by Matt Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) If I asked you the most important state for renewable energy, what comes to mind? Is it California? ... Let me make the case for a state that may not have immediately come to mind as
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ASSUME DEAL DEAD: Sen. Joni Ernst's decision to lay into embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt over his alleged about-face on ethanol appears to have paid off. Ernst spoke to President Donald Trump Tuesday night, she wrote on Twitter,
by Alan Bjerga and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA chief seen as betraying Trump’s promises on biofuels; Trade tensions put demand for agricultural goods at risk -- Even as Donald Trump tweets his support for U.S. agriculture, farmer loyalty for the president looks like it’s starting
(GAIN Clean Fuel/NGV Journal) GAIN Clean Fuel and BioResource Development (BRD) announced the start-up of a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility located at Water and Resource Recovery Center in Dubuque, Iowa. The state-of-the-art facility will transform biomethane produced at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In these top 20 projects, we usually say that we are using waste, but really we are converting something from a state of waste to a state of value — and that’s not just good for
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/ICM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Urban Air Initiative President Dave VanderGriend says increasing the availability of ethanol blender pumps and higher blends will keep ethanol in the Midwest, pumping millions of dollars into the economy. -- ... The problem
by Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) Minnesota regulators have temporarily suspended a new and more stringent standard for biodiesel use due to shortages of the product. On May 1, the amount of biofuel that must by state law be blended into diesel jumped
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews Publications) It was good news and bad news for corn growers and ethanol proponents after President Donald Trump met with legislators to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard. A White House meeting with Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Joni Ernst,
by John Tsitrian (Rapid City Journal) ... And forgetting about soybeans for a minute, there's the matter of Trump administration policy on the ethanol mandate, aka the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a major matter for corn producers. Trump's Environmental Protection
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, would like to see administrative changes made to how EPA hands out Renewable Fuel Standard waivers to small refiners, estimated by one ethanol industry study to have resulted in about
(GrainNet) Industry and government officials from 17 countries in Asia and Oceania are meeting with members of the U.S. ethanol industry and U.S. officials in Minneapolis this week at the Ethanol Summit of the Asia Pacific (Summit), focused on current and
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) POET Biorefining is establishing a Monarch Fueling Station at its plant near Coon Rapids, Iowa. The Monarch Fueling Station Project was established by Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) in partnership with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium in December 2017. The monarch habitat
by Aaron Smith and Vincent Smith (Investor's Business Daily) ... The most immediate impact of the RFS wars is to focus attention on corn ethanol and petroleum gasoline at the detriment of second-generation biofuels. These fuels — produced from the inedible parts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Trump in a pickle: support his beleaguered EPA Administrator over oil refinery bailouts, or rally his Midwestern farm-state base? -- In Washington, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa tweeted: “I’ve supported Pruitt but if he pushes changes to RFS
by Katie Rock (Des Moines Register/Center for Rural Affairs) Iowa’s future as a leader in renewable energy is on the ballot in 2018. As legislators head home and campaigns gear up for important primary elections, voters should call attention to key
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new food safety program has been developed by the Iowa Biodiesel Board to help biodiesel producers comply with the U.S. government’s Food Safety Modernization Act, deadlines for which are quickly approaching. Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production,
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi — the top-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives — toured a central Iowa farm early this morning. Pelosi’s visit follows her speech last (Sunday) night at a fundraiser for Polk
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (May 3, 2018) five Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to shift administrative time and staff away from demand-destroying Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and toward pathway approvals for
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Tentative agreement struck during a White House negotiation; Refiners could benefit with biofuel exports allowed for quotas -- A tentative deal on U.S. biofuel policy struck at the White House would allow year-round sales of higher-ethanol gasoline in
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) As the drip, drip of Pruitt scandals becomes a deluge, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s supporters continue to claim that he should be protected because he’s “advancing the president’s agenda.” But because he’s breaking a key Trump
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Renewed program to boost consumer choice for higher biofuel blends -- Last night (May 2, 2018) the Iowa Legislature voted to secure another year of funding for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) – a move that
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter Thursday to EPA asking it to move administrative time and staff away from Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and instead toward approvals for cellulosic ethanol. "The
