“Powering the Possible” Hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), the Summit brings together renewable fuels producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and supporters from across the country to discuss the latest developments and opportunities shaping the future of renewable fuels. “The Iowa
by John Reidy (World Grain) Eyeing increased biofuels demand, ADM said it has been making a series of investments in two phases at its corn dry mill in Columbus, Nebraska, US, that the company projects will increase annual corn grind to
(Landline Media) An emergency waiver from hours-of-service requirements, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, has been in effect since mid-September. That order remains in effect through Dec. 16, but was recently amended by FMCSA. Following a request from the Renewable Fuels
by Niels Lesniewski and David Jordan (Roll Call) ... (President Donald) Trump made the proclamation Monday while stumping for the embattled Sen. Roger Marshall, who’s trying to avoid being the first Republican in his state (Kansas) to lose a Senate
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and six of her colleagues on Oct. 15 sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to expand Renewable Fuel Standard eligibility for qualified fuel used in marine transportation. The
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch/Charles City Press) A group of Iowa landowners opposed to a carbon sequestration pipeline say the issue of property rights is still “one of the biggest issues in the state of Iowa” though fewer than 70
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) While in Peosta, Iowa, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule volumes to keep the historic and necessary volumes intact and increase target markets for
by Mark Pitz (KCHA) The Iowa Utilities Commission has denied a request from Summit Carbon Solutions to consolidate outstanding dockets for two sections of carbon pipeline in the company’s second phase of the project. Summit’s phase 2 pipeline routes would add laterals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Midwest holds ninety-four percent of domestic fuel ethanol capacity, but dense plant concentration has erased traditional local corn price advantages. Today, carbon intensity reduction serves as the primary value driver, with carbon capture and storage
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the bipartisan Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit Extension Act to extend a key tax credit that supports small biodiesel producers, family farmers and the rural communities
by Sam Heyn (KIWA Radio) The two candidates running for Iowa secretary of agriculture offered opposing views on the future of Iowa’s ethanol industry during a taping of Iowa PBS’s “Iowa Press” on Thursday (October 1, 2026). Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, a
(Office of US Senator Chuck Grassley) Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, accepted Growth Energy’s 2026 “Fueling Growth Award” for his leadership on biofuels and his ongoing support for America’s family farmers
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has signaled its intent to further delay the 2025 reporting deadline for its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) as the agency continues to consider repeal of the program in its entirety. The EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Senate Agriculture Committee has formally advanced a proposed Farm Bill containing a long-sought prize: permanent nationwide authorization for year-round E15 sales. It is a calculated federal hammer designed to smash the seasonal summer volatility that
by Ana Hernandez and Carlos Castillo (S&P Global) US refiners maximize diesel production output; BO-HO spread plunges to seven-year low level; D4 RIN credits fall 16% amid price pressure Global supply disruptions have propelled US diesel prices higher, prompting refiners to increase output while
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Senate Agriculture Committee met Wednesday for the first time in over a month to re-vote on the Agriculture Act of 2026 – the farm bill, including E15 – and pass it along party lines by a
by Erin Murphy (The Gazette) Democratic candidate for state ag secretary spoke to a clean water advocacy group -- Iowa needs more farmers and less reliance on ethanol, Chris Jones, the Democratic candidate for Iowa agriculture secretary, said during a candidate forum
by Jocelyn Peshia (KCRG) A new campaign ad from Democrat Nate Willems criticizes incumbent Attorney General Brenna Bird’s response to air pollution at an ethanol plant near Shell Rock. ... Bird’s predecessor, Democrat Tom Miller, also did not take further action after a similar
by Angie Holland/Kent Kaiser (Trade Alliance to Promote Prosperity/Fort Madison Daily Democrat) Iowa’s agricultural and biofuel industries need clear, consistent federal policy to make long-term investments, create jobs, and compete in a changing global economy. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks should be recognized for
