel blends like E10. Under the Biofuels Act 2007, a fuel retailer may be exempt from complying with the ethanol
August 22, 2018
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(Environmental Protection Agency) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) propose to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establish new standards, covering model years 2021 through 2026. Public Comments: The EPA docket
August 2, 2018
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(UK Department for Transport) Seeking views on a range of issues related to renewable transport fuel supply in the UK. — Unleaded petrol in the UK contains up to 5% bioethanol, a grade known as E5. E10 petrol contains up to 10% bioethanol and is not yet available in the UK. This
July 24, 2018
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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 Standard, along with the 2020 RVO for biomass-based diesel. The
July 3, 2018
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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 2018. The proposed volume allows for up to 15 billion
June 26, 2018
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(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 would require food manufacturers and other entities that label foods
May 15, 2018
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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 consider studies where the underlying data is made available
April 25, 2018
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA is seeking public comment on any aspect of the use of isobutanol in gasoline in response to fuel registration application filed by Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC. The public comment period ends April 30. The EPA filed a notice seeking comments on the use
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Biogas Poised to Seize RFS Potential — While Environmentalists Push to Kill RFS e-RINS Proposal, Biogas Industry Ready to Grow
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) … During a recent public hearing, environmentalists expressed concern the new program would lead to a proliferation of new confined animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, as more farmers try to capture the potential value of methane from increased manure production. Adrian Busby, senior food and