by Bob Quinn and Doug Cooper (600WMTRadio) At the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management hearing entitled “Examining Two GAO Reports Regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) stressed the importance
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... "Democrats need to talk to rural voters. That's the first thing that has to happen. They can't write 'em off," Vilsack told his former adviser, David Axelrod, in a podcast interview during the Democratic
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Drivers filling-up their cars with cleaner-burning E15 during the month of October raised $12,000 for breast cancer awareness as part of the “Pink at the Pump” Campaign. Nearly 30 E15 retailers in Iowa participated in
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Trump and Congressional Republicans are expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure development, and repealing Obamacare. Some of those initiatives may touch the biobased economy but only at the margins. Renewable chemical
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The economic drivers behind recent higher ethanol blending rates were examined by Iowa economic researcher Sampath Jayasinghe in the Renewable Energy Report from the Iowa Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. In the week ending Sept.
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Holstein Travel Center has added four blender pumps and to celebrate the retail station is hosting a pump promotion November 11-12, 2016. The station is located on Indorf Avenue in Holstein, Iowa. The station will be
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Buying bankrupt plants on cheap creates No. 5 U.S. producer; Free-market preachers seek profit without mandated use of fuel -- Jeremy Bezdek admits that the proposal he made to his bosses at Koch Industries Inc. sounded like
(U.S. Department of Energy) The results of the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office's (BETO's) Cellulosic Sugar and Lignin Production Capabilities Request for Information (RFI) are now available on the RFI responses web page. This new web page is a
by Tom Philpott (Mother Jones) Cue the pandering to King Corn. -- ... And while winning Iowa is far from enough to push Trump to national victory, he absolutely needs to win the state to have any reasonable shot at
by Jenny Hopkinson (Politico's Morning Ag) A new television advertisement from Sen. Chuck Grassley’s campaign focuses on his success in advancing legislation that promotes the use of cellulosic ethanol-based energy, encouraging “a new fuel made from cobs, not kernels.” The Iowa
by Shelby Shepherd (KWQC) An hour before Trump and Clinton battled it out in Las Vegas, Iowa’s U.S. senate candidates battled it out in the western part the state they are fighting for. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley has held his
(Ames Laboratory) A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory will be developing new instrumentation aimed at determining the chemical and structural makeup of plant cell walls to better understand how to convert plant material into
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Innovation in stover utilization targets feed, sugars and coproduct credits, building markets beyond cellulosic ethanol use. -- Building a robust biomass supply chain for the future will require multiple end users. Innovative companies are
by Tom Thoma/Kelly Hansen (Globe Gazette/POET) Something new and exciting is popping up all across our state. Think: cleaner air, less use of toxic chemicals and consumer savings for Iowans. Ethanol is a biofuel that is homegrown, renewable and already exists
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Detroit Public Television (DPTV) is debuting a new ethanol documentary this Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET called, “The Ethanol Effect“. The film, produced by DPTV, takes a look at the controversy surrounding the
(Detroit Public TV) Innovative efforts to develop renewable cellulosic ethanol processes. High school student Tavis Reed and DuPont's innovative efforts to develop renewable cellulosic ethanol processes. WATCH VIDEO
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. is quietly celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a series of videos being released to commemorate the company’s—and the biodiesel industry’s—significant growth and maturation over the past decade. REG has been discreet about
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced the filing of a complaint against NGL Crude Logistics, LLC and Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC and a settlement with Western Dubuque to address
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Beginning October 1, 2016, nearly 30 fuel retailers in Iowa are kicking off the “Pink at the Pump” campaign to raise funds for breast cancer as well as raise awareness about E15. These retailers have committed
By Barbara Soderlin and Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) Fields across the Midlands are packed with copper-colored cornstalks, an expected record-size crop drying in the breeze as the fall harvest gets underway. But there’s a worry underlying the satisfaction of the Grain
by Liz Mathis (Marion Times) Here in Iowa, we encourage gas stations to install flex fuel pumps and other equipment to offer homegrown, renewable ethanol and biodiesel. The Legislature's investment of $3 million this year will continue to make tax