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) John Deere's E98 Ethanol Tractor Heads to Nebraska, Illinois Fields This Fall -- John Deere's 8R series ethanol-powered tractor has logged 17-hour days in Kentucky farm fields and there's plenty more testing to come for
by Jarrett Renshaw and Siddharth Cavale (Reuters) EPA says it will announce extension in upcoming formal action; Agency aims to decide all pending small-refiner waiver requests by end of August; Small refiners sought waivers arguing it was too costly to comply with RFS The
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR Cup Series was held over the weekend (August 8-9, 2026)), with over 1,800 Iowa Corn Grower Association members and their families watching Ty Gibbs take the victory fueled with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today (August 21, 2026), The Daily Digest is releasing The Digest’s 100 Hottest Projects in the Bioeconomy— 2026 Edition, our annual benchmark profiling and ranking the world’s leading commercial-scale bioeconomy assets. This year’s rankings focuses on execution—curating
by Joanna Schroeder (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Producers worry about competition, market growth and environmental blame -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand did more listening than talking Tuesday during a meeting with members of Iowa’s ethanol industry at Lincolnway Energy in Nevada. Sand
(Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) ‘A’ Rating Positions Region as Prime Location for Corn Stover-Based Development -- Lee County Economic Development Group, Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative are pleased to announce the issue of a BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Lee
(Biofuels International) In the United States (US), Inventure Renewables, a developer of proprietary process technologies for the oleochemical and biofuel industries, and which has deployed over US$250 million in first-of-kind processing capacity across North America and Asia, and CPM|Crown have announced
(Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board has approved more than $2 million in cost-share grants for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects across Iowa. The grants,
by Alexandros Barbosa-Rewinkel (Nebraska TV) Pump & Pantry is celebrating one of the largest expansions in company history after acquiring and converting 21 former Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations across Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. The Nebraska-based convenience store chain says the expansion
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) Iowa’s cost-share Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program awarded more than $1.4 million in grants to 24 applicants July 29 to expand access to higher ethanol blends at retail sites. The program also awarded $604,212 in grants to
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture on June 23 announced it has awarded $5.6 million to support 11 projects that focus on converting, treating, processing, refining or manufacturing products to utilize plant, animal
by Elmin Rahic, Siobhan Fathel, Jim Jordahl, Christine Costello (Journal of Environmental Management) • Introduces FEAAD, an open-source, Excel-based tool for integrated farm management. FEAAD integrates energy, GHG, NPK, and economic farm analysis. Anaerobic digestion transforms farms into net energy producers. Farm-level global warming potential is reduced by 28–60%. The
by Dave Walton (American Soybean Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The organization has cemented and proven its important role in the livelihood of Iowa’s soybean farmers and biodiesel producers alike. -- Next year, the Iowa Biodiesel Board will celebrate its 20th anniversary—two decades
by Karen Potratz (Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition/Biobased Diesel Daily) Moisture and microbial contamination are common culprits. -- Plugged filters. Sluggish acceleration. Gunky tanks. Too often, biodiesel unfairly takes the blame for these and other fuel-performance issues. In truth, high moisture content and microbial
by Gil Gullickson (Wallaces Farmer/Farm Progress) As Things Look to Me: Carbon intensification score helps determine eligibility for Section 45Z payments. Section 45 of the Inflation Act of 2022 could determine payments to farmers who produce low-carbon fuels. The tax credit’s worth is based
by Clark Kauffman (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Three-day bench trial is now scheduled to begin June 15 -- ... In 2024, pipe manufacturer Welspun Tubular filed suit against Summit Carbon Solutions, claiming it had been commissioned by Summit to produce about 785 miles
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill intended to expand the use of ag equipment fueled by higher ethanol blends. “Senate File 2493 eliminates the excise tax on fuels containing more than 85% by volume
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) From $35 per acre cover crop incentives to $1.25 premiums, growers are finding ways that conservation and cash flow can mesh. -- ... The use of cover crops is back on firmer economic ground now, she (Laurie Isley)
