Advanced BioFuels USA

(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor outlined the top federal priorities of the U.S. biofuel industry, highlighting critical steps policymakers must take to achieve the nation’s energy and climate goals.

“If we want to decarbonize the transportation sector, we must use all the tools in the toolbox – including plant-based biofuels like ethanol, which reduce carbon emissions by 46 percent compared to gasoline,” said Skor.

“Affordable for drivers, earth-friendly, and engine smart,” she noted, “biofuels are the most abundant and readily available climate solution to immediately reduce carbon emissions for cars on the road today.

“The research shows that our climate goals cannot be realized without harnessing the power of homegrown energy,” she added. “That’s why it is critical that policymakers ensure that our farmers and rural producers remain at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to accelerate our transition to a healthier, zero-emission, 100% renewable energy future.”

Specifically, Skor highlighted the association’s key priorities, focusing on opportunities for regulators and policymakers to promote cleaner fuel choices, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. These include:

Restore Certainty to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS):

Finalize strong Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2021 and 2022
Reject improper and illegal retroactive cuts to the already finalized 2020 RVOs
Reject all pending and improperly granted small refinery exemptions (SREs)
Restore the 500 million gallons remanded by the courts in 2017
Set forward-leaning biofuel targets for 2023 and beyond that recognize the contributions of low-carbon ethanol in achieving climate goals
Update EPA’s outdated lifecycle carbon assessment model
Approve pending registrations for cellulosic biofuel from kernel fiber

Eliminate Barriers to Higher Blends of Low-Carbon Ethanol:

Restore unrestricted access to E15 year-round
Clarify rules around the use of existing fuel storage and dispensing equipment for E15
Finalize EPA’s proposal to simplify onerous labeling requirements at fuel pumps
Expand infrastructure for higher biofuel blends through legislative or administrative action

Utilize Biofuels as a Low-Cost Pathway to Achieve Climate Goals:

Promote new uses for biofuels, including in aviation, marine, and heavy-duty applications
Enact new and expand existing incentives to encourage ethanol producers to further reduce their carbon footprint through carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as innovation in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture
Break down trade barriers to low-carbon ethanol in markets like Brazil, India, and China
Utilize opportunities to decarbonize our nation’s transportation sector through the use of high octane, low-carbon fuels

“To build on the zero-carbon momentum driven by the Biden administration’s emphasis on climate change, addressing these priorities and utilizing biofuels is critical. We look forward to working with Congress and the White House to take these key steps toward a low-carbon future,” Skor said.  READ MORE

D.C. Think Tank Calls for Paying Long-Time No-Tillers (No-Till Farmer)

Excerpt from No-Till Farmer:A Washington D.C. think tank issued recommendations Wednesday calling for the federal government to increase money and support for conservation ag practices.

The recommendations issued by the Bipartisan Policy Center also mention a long-standing issue central for long-term conservation tillers: how to include benefits for farmers who have worked at conservation practices like no-till and strip till farming for decades.

“Early adapters should be rewarded as a way to align incentives, acknowledge past commitment, and promote continued stewardship,” the report reads in part. “This is especially critical for small-scale producers who have traditionally relied on climate-smart practices but have been excluded from access to credit and related financial services that would help them scale up these practices.”

The group recommends one-time payments for no-till farmers who have already practiced methods like conservation tillage and cover crops for a number of years.

…

Other farming- focused recommendations include:

• Expanding existing conservation programs offered through the USDA, via increased funding and the establishment of benchmarks and goals.
• Improving technical support and workforce development.
• Improving carbon voluntary carbon markets.
• Developing new financial and insurance instruments.
• Fostering farm and forest climate innovation.

The recommendations are delivered in report “Federal Policies to Advance Natural Climate Solutions,” which also focuses on forestry policy. The recommendations were authored by a task force consisting of former senators, government officials, environmental lobbyists and agricultural lobbyists.

The report consists of 22 recommendations grouped into 6 “themes” aimed at farms, ranches, and forest lands.  READ MORE