by Paul Fox (Fayetteville Observer) Jonah Goldberg's Sept. 5 column "Let's talk about ethanol" struck me as a little odd. Goldberg has somehow twisted the idea that ethanol and biofuels release more greenhouse gases than oil, despite research by the
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Iowa has released the availability of nearly $350,000 in funds under the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative as announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Retailers who are interested can apply for the cost share funding
by Tom Thoma (Globe Gazette) Ethanol Incentives: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said Wednesday about $350,000 in uncommitted funds are now available to interested retailers in Iowa seeking cost-share funding to help buy and install blender pumps and underground
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may recall that The Bloomberg investigative team of Ben Elgin & Peter Waldman in 2013 published an expose on Chevron claiming that the company had developed — then buried — a Catchlight Energy project
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization recently released a report documenting substantial, ongoing growth in the renewable chemical industry and outlining federal and state policies that support the industry. The report, titled “Advancing the Biobased Economy: Renewable
by William Smith (The Hawk Eye) The new station will use ethanol from Big River Resources blended on site. READ MORE
by Doug Berven (POET/Boston Herald) Jonah Goldberg’s column parrots the tired talking points of the oil industry (“Research proves ethanol’s only useful to pols,” Sept. 5). Ethanol is a clean-burning, American-made biofuel that is lowering greenhouse gas emissions while improving engine
by Ian Richardson (Sioux City Journal) Area drivers can fill up on E15 fuel for $1.15 per gallon at select locations across Siouxland during a special promotion Friday. Kum & Go stations at 3803 Dakota Ave. in South Sioux City and
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The head of ethanol giant Poet is optimistic presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton back renewable fuels despite recent developments that have left some in the industry uncertain about their positions. Jeff Broin, the founder and chief executive
by Bill Northey (Globe Gazette) ... This significant growth in access to E15 is thanks in part to the “Fueling our Future” initiative, which is a collaboration between the governor’s office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Consumers will have the choice to purchase E15 at the pump again tomorrow, September 15, 2016. For drivers owning a 2001 or newer vehicle, E15 sales are restricted during summer months due to an arcane U.S.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 13, the governors of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking her to remove the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit
by Mike Arbige (DuPont/The Mercury News) Letter to Editor: Next to power plants, transportation remains America’s largest source of carbon emissions. Electrification will help, but only clean-burning biofuels — like ethanol — can immediately and dramatically combat rising levels of smog,
(Quad County Corn Processors/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recently met with staff and board members from Quad County Corn Processors and representatives from Syngenta, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers
by James Dozier (The Gazette/Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions) Sen. Chuck Grassley has displayed a consistent record of leadership when it comes to bringing jobs and clean energy to Iowa and helping to bolster the farm economy. Two recent efforts led
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at DSM and its direct investments, partnerships
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) NIFA 's Bioeconomy-Bioenergy-Bioproduct portfolio facilitates the development of sustainable regional production systems for biofuels and bio-based products through research, product development and demonstration, extension, and education. By creating non-carbon based fuels, power sources, chemicals, and other products,
by Robert C. Brown (Des Moines Register) ... The genesis of the latest headlines is frustration among certain biofuels critics that life-cycle analysis no longer supports their criticism of biofuels. The solution, of course, is to throw out life-cycle analysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconmy. In this slide deck, we looked at DuPont, and its M&A activity, direct
by Eddie Scott (TheVillagesSuntimes) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the second annual Roast and Ride at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. -- ... Trump promised to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and corn-based ethanol, eliminate burdensome regulations like the Waters of
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Ethanol provides consumers savings at the pump – especially when the retailer passes along the RIN (Renewable Identification Number) savings to their customers. No one knows this better than Dave Sovereign, Chairman of the Board of Directors
by Robert Mills (Iowa State University) A team of researchers from Iowa State University’s Bioeconomy Institute is investigating a new technology for converting biomass into biofuels and chemicals. With a $371,000, one-year grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Plains is a vertically-integrated ethanol producer based in Omaha, Nebraska. They currently have an ethanol production capacity of approximately 1.5 billion gallons per year with 17 plants located in Nebraska; Indiana; Minnesota; Iowa; Tennessee;