by Jenna Rose (River Cities' Reader) The Iowa biodiesel industry is largely back up and running, buoyed by long-awaited federal Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. While the path ahead involves recovery,
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register/AOL) Iowa and Missouri are suing to block an edict by New York requiring their and other ethanol and biodiesel producers to report how much of the renewable fuel might be sold in the state. The Iowa
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Summit Carbon Solutions plans to shrink the scope of its pipeline project in Iowa by about 200 miles. The company has submitted a revised route plan to the Iowa Utilities Commission. Summit no longer plans to
by J. Richard Hess (Idaho National Laboratory) A new techno-economic analysis by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) demonstrated that, by using integrated landscape management (ILM) techniques, bioenergy stakeholders could produce biomass at costs 20% lower than previous assumptions.1 The efficiencies gained using ILM
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioMADE is tackling the critical shortage of U.S. pilot-scale biomanufacturing infrastructure to prevent domestic innovators from moving scale-up operations overseas. Supported by $208 million across 92 projects, the Department of Defense-backed institute is launching Phase I
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, today (May 6, 2026) released new data showing that fuel retailers sold nearly 2.5 billion gallons of E15 in 2025, underscoring the growing demand for a lower-cost fuel option that could
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) ... Without a shred of credible evidence or analysis, the anti-E15 crowd suggests that simply allowing retail gas stations to voluntarily offer E15 would somehow lead to “higher gas prices” and restricting SREs to truly
by Isabella Warren (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau/KCRG) Vice president campaigns for Iowa congressman as Congress prepares to vote on expanded ethanol access -- Vice President JD Vance spoke in Des Moines on Monday (May 4, 2026) supporting Iowa Republican Congressman
by Siddharth Cavale and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) EPA mandates require 60% biomass-based diesel production increase, risking credit market volatility if unmet; Industry leaders warn supply, feedstock, and capacity challenges may hinder meeting targets; Analysts and EIA forecast potential deficits, with actual output lagging
by Erin Krueger (Biomass Magazine) Rep. Mike Carey, R-Iowa, on April 27 introduced the Strengthening Economic and Energy Development Act, a bill that aims to reinstate the $1 per gallon 40A biodiesel tax credit through 2029. Taxpayers would be able to
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, pressed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on his support for biofuels and the administration’s request to reduce U.S. Department of Energy funding for renewable fuels by 98% during an April 16
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members of the Congressional E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council are hoping the farm bill might be the vehicle to finally get E15 legislation on the road to passage. Reps. Michelle Fischbach, Randy Feenstra, Stephanie Bice, and Adrian Smith introduced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Verbio is pioneering “green solutions” by converting rapeseed methyl ester into high-value renewable molecules via ethenolysis. Their new plant in Bitterfeld, Germany, is slated for 2026 production, targeting an annual output of 17,000 tonnes of 1-Decene
by Tom Bryan (Carbon Capture Magazine) The latest edition of Ethanol Producer Magazine’s U.S. & Canada Fuel Ethanol Plant Map includes comprehensive data on carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS)—an umbrella term that encompasses all types of biogenic CO2 capture from
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol Producer Magazine checked in for progress updates on six projects reported upon in recent months that will collectively represent capacity expansion of approximately 200 MMgy over the next couple of years. POET Bioprocessing-Shelbyville POET is
by Jon Adamy (Farm News Media/Michigan Farm News) On the heels of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order allowing for the statewide sale of E15 fuel — made of 15% ethanol — new numbers show how impactful recent E15 expansion efforts have been. Nationwide
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) request for information on the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program. The EPA sought feedback on a broad range of fuel options
(Agroicone/PR Newswire) New research shows that expanding ethanol production from Brazil's second crop corn can support the growth of sustainable aviation fuel while limiting land-use change and greenhouse gas emissions. SÃO PAULO, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The expansion of ethanol production from Brazil's
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A U.S. Congressman is encouraged by recent progress on biofuels policy. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra tells Brownfield the Renewable Volume Obligations announced by the EPA send a strong signal to the market. “This is a big deal,
