by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Post) Americans should be thanking President Biden for allowing the continued sale of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 this summer (letters, “No more ethanol in gas,” April 22). E15 is saving drivers as much as 30
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Back TO HOMEGrowth Energy Holds EPA to RVO Deadline of June 3rd
(Growth Energy) The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today (April 25, 2022) approved a consent decree agreement between Growth Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires EPA to finalize its 2020-2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs)
April 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Deal Elusive on Bipartisan Agriculture Climate Bill
by Mark Heller (E&E News) The House Agriculture panel's top Republican said he thought a revised "Growing Climate Solutions Act" was on the way to passage — until it wasn't. -- The top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee said a
April 27, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Awards $1.6 Million Biofuel Infrastructure Grant to Royal Farms to Expand Access to Higher-Blend Renewable Fuels for People in Rural Delaware and Maryland
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Add 40 million Gallons of Biofuels to the Market Annually -- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is awarding a $1.6 million biofuel infrastructure grant
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Rural Partners Network Launched: Empowering Rural Communities to Access Federal Resources
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Rural Partners Network is a new collaboration to strengthen the link between federal agencies and rural communities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is proud to join this effort to help create jobs, build
April 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Analysis Shows Corn Ethanol’s Energy Balance Is Strongly Positive and Continues to Improve
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today’s corn ethanol now provides nearly three times the energy used to produce it, according to a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, with some biorefineries approaching a four-to-one energy ratio. This continuing improvement in energy balance reflects improved
April 20, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Efforts to Boost Homegrown Biofuels
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy
April 19, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $340,000 to Boost Homegrown Biofuels in NJ
(NJB Magazine) U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director, Jane Asselta, has announced the agency is investing $340,000 in infrastructure and to help expand the use of renewable fuels in New Jersey. Due to these grants, the amount of
April 18, 2022 Read Full Article
What’s Next for E15 after Biden’s Announcement?
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) ... It is hard to predict the demand picture under the expanded E15 scenario, but lower estimates of a continued status quo indicate at least 300 million gallons of additional ethanol could be used by
April 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Secy. Vilsack: E15 Won’t Inflate Food Prices, 'There’s Plenty of Corn Here'
by Jenna Hoffman (Farm Journal/AgWeb) Vilsack says concerns over inflated food costs due to increased E15 consumption can be put to rest — any grocery price hike is not coming from E15 because “there’s plenty of corn here.” -- Corn chatter
April 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority Announces Biofuel Infrastructure Funding
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Funds will generate more capacity for biofuels in Missouri. -- The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of
April 08, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Promises COVID Payments Coming Soon
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Two years ago ethanol producers were in the middle of the worst downturn in the industry’s history as the new COVID-19 pandemic put the country at a standstill and production dropped by 50 percent in a month.
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
World of Renewable Fuels Gathers at ABLC 2022 in Washington, DC
by Justin McPherson (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2022 ABCL conference, held March 16 – 18 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC, brought together many different companies, organizations, and ‘ordinary’ people from a variety of different backgrounds, all with their
March 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Science Says Thinned Forests Are Healthy Forests
(U.S. Forest Service/Biomass Magazine) Overgrown forests are one of the key contributing factors to the current wildfire crisis in the West. The new Forest Service strategy on Confronting the Wildfire Crisis outlines the agency’s plan for increasing fuels and forest health treatments to create healthier
March 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Can Help Reduce Toxic Gasoline Aromatics
by Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States contains toxic chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons—mainly mixtures of BTEX chemicals, which stands for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—that increase octane. Higher octane levels prevent engines from prematurely
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Soil Carbon Moonshot: Grounding Carbon Storage in Science
by Cristel Zoebisch (Carbon 180) One giant leap for soil carbon - Farmers and ranchers play a central role in the health of our climate and planet. Today, they face more and more pressure from climate change, and one solution — soil
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Dev Shrestha: Real-World Data Shows No Food Insecurity or ILUC from Biofuels
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) On this episode of the Fueling the Future podcast, I spoke with Dr. Dev Shrestha of the University of Idaho about the recent paper he co-authored, “Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Index and Land Use Change.” The
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Versus Oil in Global Crisis: Biofuels Backers, POET Executive Point to Advantages Ethanol Offers in Conflict, Climate
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) With oil reaching its highest price in nearly 11 years and OPEC nations opting not to increase production, the biofuels industry is clamoring for attention in the U.S. and calling on the Biden administration to
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Clear Evidence of How Higher Ethanol Blends Lower Gasoline Prices
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Pictures worth 1000 words show the prices on March 1 at a Sheetz in Virginia. Compare the E10 Regular to E15 Unleaded 88 and E85 FlexFuel. Compare those to the price of E0 --
March 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producer Not Optimistic about E15 "Policy Failure" Getting Fixed before Summer
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield America had the one-pound waiver approved by the prior administration, “And then, we have a change in the Supreme Court level that doesn’t
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Stabenow and Klobuchar Lead Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Strengthen Federal Support for U.S. Biobased Economy
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) Today, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking the administration to take a meaningful step
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Applications Open for the 2022 AgDiscovery Program at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
(University of Maryland Eastern Shore) AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to explore agricultural sciences and gain knowledge about careers in animal and plant disciplines, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, entomology, food safety, food production, agribusiness, forestry, and much