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) It’s hard to beat this as a summer job for a Des Moines teenager: Two weeks at the Republican and Democratic national conventions as part of an Iowa team promoting ethanol. Otto Gunderson, 16, traveled to Cleveland
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lightning strikes often in the Advanced Bioeconomy. The Magic catalyst, the miracle microbe, the super strain, the wonder feedstock, the peerless process. But it’s after the lightning strikes that we begin what former BP Biofuels chief
by Bob Krause (Storm Lake Times Letter to Editor) Only 35 years after the 1980s farm crisis, another storm seems to be brewing. Corn production is forecast by USDA to be up 11% from last year. This crop, possibly over
(Pilot Tribune) United States Senator Joni Ernst and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will visit Quad County Corn Processors cellulosic ethanol production facility in Galva on Wednesday, August 31st at 9:15 am. Senator Ernst and Governor Branstad will tour Quad County's state-of-the-art
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Republican nominee Trump backs U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard; Tactic would exploit a Clinton weakness, Rick Santorum says -- Donald Trump’s campaign swing through the Corn Belt on Friday should include a hearty endorsement of U.S. renewable
by Ed Tibbetts (Quad City Times) A new report saying that Hillary Clinton's campaign has talked with California officials about how the Renewable Fuel Standard might be revamped is drawing criticism from a top Republican in Iowa. The Clinton campaign said
(Vimeo/DuPont) The world is requiring more renewable sources of energy to meet its needs. With decades of expertise in feedstock, bioprocessing and biofuel production, DuPont has answered the call with a fully integrated process that converts biomass to cellulosic ethanol.
by Lais Thomaz* and Dan Quadros** (Advanced Biofuels USA) With diverse and dynamic programming involving agribusiness, food safety, nutrition, sustainability and bioenergy, the 2016 GAF achieved its mission to gather producers, companies and academia to discuss the importance of agribusiness supply
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack may be on Hillary Clinton's short-list for a vice presidential running mate. Several national media outlets have reported that while Vilsack has not confirmed he's
by Madeline St. Amour (CentralMaine.com) The Department of Environmental Protection issued the permits after finding no 'credible, conflicting technical information' that merited a public hearing. The Department of Environmental Protection has issued the final permits for a first-of-its-kind waste management
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Coalition Sees Opportunity in Higher Fuel Economy Standards -- Leaders and founders of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition see a push for higher fuel-economy standards as the next opportunity to spur more biofuels production around
(NewsUSA/WDRB.com) There is little question ethanol is helping America reduce its dependence on foreign oil -- lowering gasoline prices, improving the environment with lower emissions and growing the economy with jobs that can't be outsourced. In 2015 alone, the ethanol industry
(KLEM) Ribbon cutting ceremonies on the new ethanol trans-loading storage facility will take place Thursday morning. Plymouth Energy of Merrill worked with Le Mars city officials and Le Mars Business Initiative Corporation to create the storage facility located within the Le Mars Industrial
by Dirck Steimel (Iowa Farm Bureau) While political battles over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) continue to grab headlines, Iowa’s ethanol plants are quietly pushing ahead and becoming more and more efficient. The 43 corn-based and cellulosic ethanol plants in the
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The Twin Cedars FFA Chapter was out in en mass during the recent American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen to educate race fans about ethanol and E15. Chuck hung out with the high school students and
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Jimmy Small is in his third race season as president of Iowa Speedway. TheAmerican Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen is in its fourth year while the American Ethanol sponsorship is in its fifth year. Small
(POET) POET is expanding its cover crop research as part of soil sustainability work in Emmetsburg, Iowa for cellulosic ethanol development. The work is part of an ongoing commitment to helping farmers make sound management decisions around harvesting crop
by Nathanael Johnson (Grist) ... Running cars and planes on corncobs would, at its best, produce 90 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline. Until now, though, it’s only been an idea. We’ve been able to make cellulosic ethanol for more than a century,
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times) ... So how can we produce ethanol sustainably — that is, a scheme under which farmers can make money without releasing nitrate to the river and help power America while emitting less carbon? First, the federal
by Bill Tiedje (Iowa Farmer Today) After weathering a winter of big stocks and low oil prices, the U.S. biofuels industry is looking forward to a strong year, thanks to growth in domestic gasoline demand and higher vehicle emissions standards