The TopSoil Summit is where farmers, ethanol plants, and ag partners come together to prepare for what’s next. With 45Z underway and new opportunities emerging, this is your chance to get ahead. At Continuum Ag, we’ve been working for years to
(WisPolitics) Campaign focuses on gas price messaging as fuel costs spike past $4 and Congress leaves for two-week recess; New digital and billboard ads being launched this month Rural Voices USA today (April 2, 2026) announced a continuation of its six-figure “Stop the
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) As Gasoline Prices Soar, the Need for Federal Legislation Allowing Year-Round E15 Sales Is Clearer Than Ever Before -- U.S. sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol, hit a record 1.52 billion gallons in
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Last year was tough ― by at least one estimate, the toughest ever ― for Iowa’s biodiesel industry. The industry lost an estimated $89.5 million in 2025 and closed three plants in 2025, according to a
(Renewable Fuels Association) E15 accounted for more than 27 percent of total gasoline sales in Iowa in 2025, according to data released today by the Iowa Department of Revenue. The data show that more than 410 million gallons of E15 were sold in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...(T)he final “Set 2” Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements for 2026 and 2027. Not a tweak. A reset. After seasons of regulatory uncertainty and economic headwinds, President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin delivered what
by Cole Martin (Argus Media) The US is planning to allow refiners and retailers to supply a gasoline blend with more ethanol than is usually allowed in some states in the summer, an effort to temper fuel costs that have surged
by Jeff Ellis Donnellson (Daily Gate City) March 18 is National Biodiesel Day — the birthday of Rudolf Diesel, the engineer who believed more than a century ago that plant-based oils were the fuel of the future. Iowa has spent recent decades
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) The Smith family captures value from cover crops twice—first as high-quality cattle feed and then as biological fuel for no-till corn and soybeans. -- Where the borders of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois converge above the Mississippi River, Jack
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee said Friday he sees a pathway to pass year-round E15 and a new Farm Bill, but some provisions in the House bill involviR-NE)ng pesticide rules and California's
by Dave Bohl (WOC 1420) 34 fuel retailers in Iowa will receive nearly $2 million in state grants to expand access to renewable fuels. $1,840,727 was awarded Wednesday through the state's Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), which started in 2007. Lisa Coffelt
by Lydia Johnson and Kim Chipman (Agri-Pulse) Regulations for the new 45Z biofuel tax incentive need to account for cover crops, precision fertilizer applications and other regenerative agriculture practices to ensure that farmers fully benefit from the subsidy, farm-state Republican lawmakers say
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., on March 4 attempted to amend the draft 2026 Farm Bill currently under consideration by the House Agriculture Committee to include language enabling year-round sales of E15. The amendment did not
(Renewable Fuels Association) Speaking to attendees at the 31st annual National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper celebrated a record-breaking year for the U.S. ethanol industry while urging Congress and the Trump administration to fully
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel advocates from across the state gathered at the Capitol today for the Iowa Biodiesel Day on the Hill, urging lawmakers to extend and increase the state’s Biodiesel Production Tax Credit. It’s the single most critical step to
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) John Deere is testing a 350-hp E98 ethanol tractor across the Midwest. Early trials show promise, but infrastructure might decide how fast farmer-grown fuel can power the future of farm equipment. As the ag economy searches for the
by Aimee Nielson (Seed World) Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is no longer a fringe idea. Airlines want it. States are building policy around it. Researchers are racing to lower costs. The next question is what it means for seed companies, breeders and
by Brandon Irvine (KTIV) Siouxland-tied company becomes official bioethanol partner -- NASCAR announced a new partnership with POET biofuels that will make the racing series the first major motorsports organization to utilize zero-carbon bioethanol. Under the agreement, POET will become the official bioethanol partner
by Isabella Luu (Iowa Public Radio) Farmers would be strongly shielded from lawsuits over greenhouse gas emissions under a bill advanced Tuesday by an Iowa House panel. The bill (HSB 693) states that farmers would be protected from legal responsibility for the climate impact of greenhouse emissions, unless a