February 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Illinois Corn Marketing Board Eyeing Potential Ethanol Export Markets
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) ... Mark Wilson, Chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, tells Brownfield their prime target is our neighbor to the north. “Look at Canada, right next door to us. They are trying to get up to
February 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Sorghum: A Sweet Proposition for Sustainable Biofuel
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Sweet sorghum is best known for the amber-colored syrup that's made from its juices. Now, this hardy member of the grass family could also be tapped as a "home-grown" resource for making a renewable
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Setting the Record Straight on the Environmental Outcomes of the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A new report published today (February 14, 2022) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel on the Global Climate Agenda -- Part 4 of a Series, "Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Critical Emissions Mitigation Strategy Gaining Momentum"
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) During transportation day at COPO26, the focus for the aviation sector was setting targets and commitments for aviation emissions reduction, as well as the announcement of plans and strategies for lowering aviation’s climate impact.
February 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Grand Challenge and Federal Legislation Seek to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels -- Part 2 in a Series, "Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Critical Emissions Mitigation Strategy Gaining Momentum"
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The Biden-Harris Administration and Congress are focusing on expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through multi-agency coordination to reduce climate emissions from aviation.... ... On September 9, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration
February 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Biogas Biorefineries: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA’s Biogas, RNG Opportunities
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dairies, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing plants…wherever there’s biomass, there’s potential for biogas and renewable natural gas. Check out this illuminating slide guide from William Orts at the USDA Western Regional Research Center in
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Pearson Fuels Opens 250th E85 Station
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Pearson Fuels this week opened its 250th retail E85 flex fuel station in California. Greg Jones, Director of Business Development at Pearson Fuels, says the milestone is long overdue because of the pandemic, supply chain issues and material
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Launches New Round of Cover Crop Payments DEADLINE: March 15, 2022
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Farmers who plant cover crops will be eligible for crop insurance premium subsidies worth $5 an acre for the second year in a row. To qualify for the payments from USDA, farmers must report their cover crop acreage to
February 10, 2022 Read Full Article
New RFA Reports Summarize 2021 Ethanol, Distillers Grains Trade
(Renewable Fuels Association) According to a pair of new statistical reports released today by the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. exports of ethanol and distillers grains showed resilience in 2021 as the global economy continued to confront the COVID pandemic and supply chain challenges. The annual reports—now
February 09, 2022 Read Full Article
SfL Lauds Launch of New USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program DEADLINES April 8 and May 27, 2022 EXTENDED to June 10, 2022
(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land (SfL) wholeheartedly endorses Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a new USDA program announced today by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “This exciting new program provides another opportunity and pathway to enable farmers, ranchers, forest
February 07, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Supports EPA’s Proposed 2022 RFS Volumes, Urges Agency to Abandon Retroactive Cut to 2020 Volume
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (February 4, 2022) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized
February 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Take Early Look at Climate-Critical Farm Bill Conservation Programs
(Solutions from the Land) Members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing with key USDA officials Wednesday that marks an important first step in the development of a 2023 Farm Bill that can be crafted to
February 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Agricultural Outlook Forum --- February 24-25, 2022 --- ONLINE
More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector: USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2022 and discuss U.S. farm income situation Food prices
February 02, 2022 Read Full Article
MN Soybean Members See Biodiesel Conference
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A dozen Minnesota soybean and biodiesel industry leaders had the opportunity to attend the recent National Biodiesel Conference on behalf of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council’s (MSR&PC) See For Yourself (SFY) program. The SFY Program was originally created as an
January 31, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Amends Program Offering $700M in COVID-19 Aid for Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its program offering $700 million in COVID-19 aid to biofuel producers by allowing production to meet marketing obligations or fulfill or maintain essential markets to be included in
January 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Anaerobic Digestion Screening Tool, Version 2.1 and EPA Biogas Toolkit
(Global Methane Initiative) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on behalf of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), developed the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Screening Tool to assist stakeholders in assessing the potential feasibility of an AD project. The AD Screening Tool enables users to
January 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Vilsack Says the Future for Biofuels Remains Bright
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the important role biofuels and biobased manufacturing play in the rural economy and highlighted the agency’s efforts to support those industries during a Jan. 20 hearing held by the House
January 21, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Launches Pilot Program to Deploy Renewable Energy Infrastructure to People in Rural Towns
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Help People in Particularly Underserved Rural Communities Cut Energy Costs, Increase Energy Resiliency and Address Climate Change -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is making up to
January 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Report Shows Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Ethanol Industry
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network illustrates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s ethanol industry and provides an overview of the country’s draft Clean Fuel
January 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Casey’s Receives Biodiesel Marketing Award from Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary
(Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship/Biobased Diesel Daily) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Jan. 11 that the winners of the 2022 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards are Danlee Corp. and Casey’s General Stores. The awards were created to
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Will Recruit Rural Land for New Clean Energy Projects, Could It Create Too Much Competition for Land?