by Camille von Kaenel (E&E News) ... The Trump administration's efforts to weaken vehicle pollution requirements could set up a split U.S. market, concentrating fuel-efficient cars in mostly Democratic states and gas guzzlers in the red states. President Trump's plans could
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, mentioned on Tuesday he wants to change language in recent appropriations bills approved by Congress in the past three years. Grassley told agricultural journalists the language may be one of the
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Successful Farming) The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) GAIN Clean Fuel and BioResource Development (BRD) have announced the start-up of a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility located at Water and Resource Recovery Center in Dubuque, Iowa. The facility will transform biomethane produced at the
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California
(Hero BX/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel producer Lake Erie Biofuels LLC, doing business as Hero BX, recently announced a strategic partnership with Iowa Renewable Energy LLC based in Washington, Iowa, to manufacture and market biodiesel from IRE’s Iowa facility. “It has been my ambition to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ABLC 2018 wrapped up with the ABLC Wolfpack including James Iademarco from Strategic Avalanche, David Dodds with Dodds & Associates, Ron Cascone from NEXANT, independent consultant Paul Bryan, and Joel Stone from ConVergince. While they didn’t howl at the moon,
(Iowa Biodisel Board) Iowa Biodiesel Board launches program to meet industry need; Webinar takes place May 10 -- Biodiesel producers who want to sell glycerin that can end up as an animal food ingredient will soon be up against the deadline to
by Terry Anderson (Midwest Messenger News) ... One day after President Trump told a group of governors and lawmakers invited to the White House that he supports sales of E15 — 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline — all year,
by John Siciliano and Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) A study showing that U.S. ethanol leader Iowa doesn’t use a lot of its own corn-based fuel is exciting some in the anti-ethanol crowd in Washington. “Iowa — the number one ethanol producer and corn
(4-Traders) Congressman King Pledges Continued Biofuel Support to Iowa Renewable Fuels Association -- Congressman Steve King, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after meeting today with members of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. During their meeting, Congressman
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The winners of the first-ever Ethanol Producer Awards have been chosen. Ethanol Producer Magazine collected nominations in five categories: The Good Neighbor Award, Board of the Year, Project of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Workplace
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For a number of years we have been pointing to Iowa’s intriguing combination of feedstock, infrastructure and political consensus on renewables as a potent force in bioeconomy deployment. But these days, toss in some serious innovation
(AgNewsWire) American Coalition for Ethanol celebrates 10 years of taking the message of grassroots ethanol producers, retailers, farmers and consumers to Capitol Hill. This year’s theme is Ignite a Movement. This virtual ag newsroom includes links to photos and audio content available free
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) RFIP Spurs Over $138 Million in Private Economic Investment -- Due to rising retailer interest in offering higher blends of biofuels, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) yesterday awarded all of its remaining FY18 funds during its
by Amy Mayer & Erica Hunzinger (Harvest Public Media) ... Since 1980, the amount of land being farmed or grazed in the U.S. has dropped 13 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Much of it now is covered
(DSM/Newswire Today) Royal DSM announces its commitment to bring innovative solutions to the biofuels industry with a full portfolio offering of yeast and enzymes for starch, fiber and biomass conversions - DSM.com. Euronext: DSM KON -- Royal DSM, a global science-based company
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... In the U.S., nearly 3 billion gallons of clean, renewable fuel replacing its petroleum counterpart. A thriving and growing diesel vehicle market. And 64,000 jobs supported by biodiesel, many the highest paying jobs in the area.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sustainable Bioeconomy for Arid Regions (SBAR) is a multi-level research project that will cultivate two desert-dwelling crops, guayule and guar, for a sustainable bioeconomy. Combined, guayule (perennial) and guar (annual) feedstocks can provide biomass year round
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) EPA chief Scott Pruitt raised the idea Monday of limiting Wall Street's ability to trade the government-issued credits for ethanol and other biofuels in an effort to aid oil refineries. ... In a meeting with reporters at the Environmental
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We have a breakthrough in pyrolysis to report today that could reduce the estimated cost of producing fuel from $3.27 per gallon to $2.58 per gallon. And no one quite understands how the new process works —
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) A study commissioned by the country's largest oil refiner explains how a waiver credit would freeze ethanol demand. Ethanol industry groups are pointing to several statements in the oil industry's own report to make the
(Renewable Fuels Association) Another White House meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 12, to continue discussions between oil refinery and biofuels interests over the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, which were created under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) E15 now available at 158 stations across the state -- Since the end of 2017 Iowa has added a dozen new E15 stations. Drivers can now buy the fuel at 158 fueling stations statewide. Iowa-based Casey’s General Store added