by Jeff Mulhollem (Pennsylvania State University) Implementing novel management practices in dairy farming, one of the commonwealth’s major agricultural industries, could help alleviate a large source of both nutrient pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, according to a multidisciplinary team led by
by Charlie Hope-D’Anieri (The New Republic) To say Chris Jones is a long-shot candidate is an understatement. But he could upend how Democrats approach agricultural policy. -- A retired water scientist named Chris Jones is running in the Democratic primary for secretary of agriculture
by Rachel Cramer (Harvest Public Media/KCUR) Biofuel leaders say the shipping industry could be a golden goose for ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. One of the big barriers is the Trump administration, which torpedoed a global agreement to reduce pollution. Even though the
by Rachel Shin (Politico Pro) Naig discussed his efforts to lobby lawmakers and the Trump administration on ethanol and new market access for Iowa farmers. -- Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig is keeping the heat on Washington to greenlight year-round sales of
by Cami Koons (News from the States) A Senate subcommittee advanced a bill Wednesday (February 4, 2026) that would create a severance tax on carbon dioxide that is transported through pipelines in Iowa. Senate File 2069 would tax CO2 transported through the state
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Feb. 3 published a notice announcing its approval of a request submitted by Ohio to reinstate the 1-psi volatility waiver within the state. The approval means Ohio has reversed course on
(Office of Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)) U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the bipartisan Securing America’s Fuels (SAF) Act to strengthen the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, provide new markets for farmers and
by Jacob Calvin (The Daily Iowan) Officials in the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association point to a lack of clear government regulation for the decrease. -- According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa produced 31 percent less biofuel in 2025 at 244
by Marcus McIntosh (KCCI) Iowa Senate lawmakers made a major change to one of the fastest-moving bills at the Statehouse, stripping out House-approved language that would have barred carbon pipeline companies from using eminent domain. The move drew immediate criticism from opponents
by Stephen Moore (Real Clear Policy)... Its (Renewable Fuels Standard) intention was to reduce air pollution and reduce America’s reliance on foreign oil. But its political goal was to help farm states by increasing demand for corn and other ag products
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Greenwire) The Environmental Defense Fund is pressing Congress to make innovative research in agriculture a high priority. -- An environmental group said Thursday it’s launching a $50,000 ad campaign in four farm states to nudge policymakers toward
by Maya Glicksman (Carbon 180) Our team visited Upper Midwest farmers in five states, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, who champion agroforestry on their landscapes and demonstrate the power of diversified agriculture, particularly on marginal land. Their stories illuminate unique
(CF Industries) CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products, and POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuels, have launched a pilot project with major agriculture co-operatives to jointly develop a low-carbon fertilizers supply
by Hadriana Lowenkron (Bloomberg/MSN) President Donald Trump threw his support behind a legislative proposal that would expand sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline as he looked to build support for his economic record with a crowd that included farmers in Iowa. Trump told
by Erin Krueger (Biodiesel Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 23 concluded its review of a proposed rule to implement guidance for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, according to information posted to the agency’s website. The
by Kim Chipman, Oliver Ward, Lydia Johnson, and Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) President Donald Trump kicks off a series of weekly campaign trips across the U.S. with a visit to Iowa even as the ethanol industry and corn producers are angry about the failure of an E15
by Carah Hart (Brownfield Ag News) Two Midwest farmers say the future of biofuels spans aviation, marine and rail. Tim Ostrem a South Dakota farmer and United Soybean Board member, tells Brownfield “Biofuels are an answer to keeping our environment cleaner for
(Iowa Corn Growers Association) Without immediate passage of nationwide, year-round E15 and access to ultra-low carbon ethanol markets, such as sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel, Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry will continue its downward decline, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. Iowa’s