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy
January 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers to Electric Car Makers: We're Greener than You Are
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) With automakers shifting toward the production of electric cars and trucks, the ethanol industry said on Wednesday that biofuels will be an important tool against global warming, and arguably create less pollution than battery-powered vehicles. The
January 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Explainer-What Is at Stake for the U.S. Biofuel Blending Law in 2022 and Beyond
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The U.S. biofuel blending program known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could see its most transformative year yet in 2022, as the Biden Administration must make decisions to reset statutes that mandate U.S. renewable fuel
January 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Carbon Negative Biofuels Can Build Soil and Rural Prosperity
by Chuck Hassebrook, David Laird and Jill Euken (The Gazette) ... That pathway is the Pyrolysis-Biochar-Bioenergy Platform, which produces biofuel and biochar by heating crop residue, grass, wood or other forms of biomass in the absence of oxygen. Biochar is a
January 10, 2022 Read Full Article
OPINION: Take the Opportunity to Save on Capital Improvements
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... While the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit expired at the end of 2021, it still provides fuel marketers the ability to claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up
January 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Report: Japan’s Ethanol Blend Level Averages 1.8% in 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel ethanol consumption in Japan is expected to reach 823 million liters (217.41 million gallons) in 2021, down from 850 million liters in 2020, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s
January 06, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Secretary Vilsack Meets with GE Aviation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Reduce CO2
by Jay Stowe (GE Aviation/Biobased Diesel Daily) After leading USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on a tour of the engine development assembly facility at GE Aviation’s headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, in early December, chief engineer Chris Lorence posed a rhetorical question to
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Decoupling Carbon from Commercial Flight Fact Sheet
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers energy companies and aviation stakeholders by supporting advances in research, development, and demonstration to overcome barriers for widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF made from renewable biomass and
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Producer Bets on Camelina as Low-Carbon Feedstock
by Amy Mayer (Agri-Pulse) A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Having a Government-Funding Moment
by Angely Mercado (Popular Science) ... Just this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a plan to provide more than $100 million for basic research and tech development to produce biofuels, biomaterials, and bioproducts. Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from renewable sources,
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Workshop on Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling --- February 28-March 1, 2022 --- ONLINE Public Comments DEADLINE: April 1, 2022
EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 - March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Waste Not, Want Not: New Process Turns Manure into Fatty Acids
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin--Madison) University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have demonstrated a new process for transforming a plentiful Wisconsin waste into fatty acids, energy-rich molecules that can be used to make fuels and a wide range of important
December 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and
December 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Inviting Applications for the Intermediary Relending Program for Fiscal Year 2022 DEADLINES: December 31, 2021; March 31, 2022; June 30, 2022
(Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA/Federal Register)This Notice is to invite applications under the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to availability of funding. This Notice is being issued in order to allow applicants enough time to leverage financing, prepare
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Australia to Raise Biofuels Consumption: USDA
(Argus Media) Australia's federal government will implement new fuel standards for gasoline from 1 January 2022, which may significantly raise the ethanol blend rate in the country and boost demand for imports. Under the new fuel quality standard, Australia aims to reduce
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Federal Watchdog: Trump’s USDA Overpaid Corn Farmers by $3B
by David Pitt (Associated Press) The Trump administration overpaid corn farmers by about $3 billion in federal aid in 2019 and farmers in the South were paid more for the same crops than those elsewhere in the country, a federal
December 22, 2021 Read Full Article
New Statewide Mandatory Organic Waste Collection
(CalRecycle) Beginning in 2022, SB 1383 requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. “Jurisdiction” means a city, county, a city and county, or a special district that provides solid waste collection services. “Organic waste”
December 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Ambitious 'Biofuel America' Plan Faces Overhaul in 2022
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) During the ethanol boom of the early 2000s, Congress set an ambitious target of quadrupling the amount of renewable fuel mixed into gasoline for America’s cars and pickup trucks. But while corn ethanol has lived up
December 20, 2021 Read Full Article
The USDA and Blue Biofuels Collaborate to Optimize Yields of King Grass for Cellulosic Ethanol Production
(Blue Biofuels/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (PINK: BIOF) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company” or “BIOF”) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (“USDA ARS”) are collaborating on optimizing the yields of Pennisetum hybridum, commonly known as king grass, a perennial
December 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers, Advocates Aim for Net-Zero Ethanol by 2050
by Susanne Retka Schill (Great Plains Institute) As US and world leaders engage on climate change and carbon reduction efforts, leaders in the American ethanol industry have announced pledges and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country’s largest
December 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Column: Grain Traders Eye U.S. Crops, China and Biofuels to Headline 2022 -Braun
by Karen Braun (Reuters) Grain and oilseed markets in 2021 proved just as exciting as in 2020 with prices hitting multiyear highs on shrinking stockpiles. Whether those prices sustain or relax in 2022 will be partially guided by some of the
December 15, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Reveals Expected Timeline for Post-2022 RFS Rule, Other Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to publish a proposed rule setting Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023 and beyond next spring. A variety of other rulemakings impacting biofuel producers are
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Sees Little Renewable Diesel Benefit for Soybean Oil
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Analysts generally concur that the burgeoning renewable diesel industry will result in exploding demand for soybean oil through 2030. But there is one notable exception. The United States Department of Agriculture is forecasting static soybean oil demand from
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Producer Program Applications Open DEADLIINE: February 11, 2022
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) This program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to U.S.-based producers of advanced, cellulosic, or conventional biofuel, biomass-based diesel, or renewable fuel to offset unexpected market losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. NOTE: For the