by Chuck Zimmerman (AgWired.com) Iowa Speedway was the place for corn growers this weekend as Enogen presented the American Ethanol E15 250 NASCAR XFINITY race. Kicking things off was a press conference with representatives from Syngenta, American Ethanol, Growth Energy and
by Austin Harrington (Ames Tribune) ... During the trip, Culhane (Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames Economic Development Commission) and the other members of the delegation had a meeting that lasted nearly a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here, we profile 15 techs that offer incremental to profound shifts in the economics of the Gen-1 ethanol fleet, and have implications for everything from passenger cars to jets. #15 Vertimass and Byogy #14 Croda #13 Hummingbird #12 Alliance BioEnergy #11 GeoSynFuels #10
by Bill Tiedje (Iowa Farmer Today) ... Most ethanol plants have been paid off and can now manage production to meet needs; however, if a plant slows output to match decreased demand, production efficiencies also decrease, he said. Record gasoline demand Driving
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) ... What happens in 2022 is that Congress stops setting annual levels of renewable fuel usage, but the actual law does not expire. It would take an act of Congress to make it go away,
by Jason Noble (Des Moines Register) Eric Branstad, the son of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and an advocate for Iowa’s renewable fuels industry, will serve as the Iowa state director for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The news was confirmed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Siouxland Energy Cooperative has licensed the Edeniq’s Cellunator and Pathway technologies for its 60 million gallon per year ethanol plant located in Sioux Center. Production will start by Q4 2016. Meaning that Edeniq is shifting
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Archer Daniels Midland Co and other supporters of biofuels on Thursday said U.S. regulators grossly underestimated the amount of higher-ethanol fuel blends at pumps when requirements for next year's use of renewables were proposed. The comments came
by Monte Shaw (Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) Recently, Leonard Poels questioned ASE-certified mechanic Charlie Good’s statement that E15 is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, asking “approved by who?” [What if E15 isn't approved by my car
(Dupont) Award Honors the Company’s Effective Communications around the Opening of the Plant -- This week, DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) received a Media Relations “Gold” Award for “Best New Product Launch – Business,” from Bulldog Reporter. A global leader in
by Charlie Good (Des Moines Register/Good and Quick) ... Today, due to a combination of a quirk in federal regulation and the heavy-handed tactics of the oil industry, I walk out to my fuel pumps and change a sticker so that
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy has spoken out to applaud a statement made by presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in support of the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Meanwhile, two former senators are asking Trump’s energy advisor
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Ames National Lab, Argonne National Lab, Idaho National Lab, Los Alamos National Lab, the National Renewable Energy Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab, Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Sandia National Lab seek
by David Biello (Scientific American) ... Burning cellulosic ethanol as a fuel could result in just 10 percent of the CO2 emissions produced by burning gasoline. One big secret to making it all work is the advanced biofuel refinery's location right next
(Biofuels Journal) It just makes sense! That’s the sentiment from the Iowa Biodiesel Board and other supporters as Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed SF 2309 into law today, expanding state biodiesel incentives. The bill includes a tax credit that helps keep
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Senator Joni Ernst says EPA administrators may be called before congress to explain the agency’s recent decision on renewable fuel standards. “There is clear direction from congress,” Ernst says, “and the EPA continues not to
by Joe Sutter (The Messenger) Education spending, environmental concerns are a focus for senate candidate -- State Sen. Rob Hogg touted his support for renewables and biofuels while at the Iowa Central Community College fuel testing laboratory Tuesday. The lab is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Biologics is focused on the production of renewable n-butanol and other C4 chemicals from various renewable feedstocks, including sugar (cane, molasses, beets), starch (corn) and cellulosic biomass (corn residues, sugar cane bagasse, forest materials
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) In April, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a little over 1 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol was produced in the first quarter of 2016. Production is well ahead of 2015 where only 2.2
(KMALand/Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law H.F. 2464, a multifaceted bill that secures funding for the state’s highly successful biodiesel and ethanol blender pump program, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, through June 30, 2017.