by Anngie Steinbarger (The Republic) I was dismayed to read the Feb. 16 letter from Mark Brown and Travis DeFries, managers at Valero, who want U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., to help oil companies gut the market for Indiana farmers by dismantling
by Steve Roe (Des Moines Register/Little Sioux Corn Processors) ... A significant amount of these emissions are coming from our vehicles. For example, toxic aromatic compounds, which include known carcinogens like benzene, are added to gasoline to boost octane. The aromatics
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)/Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today (March 1, 2018) issued the following statement on EPA’s official position, restated as recently as November 2017 that, “high RIN prices do not cause significant harm to
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) With a White House meeting being held last week to discuss the fate of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a new study finds nearly 50,000 Iowa jobs are tied to biofuels production. Efforts by Sen. Ted Cruz of
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced the selection of Des Moines, Iowa, as the location for the 2019 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology. The event will be held July 8-11, 2019 and it will host industry executives, investors, policy
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) An Iowa biodiesel producer recently celebrated the re-opening of a shuttered California plant to manufacture a cleaner-burning biofuel that will help meet California’s low carbon fuel demands. Western Iowa Energy (WIE) in Wall Lake recently purchased Agron Bioenergy, a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, an unplanned on-stage telephone conversation between Senators Amy Klobuchar and Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa was the highlight of ABLC 2018 as high drama at the White House over biofuels policy turned for
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has asked for more talks between representatives of the oil and corn industries after a meeting on Tuesday failed to yield an agreement on how to help refiners cope with the country’s
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Ethanol industry and oil refiners both feel threatened; Biofuel mandate divides two states that voted for Trump -- Top Trump administration officials are planning two summits to discuss possible changes to the U.S. biofuel mandate, according to
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members and supporters of the Iowa Biodiesel Board wore “I heart biodiesel” pins as they met with state legislators and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday for the annual Biodiesel Day on the Hill. The group tied the message
(University of Iowa Our philosophy is simple: the technologies that will save the planet are being developed, but they’ll only be deployed in sufficient scale to make a difference if they are financially viable. The capstone of the Finance Career
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a memo produced by his energy policy staff that finds that Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements and the cost of renewable identification numbers (RINs) have little to do with
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
by Kevin Hardy (Des Moines Register) ... Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory unintentionally uncovered a process that uses tiny bits of carbon and copper to convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel. While the research remains in its preliminary phase, it could
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that gasoline consumed in 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average, breaking through the so-called E10 Blend
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights four companies—a respected producer, a service-oriented wholesaler, a 200-year old chemical firm, and a fuel conditioning company—that enable biodiesel's role as an effective change agent. PQ Corp. ... John Votta, global business director for PQ’s silica
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Continued investment and expansion took place in the U.S. biodiesel sector throughout 2017, despite rising political uncertainty and a lapsed tax credit. Here is an overview of some of the activity, plus a special sidebar story
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Seven years after the U.S. EPA published the final rule for administering the Renewable Fuel Standard, the path to getting corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol approvals appears to be getting much shorter. Edeniq CEO Brian Thome reports
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Sustainable Bioeconomy for Arid Regions (SBAR) is a multi-level research project that will cultivate two desert-dwelling crops, guayule and guar, for a sustainable bioeconomy. Scale up to profitable production, however, requires feedstock improvements, expansion of cultivation,
by David Bennett (Convenience Store Decisions) Whether it’s teaming with Tesla to install charging stations or integrating alternative fuel solutions, retailers are part of a changing transportation marketplace. -- ... Some analysts insist the internal combustion engine has been around more than
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Texas Republican John Cornyn is drawing up ideas for new legislation to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, in a bid to end the stalemate between corn-state lawmakers and oily ones. "Cornyn's office has been hosting talks for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has announced Kwik Trip Inc. and the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott as winners of the 2018 Secretary’s Ethanol and Biodiesel Marketing Awards. The awards were created by the Iowa