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Construction to Start in 2022 on New Ethanol Plant near Mason City
by Mike Bunge (KIMT3) A new ethanol plant is planned for construction near Mason City. New Energy Blue says the biomass refinery would be on a 155-acre site and convert 275,000 tons of cornstalks and wheat straw into 20 million gallons of ethanol
December 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Mustard Plant Jet Fuel Could Reduce Emissions by 68 Percent
by Puneet Dwivedi (University of Georgia/U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... Carinata (Brassica Carinata), also known as Ethiopian mustard, is an oilseed crop that can be grown across the southern U.S. during winter months. The oil obtained from crushed carinata seeds can
December 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Getting Biobased Investments Going: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Ecostrat & BDO Zone Initiative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone talks about “moving the needle” on jobs, decarbonization and social justice, but how do you tackle all 3 at once? Check out Ecostrat’s slide guide from ABLC in San Francisco on what BDO Zones
December 10, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks USDA for Rolling Out COVID-19 Relief Package, Additional Infrastructure Funds
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its announcement today of $700 million to provide COVID-19 pandemic aid for our nation’s biofuel producers. Originally announced in June, the aid package represents direct payments available for biofuel
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Announces $3.1 Million in HBIIP Awards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 3 awarded a combined $3.1 million to eight recipients under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Inventive Program. HBIIP aims to increase the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel
December 07, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Doles out $633M in Power, Biofuel Funds
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Department of Agriculture plans to distribute some $633 million in loans and grants aimed at bolstering rural power infrastructure and making higher blends of biofuels more available to consumers. All told, the funding will be split among 791
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Propose Expanding Credit Eligibility under Biofuel Program -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration is expected to propose expanding the kinds of renewable fuel production processes that are eligible to receive credits under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard program, three sources familiar with the matter
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Helping Retailers Diversify to Weather Gas Price Debates
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... What is clear, however, is that true energy security and resilience lies in greater fuel diversity, not greater dependence on crude oil. The benefits of ethanol and other biofuels are also clear. Ethanol offers
December 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Advancing the Bioeconomy in TX, CA, and OH: Comprehensive Geospatial Biomass Feedstock Inventories for Potential Conversion to Biofuels, Biochar, Co-products
by : Richard J. Brenner, Wes Jurey and Todd Campbell (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) Introduction. The ATIP Foundation (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) conducts projects in multi-county regions of 3 states to “advance the rural bioeconomy,” using a replicable model we developed
December 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Celebrate United Airlines’ First Passenger Flight Using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(U.S. Department of Energy) The first United Airlines passenger flight to fly using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will depart today from Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1 p.m. ET and will arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 4
December 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Brazil Reduces Tariff on Ethanol Imports from 20% to 18%
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA Foreign Agricultural Services on Nov. 12 announced Brazil took action on Nov. 5 to enact a unilateral 10 percent reduction of import tariffs on 87 percent of all goods and services through the
November 24, 2021 Read Full Article
ACE Supports Policies to Credit Ag, Biofuels for Net-Zero GHGs
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) During its Nov. 10 meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol board of directors voted to support new policies that credit farmers and ethanol producers for activities helping ethanol reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
November 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Making Air Travel More Sustainable with Soy-Fuel Innovations
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... One approach to making soy jet fuel relies on the use of a precious metal called ruthenium to catalyze reactions that chemically modify the structure and properties of the oil's unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with
November 23, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Energy for America Program
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Updated Nov. 22, 2021 to indicate that applications will receive priority points for advancing key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration. The * denotes new or updated information since the original announcement. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural
November 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Ag Secretary Expects “Certainty” from EPA for Biofuels
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) On the day last week that the Environmental Protection Agency proposed extending the deadlines for refiners to comply with Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told farm broadcasters that the biofuels industry can expect “certainty”
November 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Trade Mission to EU, UK Promotes Ethanol Policy Development In Region
(U.S. Grains Council/GrainNet) Earlier this month, the U.S. Grain Council (USGC) conducted an ethanol trade mission to Brussels and London to attend a global biofuels conference and followup on E10 deployment in the United Kingdom (UK). Brian Healy, USGC’s director of global ethanol market development; Isabelle Ausdal, USGC manager of
November 19, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA to Launch Climate-Smart Ag and Forestry Partnership Initiative
(Solutions from the Land) To develop climate solutions that strengthen rural America, USDA is partnering with agriculture and forestry interests, as well as with rural communities, to finance the deployment of climate-smart farming and forestry practices to aid in the marketing
November 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Bioeconomy Was Like an Old Truck Stuck in the Mud. The Tow Truck Has Arrived
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) One of the speakers on the second day of the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition’s Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit, noted that 5 years ago the bioeconomy was like an old truck stuck
November 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Highlights from USDA’s Leadership Briefing at Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first
November 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers Are Leading the Way in Capturing Carbon | Commentary
by Dave Vander Griend (ICM/Wichita Eagle) ... Well, in the biofuels industry we have made great strides to not only reduce the carbon intensity of the products we grow and produce, but also to capture and repurpose any carbon we
November 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Buttigieg Launches US Aviation Climate Action Plan
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Increasing the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is one component of the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan unveiled on Nov. 9 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the UN Climate Change Conference. The
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Axne Touts Biofuel Incentives: Congressman Cindy Axne Touted Tuesday How Agriculture Can Benefit in the Latest Federal Bill Proposed by Democrats Set to Be Debated Next Week.