by Ken Tran and Olivia Gyapong (Bloomberg Government) House Republican leaders struck an agreement with Midwestern GOP lawmakers to establish a rural energy council focused on E15 biofuel, resolving a conflict that threatened to derail the latest government funding package. The E-15 Rural
by Jenna Rose (Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) State-level policy and industry collaboration position Iowa as a model for B30 adoption. As Iowa’s biodiesel producers continue to weather a difficult year marked by federal-policy uncertainty and challenges, the state of Iowa continues
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says the state’s biodiesel producers are facing dire circumstances. Many biodiesel plants idled in 2025 and haven’t restarted, according to Shaw. “I’m told that a typical plant, just because of ongoing
he Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is the Midwest’s largest biofuels policy conference! Drawing from over a dozen states, attendees represent every sector of the biofuels industry and beyond – including biofuels producers and supporters, policy experts, elected officials, and media. Register
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch) House subcommittee advances the ‘simple’ bill -- A House subcommittee advanced a bill Tuesday (January 13, 2026) that would prohibit carbon dioxide pipeline operators from exercising eminent domain for the purpose of building a carbon sequestration
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch/WV News) The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request Monday from Story and Shelby counties requesting a review of a lower court’s ruling that county ordinances pertaining to a carbon sequestration pipeline were preempted by federal
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol in 2025 — a figure consistent with the past two years and one that Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says could be higher if Iowa had access to carbon
by Chakraborty (Inventiva) The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as the world races to meet ambitious climate targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In this transition, biofuels have emerged as a critical bridge technology, offering renewable alternatives
(Renewable Fuels Association) Ethanol accounted for 11.06 percent of the nation’s gasoline in October, marking the first time in history that the monthly ethanol “blend rate” has topped 11 percent, according to newly released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The
(RBN Energy) Now that the calendar has turned to 2026, most gas stations in Iowa are required to advertise and sell E15 gasoline. The requirement was included the state’s E15 Access Standard, which was adopted by the state legislature in 2022. Gas
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) The soybean supply chain looks to proposed biofuel polices for hope in the midst of what’s been described as one of the most challenging years ever. For biofuel producers, the uncertainty around final rules and
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch/Des Moines Register) The Iowa Utilities Commission will have to decide whether Summit Carbon Solutions can change the destination of its carbon sequestration pipeline before a challenge to the company’s permit to build it in the state
by Greg Price (Atberta Farmer) Agricultural producers encouraged to embrace stronger government biofuel policies for for their commodities -- Canadians farmers have had a hard time embracing biofuel policy the same way that producers south of the border have, says Shaun Haney,
by Nina H. Farah (Politico Pro Energywire) Summit Carbon Solutions' interstate carbon dioxide project faces headwinds from a South Dakota law. -- An Iowa judge has ordered state regulators to take another look at the permit requirements for an interstate carbon dioxide
by Siri Hedreen (S&P Global) PureField to bury 1.8 mil metric tons of CO2 over 12 years; Would capture CO2 from PureField's Russell biofuels plant -- The Trump administration has tentatively approved ethanol producer PureField Ingredients' plan to bury its CO2 emissions in
(Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship) Projects in 46 counties receive cost-share grants through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program -- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 108 projects during their
by Emily Boevers (Waverly Newspapers) ... Today, limited options exist to legally seize, use or redistribute property owned by another. Zoning laws are one example of limitations on property use. Voluntary easements grant another opportunity to use one’s property for limited
(U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Iowa) A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a nine-count indictment on December 9, 2025, charging multiple individuals with charges related to a racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit the offense of interstate transportation of
by Jenna Higgins Rose (River Cities' Reader) The Iowa Biodiesel Board today responded to the Trump administration's announcement of a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, expressing appreciation for the support while emphasizing that long-term, market-driven policy solutions are essential to helping