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) ... (Scott) Hornafius, you see, wants to build a $1 billion, 1,000-mile underground pipeline across Iowa and Nebraska to Wyoming. The line would carry ethanol-plant production leftovers in the form of carbon dioxide — the bubbly stuff
by Maura Keller (Fuel Marketer News) ... The argument among those marketers and retailers that have embraced the fuel is that E15 fuel allows them to market a cleaner-burning, higher-octane fuel that can technically be used by more than 200 million cars
(NASCAR) Iowa Speedway today (May 3, 2016) announced American Ethanol will serve as the entitlement sponsor and Enogen as the presenting sponsor for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race during Wide Opening Weekend on June 18-19. The NASCAR XFINITY Series American Ethanol
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Energy security remains a top concern, even with growing U.S. supplies of oil, natural gas and renewable energy, said U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, kicking off a public forum on energy policies, electric markets and the grid in Des
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Governor Terry Branstad says companies already are expressing interest in the state’s new tax credit for firms that come up with new products made from the starches, sugars and oils left-over after ethanol and biodiesel are
by Katie Colling (Sioux City Journal) ... So my question is, why should non-farming Iowans care about RFS or any of the tax incentives for production of alternative energy forms? ... Iowa now has 41 corn ethanol plants and two cellulosic plants and
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) ... Convenience store operator Kum & Go says it is making a massive commitment to higher gasoline-ethanol blends, planning to sell E15 at about 100 more locations this year. The 430-store chain based in West Des
(POET) Project LIBERTY in Emmetsburg, Iowa, has produced and shipped several tank cars of cellulosic ethanol even as the plant is ramping up to its full 20 million gallon-per-year capacity. Last year’s startup phase yielded great experience that will benefit
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Extend Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Another Year -- The Iowa Legislature voted 94 – 0 in the House of Representatives and 49 – 0 in the Iowa Senate to secure
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that during the first quarter of 2016, just over 1 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol were produced. In fact, production for the month of March jumped 64% from
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to Syngenta, the combination of Cellerate process technology with Enogen can increase ethanol production by 20 percent. The 18 day trial was conducted at the Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) plant. Since going online, the
by Steven Savage (Forbes) Last week the governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, signed a bill which came to him with bipartisan support from the legislature. The measure institutes tax incentives designed to accelerate the growth of the emerging biotech industry
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) An analysis of a recent Iowa Department of Revenue report shows the average biodiesel blend purchased in Iowa reached 11.0 percent in 2015, an increase from the 9.4 percent average blend in 2014 and a new all-time
By Michael McCoy (Chemical and Engineering News) Seeing more growth ahead, two small companies invest in new plants -- Growth in the biodiesel market is spurring two small companies to invest in U.S. production of sodium methylate, a catalyst used
by Vanessa Miller (The Gazette) the University of Iowa has reached a first-of-its-kind agreement with state air quality regulators, allowing it to expand its use of biofuels and continue experimenting with environmentally friendly options. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) More Iowa consumers are choosing biodiesel at the pump according to a new report from the Iowa Department of Revenue. The report finds that the average biodiesel blend purchased in the state reached 11 percent, an
by Austin Harrington (Ames Tribune) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds came to Iowa State University Wednesday to sign a bill into law that will create a $10 million tax credit for companies in the renewable chemical manufacturing
by Lisa Young (AgriNews) Cover crop and row crop biofuels systems can work together. They may have to as the Renewable Fuel Standard spurs increased demand for biofuels while many are calling for more controls on agricultural nutrient runoff. Researchers
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Sao Paolo ethanol now 39% more expensive than fuel from Iowa; American glut also spurs exports to China, Philippines, India -- At the Plymouth Energy LLC plant in the heart of the U.S. corn belt -- where home-grown
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s been a couple of years since we visited REG and the difference is palpable. The company has become a little ADM, rather than a big Amyris or TerraVia. You see the trading desks at
by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (Daily Globe) ... The United States can’t sit on the sidelines and depend on foreign oil to keep our economy running. America is a powerful nation. We can’t let oil imports set the agenda. We
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we conducted a webinar on the state of cellulosic fuels as part of our 2016 March Madness series. You can experience the recorded version of the webinar here. Meanwhile, here is the primary slide