by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) ... (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for
November 10, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Emphasizes Ethanol’s Potential in USDA Climate-Smart Program
(Renewable Fuels Association) The USDA’s new Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry program should prioritize projects that will help farmers and downstream processors—like ethanol biorefineries—measure, verify, and monetize carbon sequestration and emissions reductions that result from new technologies and more efficient practices. This
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Fuel Retailers Must Keep One Eye Underground
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Retailers will need to soon make major decisions about replacement, and there has never been a better time to replace or upgrade, thanks to a number of state and federal programs that
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Applauds Midwest Governors for Proactively Pursuing Year-Round E15 Fix
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Canola Research in West Texas: Four-Year Project Will Test Canola Cultivars and Irrigation Strategies
(AgriLife Today) West Texas farmers dealing with high-salinity water and limited irrigation need an alternative crop, such as canola, that’s adaptable to harsh conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife research will soon evaluate the potential for canola as an alternative crop amid the region’s
November 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Column: Surge in U.S. Ethanol Production Could Use the Exports to Match
by Karen Braun (Reuters) U.S. corn-based ethanol production over the last year or so has been more of a drag than a support on grain markets as demand and world economies continue to claw back from the coronavirus slump. Now, with
November 01, 2021 Read Full Article
This Plant-Based Jet Fuel Can Reduce Emissions by 68% – Without Displacing Crops
(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team
October 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Study Electric Vehicle Costs, Biojet Fuel
(Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04)) “These proposals aim to help consumers and taxpayers save money while also bolstering demand for corn, soybeans, and biofuels produced in the 4th District.” -- In an effort to expand uses for biofuels, Rep. Randy
October 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Climate Change Fuels Drive toward Cleaner Tractors
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Making tractors burn with less pollution has long posed a trade-off: cleaner air, but less power to drag heavy equipment. Now manufacturers say they’re making strides to help close the gap. The latest entrant is a biomethane- and
October 21, 2021 Read Full Article
De-risking and Commercializing Sustainable Aviation Fuel: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to BETO’s SAF Strategy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the recent announcement of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy’s BETO shared this slide guide on their sustainable aviation fuel strategy, featuring BETO Director, Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Zia
October 21, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Comments Seek to Foster Export Competitiveness
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association late Friday submitted comments to the International Trade Administration responding to questions posed about the U.S. Clean Technologies Export Competitiveness Strategy. These comments were issued in addition to joint comments submitted earlier by RFA, the U.S. Grains Council
October 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Crops, Genetics, Feedstocks, Supply Chains: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to State of the Sector
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whether you are using novel crops, residues, developing supply-chains, or developing new feedstocks for the bioeconomy, this is an exclusive Digest slide guide you won’t want to miss! Straight from our recent State of the
October 18, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Requests Public Input on New Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative DEADLINE November 1, 2021
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is seeking public comments on a new initiative designed to create revenue streams for agricultural producers through market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. “Through extreme
October 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Infrastructure Efforts Keep Expanding
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build
October 07, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Announces More Than $146M Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Research
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under
October 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Blended Ethanol Has a 43.4 g/MJ Carbon Intensity Rating or Lower When Accounting for Aromatics Reduction
(Biofuels Central) Two studies conducted by Transport Energy Strategies (TES) and THiggins Energy Consulting show that gasoline blended with ethanol lowers carbon intensity (CI) even more than what is modeled and what is shown in recent studies. A key finding in both
October 06, 2021 Read Full Article
China Backs away from Ethanol Commitment
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Corn is the top feedstock for China’s ethanol sector, followed by rice, cassava and wheat. The country’s production plants are expected to consume 4.07 million tonnes of corn in 2021. -- Country has unofficially abandoned its
October 05, 2021 Read Full Article
The Voice of Conservatives Is Important in Renewable Energy Policy Discussions