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fiberight is a privately held company founded in 2007 with current operations in Virginia, Maryland and Iowa. The company focuses on transforming post-recycled municipal solid wastes and other organic feedstocks into next generation renewable biofuels, with
by Art Cullen (The Storm Lake Times) ... Markets and Nature are so large, and the Iowa budget is so small. We would be better off to leave water quality funding — that is, writing a big fat check to farm
by Alex Acquisto (Bangor Daily News) The company behind a state-of-the-art solid waste disposal facility in Hampden designed to convert trash into biofuel has secured enough funding to begin operations in May. Craig Stuart-Paul, CEO of Maryland-based Fiberight LLC, announced this week that his company
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In November we reported that POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels achieved a major breakthrough in cellulosic biofuels production at its Project LIBERTY plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The company has solved the critical challenge in pretreatment, overcoming what has been the
(North Iowa Today) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in 2017. ... Grassley introduced the Food Security is National Security Act of 2017, which would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee
by Amy Mayer (Harvest Public Media/NetNebraska) Advanced biofuels have been touted as the next step beyond the corn-based ethanol that’s the bulk of the country’s renewable fuel for cars and trucks. But cellulosic ethanol is harder to make and companies have
by Monty Shaw (Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) About a year ago, an Iowa front group for Big Oil tried to trick former state legislators into signing letters to the editor that sounded “pro-ethanol” but actually advocated for a policy
by Philip Wegmann (Washington Examiner) ...More specifically, the organization’s “top state priority” means securing money for what’s called the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. Here’s how that would work for fueling station owners: Step 1.) Agree to convert fueling equipment to allow for
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has launched the Monarch Fueling Station Project to help ethanol and biodiesel producers across the state establish monarch butterfly habitats on green spaces surrounding their plants. “Because of their migratory patterns, monarchs need small
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Hy-Vee Inc., a chain of supermarkets throughout the Midwest, now offers E15 at five locations across its eight-state region. The Hy-Vee store located at 3120 Agency Street in Burlington, Iowa, is the latest to offer the
by Theodoric Meyer (Politico Influence) A longtime staffer for Sen. Chuck Grassley continued to work in the Iowa Republican’s office on one of the National Biodiesel Board’s top lobbying priorities — which is also a longtime Grassley priority — after accepting
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from states that produce corn for ethanol plants said on Wednesday they would consider proposals from Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to help the oil refining industry cope with the nation’s biofuels regulation, but would never
by Richard Valdmanis and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump’s administration called two lawmakers from the U.S. corn belt to convince them to join talks about potential changes to biofuels policy to ease the burden on oil refineries, according to a spokesman for
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... In a large farm shop with ethanol and biodiesel posters adorning the walls, Pruitt touted his two biofuels announcements in recent weeks. He noted EPA had struggled under the Obama administration to meet
(Enhanced Online News/Whitefox) The modular bolt-on membrane system will increase production rates, improve energy and operational efficiencies and reduce cooling water load -- United Ethanol LLC is to install a Whitefox ICE™ membrane system at its plant in Milton, Wisconsin. The modular bolt-on system frees
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
by Carol Spaeth-Bauer (Wisconsin State Farmer) A University of Wisconsin-Madison study released on Nov. 15 has officials in the ethanol industry frustrated, disputing the methodology of the study saying the claims of the study are not supported by fact. The study showed a shift of
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to visit Iowa Friday. Sources say Pruitt will host an “invite only” farmer meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Nevada. A spokespearson at EPA says media is also allowed to
by Mohsen Soleymani and Kurt A. Rosentrater (Bioengineering) A techno-economic evaluation of bioenergy production from macroalgae was carried out in this study. Six different scenarios were examined for the production of different energy products and by-products. Seaweed was produced either via
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Cellulosic technology companies have invested time and millions of dollars to explore ways to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol for the better part of 20 years. Most technologies have fallen victim to high capital and
by Dan Mika (Nevada Journal) The DowDuPont cellulosic ethanol plant sits mostly empty today after the chemical giant suspended operations and laid off most of its 90 employees earlier this month. A skeleton crew is maintaining it while the company looks for
Learn about the ‘Brighter Future with Biofuels’ from an excellent lineup of speakers addressing the health benefits of clean-burning biofuels, how trade policy will shape future opportunities, the market outlook for biofuels and co-products, and future policy expectations. The Summit is FREE to
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol announced the first two in a series of fuel marketer-focused videos on the flexfuelforward.com website Nov. 13, part of a campaign to feature real world E15 and flex fuel retailer success stories.