by Ames Alexander (Floodlight/Wisconsin Examiner) ... The fertilizer used to grow it is warming the planet and contaminating water. Corn is essential to the rural economy and to the world’s food supply, and researchers say the problem isn’t the corn itself. It’s
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Since 2016, momentum for flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) expansion across the U.S. has been slow, if not non-existent. Only in the last two years have new FFV models been offered in the U.S., and there haven’t
by Celia Brocker (Ames Tribune) Ames' bus system is using a $14.6 million federal grant to expand its facility and convert its fleet to biodiesel. CyRide, the bus system collaboration between the city of Ames, Iowa State University, and ISU's student government,
(Waga Energy) We have signed a US$180M 4-year senior debt facility1 to boost our landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) platform in the United States, with Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) and HSBC Asset Management
by Michael Barnard (Clean Technica) The story of the United States corn ethanol industry is a story about a sector that grew rapidly under a very specific set of policy, technology and market conditions. It filled a gap when gasoline demand
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A conference room near Gate C-17, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston. No corn. No tractors. But the same kind of revelation. BioMADE CEO Doug Friedman remembers it clearly—it was 2019, before BioMADE was even official,
(SDPB) Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining a group of colleagues asking federal officials to investigate whether refiners are following renewable fuel guidelines. The Renewable Fuel Standard program requires large refiners to produce a certain amount of ethanol-blended fuels. Refineries can apply for hardship
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird on Nov. 3 filed a public comment with the U.S. EPA expressing concern that the agency’s proposed repeal of its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Attorneys general from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota have asked federal authorities to take a closer look at small refineries receiving exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard, alleging in a letter on Wednesday (October 29,
by Todd Hubbs and Scott Irwin (Oklahoma State University and Iowa State Unversity/farmdoc daily) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been extraordinarily active on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) front over the summer and early fall of 2025. Since June,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association congratulates member company Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE), based in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the production of its two-billionth gallon of ethanol. “Two billion gallons of ethanol production is an incredible milestone,” said RFA President and CEO
by y O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Tom Harkin — the Iowa Democrat who served in 40 years in the U.S. House and Senate — has had a change of heart about the ethanol industry. “For most of my time in the Senate,
by Haley Bickelhaupt (WQAD) A higher blend of biodiesel is catching the eye of a number of companies and the hopes of some farmers. Rob Shaffer grows soybeans in El Paso, Illinois. He said the biodiesel, B-99 or B-100, could boost demand
(BioMADE) Today (October 20, 2025) marks five years since BioMADE was announced as the bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation Institute by the Department of Defense in October 2020. From our inception, BioMADE has championed innovation, collaboration, and resilience, growing into a national network
(Waga Energy) Waga Energy, the Waste Commission of Scott County, and Linwood Mining and Minerals are proud to announce the successful start-up of a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility at the Scott Area Landfill in Davenport, Iowa. This landmark project brings
by Matt Olberding (Nebraska Public Media) Tallgrass Energy has started operation of its $1.5 billion pipeline to transport carbon dioxide. On Oct. 3, Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland announced the start of carbon capture at its ethanol plant in Madrid, a village in
by Donnell Eller (Des Moines Register) -- Summit Carbon Solutions is asking Iowa regulators to amend its carbon dioxide pipeline permit to explore sequestration sites in other states. -- Opponents, including landowners and environmental groups, are challenging Summit's Iowa permit in
(Whitefox) Whitefox ICE System Supports Efficiency Improvements as Lincolnway Celebrates 100 Million Gallon Annual Production Milestone -- Lincolnway Energy and Whitefox Technologies are proud to announce the successful installation and startup of its Whitefox ICE® membrane dehydration system at Lincolnway’s ethanol plant in Nevada,
(Iowa's News Now) The state is investing nearly $1.9 million to expand access to cleaner and cheaper biofuels across Iowa. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved 48 new grants to help fuel stations add or upgrade equipment for