(Solutions from the Land) ... Those who advocate for no- and low-carbon fuels and other energy solutions come from across political parties – Democrats and Republicans – and from all along the spectrum of partisan views – from liberals to conservatives. The
October 02, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Aims at Ag Woes in $3B Package: USDA Announces Funds for African Swine Fever, Drought, Climate Program
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... The agency announced on Wednesday plans to tap funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. as part of what USDA calls a "comprehensive investment package." The $3 billion package is aimed at supporting drought resilience and
September 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Inviting Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2022
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program for eligible entities to support business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally
September 28, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Investing $75 million in Partner-Led Projects with Focus on Climate-Smart Ag, Equity in Program Delivery
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $75 million for 15 partner-led projects to address natural resource concerns on private lands. This year, projects funded by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements
September 27, 2021 Read Full Article
China Backs away from Ethanol Commitment
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) China's ethanol consumption continues to fall well short of the government's 10 percent blend mandate. The blend rate in 2021 is forecast at 2.1 percent, according to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture's
September 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Why I’ve Fought for Biofuels through Congress’ Infrastructure Debate
by Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA 3rd) (Agri-Pulse) ... Starting this spring, I made it my mission to help members of the Biden Administration, the Senate, and my own colleagues in the House understand the key advantages of biofuels – from
September 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Honeywell and Wood Introduce Groundbreaking Technologies to Support Efforts toward Carbon-Neutral Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(Honeywell/PR Newswire) - Wood's hydrogen plant technology coupled with Honeywell UOP EcofiningTM process technology and carbon capture and storage can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 100% when compared to petroleum-based aviation fuels - Widespread use of Honeywell and Wood technologies have potential
September 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding & Contractual Structures: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to SAF Project Financing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Accelerating deployment of sustainable aviation fuel – it’s the talk of the town this past week and here to share the latest on project financing for SAF is project finance expert Mark Riedy. From what
September 24, 2021 Read Full Article
EXCLUSIVE Biden Administration Mulls Big Cuts to Biofuel Mandates in Win for Oil Industry -Document
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is considering big cuts to the nation's biofuel blending requirements, according to a document seen by Reuters, a move triggered by a broad decline in gasoline demand
September 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Vilsack Discusses Sustainable Aviation Fuel
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During an appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that it might leave out corn and soybean
September 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Voos Altos e Sustentáveis no Futuro
by Laís Forti Thomaz and Cacia Pimentel (Estadão) O que a nova iniciativa dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO) podem representar para o Brasil? O governo dos Estados Unidos realizou uma reunião com integrantes de toda
September 20, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA to Seek Applications to Expand the Production of Advanced Biofuels in Rural America DEADLINE: October 31, 2021
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, to expand the production of advanced biofuels. USDA will make $7
September 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Grassley Slams Biden EPA’s Possible RVO Reductions
by Tom (KOWA Radio) A key Senate ethanol backer says the Biden EPA’s threat to lower 2020 biofuel volume requirements on top of rumored cuts to levels for this year and next, would severely damage biofuel and corn producers. Senate Ag Republican
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Vilsack: Biofuels $700M Still on Way -- Secretary of Agriculture Says USDA Biofuels Aid in Hands of OMB
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) About $700 million designed to help biofuels producers is still on the way three months after the USDA made the announcement to help producers hurt by the COVID-19 economic shutdown. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $464 Million in Renewable Energy Infrastructure to Help Rural Communities, Businesses and Ag Producers Build Back Better
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Nearly $65 Million for Biofuels Research to Reduce Airplane and Ship Emissions
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration's new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 - - As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Advances the Future of Sustainable Fuels in American Aviation