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. Ted Cruz, having seemingly failed to secure a meeting with Midwestern senators brokered by the White House, has turned to newly fledged Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to try and bring corn-staters to the table.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week, DowDuPont said it was exiting the cellulosic biofuels business and you’d think that the company just burned down the warehouse with the original text of the Renewable Fuels Standard — the coverage of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... You’d be forgiven if you mistook Ahb Subi Banr-Sbar for a well-placed official in the Iranian government — but, in fact, it’s a 9-project network to facilitate the development of regionally-based industries producing advanced biofuels, industrial
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Several factors have hindered the production of the volumes originally envisioned: extracting energy from cellulose proved much more difficult than extracting it from corn starch, challenges of collecting, moving and storing significant
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Two corn-state Republican EPW senators - Deb Fischer and Joni Ernst - are publicly undecided about Kathleen Hartnett White's nomination to run the White House Council on Environmental Quality after meeting with her over past
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In South Dakota, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels achieved a major breakthrough in cellulosic biofuels production at its Project LIBERTY plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The company has solved the critical challenge in pretreatment, overcoming what has been the No.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Delaware, DowDuPont announced that it intends to sell its cellulosic biofuels business and its first commercial project, a 30 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa. The Nevada project is still going
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been a very busy week in Washington DC, the high point being a letter to seven senators sent late Thursday by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who took significant (and as of a few days ago,
by Jennifer A Dlouhy , Jennifer Jacobs, Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Market for biofuel credits rebounds after lawmakers weigh in; Iowa governor says Trump affirms commitment to biofuel program President Donald Trump intervened personally with the Environmental Protection Agency amid pressure from Republicans in the politically important state of
by Ben Wolfgang (The Washington Times) Citing one nominee’s stance on the federal ethanol mandate and another’s supposed ties to Koch Industries, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat, on Wednesday placed holds on two key nominations for top-level jobs at the Environmental Protection Agency. The move
by Joseph Morton (Omaha World-Herald) The head of the Environmental Protection Agency sought Tuesday to calm Midwestern senators who could block his nominees if the agency sets renewable fuel mandates too low. All four GOP senators from Iowa and Nebraska attended Tuesday’s
(Edeniq Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edeniq Inc., a leading cellulosic and biorefining technology company, recently announced that the U.S. EPA has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 100 million gallons per year Iowa Falls, Iowa, ethanol plant for cellulosic ethanol production
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Seven corn-state Republican senators emerged smiling from what they deemed a "good" meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday but they got no concrete policy promises on the Renewable Fuel Standard from him, Pro's
(National Biodiesel Board) “We Were Drawn to Your Explicit Promises to Our Farmers… But Now We Are Concerned” -- Today four Republican Governors sent a letter to President Trump with concerns on the recently proposed changes to America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),
(Biofuels International) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 100 million gallons per year Iowa-based ethanol plant. The plant will use Edeniq’s technology. Flint Hills Resources’ Iowa Falls plant is the fifth existing ethanol
(Huggins Consulting Group LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Competitive landscape, innovative technologies and emerging energy policy were hot topics as a diverse group of nearly 150 thought leaders, industry representatives, researchers and suppliers convened in the heart of renewable energy production for the
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) ... Trump, while campaigning in Iowa, pledged to protect the RFS, which sets the minimum volume of renewable energy that must be part of the transportation fuels sold in the United States. The National Biodiesel Board posted
(Ames Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In every plant—from trees to crops—there exists a substance that makes up its wood or stems, fiber, and cell walls. This substance is a complex natural polymer called lignin, and it is the second largest renewable carbon