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and 17 other senators today urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set high blending targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2017,
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Poet Inc. is shipping fuel from Iowa facility, which could hit full output by year's end. -- Poet Inc., the nation’s first commercial-scale producer of cellulosic ethanol, is shipping the fuel from its plant in
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg Business) ... Back in 2007, when crude oil was headed toward a record $147.27 a barrel, ethanol was being touted as a cheap alternative from abundant domestic resources. The U.S. is the world’s biggest corn grower and
by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) Rick Bertrand, a state senator from Sioux City, Iowa, has announced a primary challenge against GOP Rep. Steve King. What did King do to earn the challenge? In the Iowa caucuses, King supported Ted
(RPA News) Our top story this month is a blunt reminder of how deeply U.S. policy uncertainty cut down and yanked back the progress of commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol over the past few years. The U.S. EPA’s epic indecision and sometimes indifference
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association recently reported interest amongst Iowa retailers in offering renewable fuels is at an all-time high, following the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board meeting which set records by awarding 68 projects
by Ann Purvis (Heartland Institute) ... (A) new study from researchers at Strata Policy (SP) and the Institute of Political Economy (IPE) at Utah State University suggests RFS also harms the very farmers the ethanol mandate was designed to help. ... According to
by Holly Jessen and Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although there are challenges facing the second generation ethanol industry, progress is being made -- U.S. EPA data shows 2.18 million cellulosic ethanol D3 RINs (renewable identification numbers) were generated in 2015.
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) New study finds renewable fuels continue to power Iowa's economy, but they could do a lot more. -- Joined by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Capitol on March 9, the
by Donnelle Eller and Christopher Doering (Iowa City Press-Citizen) Ethanol producers across the Corn Belt are being battered by tumbling gasoline prices and a glut of the corn-based fuel, pushing some companies to consider scaling back production or merging with another plant to
by Dave Franzman (KCRG-TV9) Gasoline retailers in Iowa plan to add a large number of renewable fuel pumps this year to sell gasoline with a higher percentage of ethanol. The Iowa Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board recently awarded a record number of
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) A small farmer-owned ethanol plant in northwestern Iowa has accomplished what many other companies have been unable to do. Quad County Corn Processors broke new ground July 1, 2014, when it became the first
(1380KCIM.com) Congressman Steve King has endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz for the GOP Presidential nomination, causing many to ask Iowa’s fourth-district representative about his commitment to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). ... Cruz’ plan is to phase down the RFS over
by Michael Barr (Iowa State University) When reading a recent article on “Improving fuel mileage” something caught my attention: there are many benefits of using ethanol-blended fuels that are not mentioned in the article. The 14.3 billion gallons of ethanol produced in
by Chris Clayton (DTN/Progressive Farmer/KTIC Radio) ... Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a farmer from Primghar, Iowa, said his take on the election is that “it’s mindboggling who is in the lead in the presidential campaign.” Nieuwenhuis supported Marco Rubio in the Iowa
(Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute) A new white paper has found that Iowa is better positioned than many domestic competitors to capitalize on the next frontier of bioprocessing in the United States. The report, titled “Biobased Chemicals: The Iowa Opportunity,” was released
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Regardless of their political party, Iowans strongly support a government program promoting ethanol — reaffirming its popularity in the nation's No. 1 ethanol-producing state, according to results of the new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll. Seventy-one percent of Iowans favor the Renewable
by Monica Trauzzi (OnPoint/E&E TV) As the renewable fuel standard continues to face legal and legislative challenges, advanced biofuels companies are seeking alternative investment markets. During today's OnPoint, Hugh Welsh, president of DSM North America, discusses his company's ongoing work
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Of the Six Existing Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities, Raizen's Projected Price of $2.17 per Gallon Is Lowest, as Innovations Help Bring Next-Generation Biofuels to Market, Says Lux Research Six companies have now brought cellulosic ethanol facilities online, but with
by Chris Edgington (Globe Gazette) ... Today, energy represents 5.2 cents of every dollar spent on food versus 6.8 cents in 2008. According to the USDA the average grocery bill is up 1 percent in 2015 vs. 2014 and yet the
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM/Urban Air Initiative) ... Regardless of where candidates stood on ethanol, having this first step on the road to the White House begin in Iowa provides an opportunity to talk about an issue that affects everyone
by Susanna Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Eighty-nine ethanol producers west of the Mississippi River prepare for the revised LCFS. ... After a couple of years in limbo due to challenges to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the California carbon credit
(Ocean Park Advisors/Ag Professionals) ... "Our experience leads us to believe there will be an increased number of owners and boards of renewable fuel companies evaluating their options in 2016, if not testing the market for reasonable assessments of the value
by Wayne Madsen (GazetteXtra) EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer is addressing the question, “Should the U.S. scrap ethanol mandates and use its energy surplus to spur the economy?” Critics, particularly big businesses and right-wing conservatives, keep carping about the costs of the
(DTN/Progessive Farmer/KTIC Radio) DuPont filed a motion Friday to intervene in a lawsuit seeking review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, arguing the final volume requirements put the company’s cellulosic ethanol investments at risk. ... DuPont has completed
by Chris Prentice, Michael Hirtzer and Karl Plume (Reuters) When Archer Daniels Midland opened two of the country's largest ethanol plants in Nebraska and Iowa six years ago, the biofuels market was on the cusp of a boom with prices
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol supporters are pushing back against what they say is a “false narrative” regarding Senator Ted Cruz’s victory in the Iowa caucuses. Some political pundits say Cruz’s victory is a sign that the ethanol industry
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Feb 1 U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz's victory on Monday in corn-rich Iowa could represent a major blow to the nation's controversial biofuels program, reflecting its waning influence over politicians even in the U.S. farm
by C. Boyden Gray (Des Moines Register) The Iowa primary has put into play one of the more obscure issues in the political life of the nation — ethanol, of all things. Donald Trump led off his rant against Sen.
(NBC News Meet the Press) ... CHUCK TODD: Let's talk about two issues here that seem to be potentially tripping you up here in Iowa. One is ethanol. You have come out against these subsidies, you called it a "gravy train." A
by Ben Potter (Ag Web) Agriculture has not provided many hot-button issues for the candidates of the 2016 presidential election to discuss – with one exception. Because the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is oft-argued, and because the candidates are spending so
(Iowa Department of Agriculture) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that $2.49 million has been awarded through the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative to support the installation of 107 new
by Alex Guillen and Jenny Hopkinson (Politico) ... Already, the Republican Texas senator has defied the caucus' usual political gravity by flying high in the polls in Iowa, despite his years of efforts to kill a federal ethanol mandate that supports
by John Stossel (Fox News) ... They support ethanol because Iowa is the first state to vote on presidential candidates. Candidates want to look strong at the start of the race, so every four years they become enthusiastic ethanol
(CBC Online) Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton is on the campaign trail and she’ll be making a stop in Carroll prior to the Iowa Caucuses. Late last week Carroll Broadcasting talked with Clinton about lowered Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) set by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two giants hook up to bring cellulosic biodiesel to scale. A new source of biodiesel feedstock, and a new source of renewable fuels. In Iowa, ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group have agreed to jointly study the
(Trestle Energy/PR Newswire) Trestle Energy LLC – a California company working with ethanol and power producers across the Midwest – announced that California's Air Resources Board officially approved its groundbreaking ethanol production process under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association recently announced Helena Gruensteidl of Des Moines won first place in IRFA's 6th Annual "Fuel the Future" video contest for Iowa high school students. The IRFA awarded the senior
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the entire Iowa Congressional delegation urged the agency to set the next round of Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels in line with the statute –
by James Q. Lynch (The Gazette) Not as much as they used to, poll suggests, but results open to debate -- A free-market think tank has made a seven-figure ad buy to alert caucus goers of the environmental impact of corn
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Global trade for U.S. ethanol has been trending up in the past decade, becoming an important part of the industry’s growth strategy. -- Looking at the numbers, it doesn’t take long to conclude that
by Daniel Horowitz (Conservative Review) ... In the same respect, we can say the ethanol mandate is the anchor baby of our economic system. Energy is the lifeblood of a free economy. Much like immigration stands at the nexus of our
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