(White House) New Actions Aim to Produce Three Billion Gallons of Sustainable Fuel, Reduce Aviation Emissions by 20% by 2030, and Grow Good-Paying, Union Jobs -- Today (September 9, 2021), President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Feenstra Introduces Biofuel Cell Research Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, on Aug. 24 introduced a bill that aims to establish a research, development and demonstration program for a commercially viable fuel cell system that uses biofuels as the main fuel source. The
September 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Get Pumped: Retail Gas Stations Look Likely to Get Some Fresh Cash to Build out Infrastructure
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Retail gas stations look likely to get some fresh cash to build out infrastructure to accommodate higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. The House Agriculture Committee is lining up $1 billion for the effort
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Auburn-Led Research Team Develops Biochemical Breakthrough for Renewable Fatty Acid Ester Production
by Jeremy Henderson (Auburn University) On-going, Auburn-led research into biofuel and biochemical production just got a lot more eyes on it. Supported by a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy award issued in 2018, as well as funding from the
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA COVID Aid and Infrastructure for Biofuels Coming Soon
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During a town hall style webinar with Farm Journal Editor Clinton Griffiths last week, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said payments for biofuels producers impacted by the pandemic could come in the very near future. “We made the decision
September 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Lignocellulosic Bagasse, Carinata, Pennycress, Guayule: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to SAF Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are challenges to sustainable aviation fuel commercialization, but the USDA SAF program is focused on helping with feedstock supply chain systems, conversion and sustainability analysis and commercialization support. Find out about their coordinated agricultural
September 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Klobuchar, Colleagues Urge Schumer, Pelosi to Support Homegrown Renewable Fuels in Reconciliation Package
(Office of Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) sent a letter
September 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Pennycress 2.0 – Improved Oil, Protein: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to CoverCress
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunge, REG and Bayer helped CoverCress raise a total of $22 million including $8 million in Series B in 2021. What does that mean for this low carbon cash cover crop and for growers? What
September 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Infrastructure Gets Big Boost in Latest HBIIP Grant-Funding Round
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The USDA announced Aug. 19 that it is investing $26 million in biofuels infrastructure under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to help expand the availability of higher blends of biofuels, such as B50 blends
August 25, 2021 Read Full Article
United Dairy Farmers Gets $634,000 from USDA to Expand Ethanol Sales
(Farm and Dairy) An Ohio company received a chunk of $26 million given out through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. Cincinnati-based United Dairy Farmers Inc. was awarded $634,000 to expand ethanol sales at its convenience stores and
August 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Colombia Delays Reinstatement of E10 Mandate
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Colombia has delayed plans to reinstate its E10 blend mandate until January 2022. The blend mandate will be set at E6 in September, October and November, increasing to E8 in December. Last spring,
August 25, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Invests over $5 Million in Biofuel Infrastructure Projects that Include Kansas
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $5.19 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels through three projects in Kansas. USDA
August 23, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $26 Million in Biofuel Infrastructure to Expand Availability of Higher-Blend Renewable Fuels in 23 States
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually -- Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand
August 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Construction to Start in 2022 on New Ethanol Plant near Mason City
by Mike Bunge (KIMT) New Energy Blue says the biomass refinery would be on a 155-acre site and convert 275,000 tons of cornstalks and wheat straw into 20 million gallons of ethanol and 95 tons of lignin, a solid biofuel and natural
August 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Seeks to Electrify Auto Industry: White House Driving Electric Vehicles, Raising Questions on Direction of Biofuel Policies
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The president will sign an executive order to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 "zero-emission" vehicles, including battery, fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The executive order also will set new long-term
August 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Vilsack Speech in Iowa Launches U.S. Grains Council Hybrid Summer Meeting
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) brought members together in person Wednesday for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, launching its summer annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, and online through a virtual meeting platform. Joining for
August 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Can New Technology Incentivize Farmers to Capture Carbon in Their Soil?