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa; Senate President Pro Tempore, “The Agricultural Economy: Year-Round, Nationwide E15” -- So again, for the third time this week, I want to talk about the agricultural situation. This week, I’ve been
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) California Governor Gavin Newsom today (October 2, 2025) signed legislation that could help bring down the cost of gasoline in California, making way for lower cost 15 percent ethanol fuel (E15) to be made available for the first
(Kemin Industries) Specializing in enzymes and fermentation, the biotech company will transform the expansion of Kemin's global enzyme production capabilities -- Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the
by Paul Hammel (Nebraska Examiner) Deal to share proceeds with local orgs seen as template for large infrastructure projects in rural and urban areas -- A Kansas pipeline company is about to activate its $1.5 billion pipeline to transport carbon dioxide from
(Waverly Newspapers) Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, accepted Growth Energy’s 2025 “Fueling Growth Award” for his efforts to support biofuel production. “Homegrown biofuels are good, good, good. They’re good for lowering prices,
By Rachel Gignac (CSP Daily News) ... Pilot has completed its B99 biodiesel fuel program; the truck stop and convenience-store chain has rolled out dispensers with the fuel for fleets at its Decatur, Illinois, Des Moines, Iowa, and Dallas locations since it began the
by Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) Supporters of South Dakota’s law barring the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines are pushing back after North Dakota’s attorney general suggested his state might challenge the measure in court. In an interview published Thursday, Fargo
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa’s cost-share Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) recently awarded $1,864,344 in grants for 48 applicants to add biofuels to retail sites. Four applications aimed to add B11 at select sites, while the remaining forty-four focused on expanding
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Summit Carbon Solutions has filed a petition to amend its pipeline permit with the Iowa Utilities Commission. The petition, filed on Monday (September 15, 2025), requests route and pipe-size modifications to add an ethanol plant to the
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Summit Announces Landowner Incentives, Money for Communities on Pipeline Route -- Summit Carbon Solutions said it is ready to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to partnering with landowners along the proposed
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley on Sept. 10 called the U.S. Treasury Department’s planned May 2026 release of proposed 45Z clean fuel production credit regulations “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of timely 45Z guidance to two Treasury
by Michael McCoy (Chemical & Engineering News) Does a new butanediol plant that runs on corn represent a shift in how chemicals are made? Cargill and Helm have opened a multimillion-dollar biobased chemical plant in Iowa. The facility is the biggest in many
by Chris Bennett (AgWeb) ... On Sept. 2, 2025, a telltale farm meeting went nuclear. Field representatives from the offices of Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and Rep. Rick Crawford, along with a rep sent by Gov. Sarah Sanders, initially
by Brianne Pfannenstiel (Des Moines Register) It was the first question posed to Republican candidates for governor at the first forum of the election cycle. A week later, it was the topic that drew the largest crowd yet to MAGA Nation, a gathering of conservative Republicans
by Erin Krueger (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a staunch supporter of the agriculture and biofuels industries, on Sept. 2 announced she will not seek reelection next year. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Biodiesel Board, and Iowa Department of
(Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa State University is working with a U.S. Defense Department-backed organization to develop facilities that could make the university and its community a national destination for biobased product testing. BioMADE, a Manufacturing Innovation Institute focused on bioindustrial manufacturing and
by GiGi Wood (Business Record) What began as a way for farmers to add value to their unused crops in the 1990s is now part of a multibillion-dollar company scaling up research at Iowa State University. In 1996, farmers at the West
by Cami Koons (Iowa Capital Dispatch) ... While the majority of public comment focused on the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, for which the IUC granted a conditional permit in 2024, the pipeline was only on the agenda for an update
by Jason Grumet (American Clean Power Association/Des Moines Register) Iowa has claimed the No. 1 spot in America for energy competitiveness, leaping from fourth place in just one year. While not rich in oil and gas reserves, Iowa has developed significant ethanol and
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