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Each of the governors shared initiatives their states are implementing to support the use of ethanol-blended fuels during the conference. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds mentioned a test program for E30 in the Iowa Energy
by Jill Loehr (Prairie Farmer) Illinois has the third-largest ethanol production capacity in the U.S. Marquis Energy, one of the state’s 13 ethanol plants, contributes 300 million gallons each year. What’s the secret to its success? Proximity to the river,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 26, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, delivered a floor speech to the U.S. Senate expressing his disappointment in recent action taken by the U.S. EPA that could reduce 2018 and 2019 renewable volume requirements
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Over 30 Iowa E15 retailers are pretty in pink this month, participating in the 2nd annual Pink at the Pump™ campaign to raise funds for breast cancer support services and research while increasing consumer awareness about E15. ... Participating E15 retailers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill focused on rural development and energy programs. The committee has now held nine hearings this
(Pilot Tribune) Ten representatives from the Korean Bioethanol Advisory Team traveled to the United States from September 19–21 to learn more about Iowa’s corn and ethanol industries. As part of their two-day visit to the U.S., T.J. Page with the Iowa
by David Blackmon (Forbes) ... The elimination in the U.S. of the use of MTBE as a gasoline oxygenation agent by the EPA was a big factor in the initial turn to ethanol .... ... Taking advantage of major changes to the country’s energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Magellan Midstream Partners fuel pipeline and storage company is now offering pre-blended E15 at many terminals across the U.S., including all Magellan terminals that service Iowa. “This announcement from Magellan is game-changing,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA)
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, new economic reports show that producing biomass fuel pellets from crop residues like corn stalks can provide a billion-dollar development opportunity for agricultural states. Iowa-based Regional Strategic, Ltd. examined the economic impact of collecting,
(Trestle Energy/CISION PR Newswire) New economic impact analyses highlight the untapped value of crop residue byproducts of ethanol production for agricultural states -- Two new studies show that generating energy from ethanol industry byproducts can fuel a billion-dollar business opportunity
by Bruce Rohwer (Paullina/Des Moines Register) To accommodate the bounty Iowa's farmland produces, we farmers need every market and marketing opportunity that exists. Domestically, our No. 1 demand is our livestock, followed by our biofuel production. Domestic markets are not
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) ... Members of the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Petroleum Institute discussed the Renewable Fuels Standard on a four-member panel Tuesday. “We would like to see the RFS significantly reformed. It does not reflect
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In recent weeks four Iowa retailers have added E15 as a new fuel choice at 10 stations. Kwik Star, a retailer based out of Wisconsin, added E15 to seven Iowa stations. Over the course of
(Biofuels International) With the price for crude oil at less than $50 a barrel, Iowa State University’s National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centre for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) is proposing a new model for creating, applying and commercialising chemicals made from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The most visible advanced industrial fermentation target for a number of years has been cellulosic ethanol, but the targets are diversifying and cellulosics themselves are shifting gears from process to feedstocks. There’s a fervent ferment
(Reuters/ Successful Farming) ... Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Twitter on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump told him he is "pro ethanol" and will stand by a campaign promise to support the ethanol industry. "He assured me he's pro ethanol" and
by Daryl Haack (Des Moines Register/Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) The “futurist” Francis Thicke, in an Aug. 22 op-ed, suggests that corn ethanol may soon disappear. ["Ethanol is heading toward obsolescence. Iowa will need a new plan"] He might want to take a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to demonstrate solvent liquefaction as viable path to stable intermediates for subsequent upgrading to fuel blendstocks. This is based on a technology originally developed in large
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eddyville, Fort Dodge, Clinton, Newton, Cedar Rapids. Communities like these have been mainstays of the Iowa bioeconomy for years, even decades — home to corn and soy processing on the largest world scale, and much
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) If every corn ethanol plant in the country were to convert to Cellerate bolt-on technology combined with Enogen® corn enzyme technology from Syngenta, the country could more than meet the goals for cellulosic biofuels under the
by Julia Mericle (The Hawk Eye) If Columbus Junction City Council approves the project, they could be first to install new technology in Iowa. -- Columbus Junction could count itself among pioneering cities in the struggle to treat wastewater if
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (River Cities' Reader) Q: How has your support for renewable fuels helped Iowa? A: Iowans breathe cleaner air and can chalk up a stronger, healthier economy thanks to renewable fuels. My long-held support for public policies
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, a new tractable multi-market model study finds that the RFS has substantially benefited the U.S. economy by lowering gasoline, crude oil prices, and crude oil imports, while increasing prices and benefits for corn
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Buried deep within the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent proposal for 2018 renewable fuel standard (RFS) blending requirements is a curious request for public comments on whether the proposed biofuel volumes would somehow cause “severe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Specifically, the $155M FS Bioenergia corn ethanol production facility opened this week in Lucas do Rio Verde, Mato Grosso. It’s the first large-scale corn ethanol production plant in Brazil and is the result of an
(National Biodiesel Foundation/4-Traders) Executive Director Tom Verry and Foundation Treasurer Lindsay Fitzgerald participated in the 9th Annual Iowa Biofuels Science & Sustainability Tour. The Foundation is a proud sponsor of the tour. The 3- day event educated Congressional staffers and
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) ... (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Scott) Pruitt said he doesn’t want his agency “being used” to spur the expansion of biofuel facilities. READ MORE
by Debby Garbato (Stagnito Business Information/Convenience Store News) ... As E15 has become more widely distributed, most myths have been dispelled. The higher-margin, higher-octane fuel is now sold by retailers large and small at nearly 900 locations across 29 states. While
by Mikkel Pates (West Central Tribune) It will likely be November before an Iowa biofuels promoter is sentenced after ultimately pleading guilty to federal fraud charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Darrell Duane Smith, 61, of Forest City,
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill and Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine provides an update on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects around the world striving for continuous, large-scale production. -- Some things have changed in the U.S.’s cellulosic ethanol sector in
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... The House Agriculture Committee has its road trip, labeled "Conversations in the Field," which included a field hearing in Texas on Monday and another one at Farmfest in Minnesota on Thursday. Now Agriculture
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts are the headliners in a battle in and about Washington DC this week. You can call it what you want: it’s Gettysburg. As Reynolds put it, “I
by Russell Hubbard (BH News Service/Daily Nonpareil) ... But it is the biodiesel part that really has people asking what is going on. The EPA has proposed that 2.1 billion gallons of diesel produced from sources such as corn oil and
(Sioux City Journal) Announcement earlier this month by the Environmental Protection Agency on new volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standards program produced a mixed bag of news for farm states like Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The federal RFS began
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry today (July 17, 2017) announced $40 million in Department of Energy awards for the establishment of four DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), which will provide the scientific breakthroughs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, Renewable Energy Group announced that Dan Oh has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. The resignation was effective July 3, 2017. The
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) Proponents call on Congress to support legislation to remove barriers to make E15 ethanol blend available year-round. -- The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that would change the language in a federal regulation that currently
by Jamie Johansen (Energy.AgWired.com) Kum & Go stores launched E15 about two years ago because of the growing demand for higher octane and a lower cost fuel option for customers. We met up with Jim Pirolli, Vice President of Fuels at
(Biofuels International) Members of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) have gone to Capitol Hill in Washington to urge Iowa’s Congressional delegation to keep fighting for a reformed biodiesel tax incentive. The two biodiesel bodies claim
by Tim Portz (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Following a successful installation at Pine Lake Corn Processors in Iowa, Whitefox Technologies is poised to eliminate molecular sieve regeneration cycles from ethanol plants forever. -- Every day in the ethanol industry, millions of
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