by Michael Sterenberg (Columbia Climate School State of the Planet) The Scenic Hudson Soil Lab is a rather unassuming structure. Sitting atop a hemp farm within New York’s Hudson River Valley, the lab is unadorned, and no bigger than a roadside
July 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Why All Agriculture Carbon Credits Aren’t the Same
by Helena Bottemiller Evich (Politico) Green groups are calling for USDA to set standards so there’s more clarity in the rapidly changing market. -- Agricultural carbon credit programs are cropping up left and right, but the standards they adhere to are
July 27, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Energy for America Program DEADLINES: October 31, 2021; January 31, 2022; March 31, 2021
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and
July 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol to Electrons: Beyond Transportation Fuel, Ethanol Could Contribute to Greener Electricity.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond transportation fuel, ethanol could contribute to greener electricity. From large-scale power generation to support the grid to small and decentralized applications that provide renewable energy for remote electric vehicle charging. Electrification may just
July 26, 2021 Read Full Article
An Open Letter to President Biden on Competition for Climate Change Reduction Businesses
by Bob Kozak (Atlantic Biomass/Biofuels Digest) Dear President Biden, For someone who says competition is the key to American economic success, “A fair, open, and competitive marketplace has long been a cornerstone of the American economy, while excessive market concentration threatens basic
July 22, 2021 Read Full Article
New Energy Freedom Refinery to Produce Carbon-Negative Fuel from America's Ag Wastes
(New Energy Blue/PR Newswire) New Energy Blue announced its planned construction in Iowa of a biomass refinery designed to produce renewable carbon-negative automotive fuel, which replaces gasoline. "Our Iowa project can keep one million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere every
July 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition Supports Letter from Congress Members Veasey and Granger to Ag Secretary Vilsack about BioPreferred® Program Problems
The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition supports a bipartisan letter from Texas Members of Congress, Marc Veasey (D-TX 33) and Kay Granger (R-TX 12) to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding flaws in the USDA BioPreferred® Program. Requests include: • Provide a
July 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Content Hike Closer to 10% Blend Seen Reducing Fuel Consumption by 80 Million Liters
by Angelica Y. Yang (MSN/Business World) THE ENERGY Department’s revised guidelines on biofuel accreditation will help the Philippines reduce its fuel consumption by 80 million liters while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the foreign agriculture unit of US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
July 16, 2021 Read Full Article
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference and Expo — November 14-16, 2021 — National Harbor, MD DEADLINE August 31, 2021
This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA’s BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14,
July 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference and Expo --- November 14-16, 2021 --- National Harbor, MD Recorded Presentations Published
This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA's BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14,
July 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Axne Urges Lawmakers to Address Biofuels in Infrastructure Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, is encouraging House and Senate leadership to include provisions to help increase the use and production of biofuels in the final language of the upcoming infrastructure legislation. Axne on June 25 sent
June 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Reality Check for USDA's Climate Agenda
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The agriculture industry is anxiously waiting to see how the Biden administration intends to enlist more producers to adopt climate-friendly farm practices. But even as corporations are eager to buy offsets from farmers who
June 29, 2021 Read Full Article
White House OMB Reveals Expected Timelines of 2 RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume