by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is mulling new measures to help oil refiners cope with the cost of complying with the nation’s biofuel policy, as the agency faces a sweeping legal challenge
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Back TO HOMEEPA: 23 SRE Petitions Now Pending for Compliance Year 2019
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Feb. 21, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019. A total of 23 SRE petitions
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Added $2.3 Billion to Minnesota's Economy in 2019
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Despite challenging conditions in 2019, Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.31 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year, according to a new study by ABF Economics. In 2019, the industry produced 1.31 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.6
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Board: Trump Replacement of Obama-Era Emissions Rule May Not Be as Good for Society
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Trump administration's plans for addressing vehicle emissions may not be as good for society as an Obama administration rule, according to a review released Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) independent science board. The analysis
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
New Ethanol Bill Touted as Good for Farmers and the Environment
by Andrew Deziel (Lonsdale News Review) A bipartisan group of legislators have introduced a bill that would make Minnesota the first state in the nation to embrace E15, or gasoline with 15% ethanol, as the standard. The bill was introduced Monday in the House
March 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Here We Go Again: Senate Letter Plagued by Myths and Mistruths about RINs
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Yesterday (February 27, 2020), a group of senators wrote a letter to President Trump regarding the January 24 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that found the EPA improperly exceeded its
March 02, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA's 30 Year Vision: No Need to Wander Like Moses
by Douglas Duarante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ... presented a 10 year plan for E15 and a 30 year plan for E30 that is neither bold nor visionary and clearly suggests they need
February 26, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Takes Aim at Farmers' Environmental Footprint
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Agriculture Department is expected to announce today that it aims to cut farming's environmental footprint in half by 2050 while increasing farm productivity by 40 percent, three sources briefed on the plan told
February 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Landi Renzo USA Awarded $600,000 From South Coast AQMD and SoCalGas to Introduce Near Zero Natural Gas Heavy Duty Engine
(APNews/BusinessWire/Landi Renzo) Landi Renzo USA, the American subsidiary of Landi Renzo Group, the global leader in eco-fuel systems for the automotive industry, announced an award of $600,000. This corresponds in funding of $300,000 from the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s
February 19, 2020 Read Full Article
The Road to Higher Octane: Making the Case for a 95 RON Octane Standard Now
by David Vander Griend (Urban Air Initiative) Octane. Mercedes called it the single most important parameter in designing engines. And guess what? Ethanol has the highest octane blending value and the lowest cost of any gasoline additive commercially available. Today’s
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Request for Comment: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2018 DEADLINE: March 13, 2020
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2018 is available for public review. EPA requests recommendations for improving the overall quality of the inventory report to be finalized in April 2020, as well
February 17, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Consulting White House over Biofuel Waiver Program: Source
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking White House guidance on the future of its controversial biofuel waiver program after a court ruling cast doubt over its legitimacy, and aims to announce a decision by early next
February 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) Announces Release of Complete Suite of TSCA Tutor™ Regulatory Training Courses Online and On-Demand
(Bergeson & Cempbell) B&C Launches TSCA Tutor™ Online, On-Demand Training Courses: Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce the release of the complete suite of TSCA Tutor™ regulatory training courses online and on-demand at www.TSCAtutor.com. Professionals seeking expert, efficient, essential
February 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Are Electric Vehicles Really Better for the Climate? Depends on How You Cook the Books
by Robert Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) I think the recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, “Are Electric Vehicles Really Better for the Climate? Yes. Here’s Why,” is very misleading for the following reasons: 1) it misuses the concept of
February 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Newport Biodiesel Earns EPA Recognition for Recycling Toxic Waste
by Nancy Lavin (Providence Business News) Even clean energy has some dirty byproducts. For Newport Biodiesel Inc., a company that converts used cooking oil into biofuel, that byproduct is a toxic chemical known as methanol. But thanks to a new distillation tower installed
February 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Heartland Banks Have a New Worry in Turbulent Ethanol Business
(American Banker) Banks in corn country are worried the once booming ethanol business has reached its peak as profits have been pinched by low prices, bad weather and the Trump administration’s moves to curb ethanol use. The price of a gallon of
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
New Study: Despite Policy Challenges, Ethanol Industry Significantly Benefited Economy in 2019
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Reforming Renewable Fuel Standard Major Task for NATSO
by Alan Adler (Freight Waves) Waivers of blending rules for small refineries drive up pump price of renewable fuels. -- NATSO, the trade group for highway travel center operators, is trying to preserve subsidies for biodiesel that let members profitably
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Partners with Nebraska Engineers on Biofuels Study
by Curt Arens (Nebraska Farmer) The program will evaluate the use of E30 in conventional vehicles in the state fleet, including State Patrol cars. OOKING AT BLEND: A Nebraska biofuels state fleet study partners UNL engineers with EPA to research
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Oberon Fuels, SHV Energy Partner up to Accelerate Renewable DME: Is This Tech a Carbon Removal Machine of Great Importance?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In California, Oberon Fuels and SHV Energy are partnering to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. For Oberon’s path to scale, the partnership will include funding to
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Budget Slashes Environmental, Clean Energy Funding
(Our Daily Planet) Yesterday, President Trump released his FY2021 budget, and the proposed cuts to federal agencies and research programs were severe.As Science Mag summarized, Trump’s budget proposes the following cuts: National Institutes of Health: a cut of 7%, or $2.942 billion,
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Policy Swings Shutter Iowa's Biodiesel Plants
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Fifteen years ago, farmers produced so much soybean oil they couldn't figure out what to with it all. It was good for cooking and salad dressing — and not much more. "We were throwing it away," recalled
February 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021 and Other Changes
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) Under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel percentage standards every year. This action establishes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel,
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Analysis Finds Record E15 Sales in 2019
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new Renewable Fuels Association analysis found that approximately 500 million gallons of E15 were sold nationwide in 2019, setting a new record and proving that the Trump administration’s elimination last summer of an obsolete regulatory barrier is
February 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Farmers Are Poised to Tackle Climate Change With Technology and Innovation
by Jamey Mulligan and Moira McDonald (Morning Consult/World Resources Institute/Walton Family Foundation) American farmers know all too well the effects of our changing climate. If it’s not flooding, it’s drought, then flooding again. But American farmers — whether they know it
February 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces Collaboration with the International Motor Sports Association
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (January 24, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced a collaboration to encourage the development of advanced fuels and efficient technologies in motorsports. This collaboration was formalized through
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report 1-31-20 SRE Court Ruling, NEC Preview, Midwest LCFS, Crappie Masters
(Ethanol Report/Renewable Fuels Association) In this episode of The Ethanol Report, we hear about a new court ruling that could be a game changer for Small Refinery Exemptions, get a preview of the 25th annual National Ethanol Conference, learn about
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
All the Wrong MOVES: EPA's MOVES Model Contains Serious Flaws
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) EPA's MOVES model contains serious flaws and could heavily impact the industry as EPA conducts anti-backsliding study. -- What is playing out in front of the ethanol industry is the reality of
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Investors Go after Trump Rollbacks
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Investors representing almost $113 billion in assets under management warned oil, gas, mining and timber companies not to take advantage of Trump administration environmental rollbacks, arguing they should consider the financial risk. Trump rollbacks
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Letter: Give Retailers Incentive to Offer Stronger Ethanol
by Rick Fox (Ohio Ethanol Producers Association/Columbus Dispatch) Even though Ohio is one of the nation’s leading ethanol producing states, it lags far behind other states in terms of the number of retailers that offer higher blends of ethanol gasoline such
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowans Push 2020 Candidates to Focus on Climate Change
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) ... While climate change has been given short shrift on the debate stages, it’s been widely discussed as the state races toward its first-in-the-nation caucuses on Monday. Record-setting flooding devastated nearly every corner of the state
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule to Streamline Fuel Regulations to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Jan. 27 submitted a proposed rule to streamline fuels regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final step before a proposed rule is released
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
E&C Leaders Release Draft Clean Future Act Legislative Text to Achieve a 100 Percent Clean Economy
(U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce) Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) today released legislative text of the draft Climate Leadership and
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Tenth Circuit Court Strikes Down EPA Small Refinery Exemptions
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a decision that is expected to broadly impact the Environmental Protection Agency’s approach to granting small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit late on Friday struck
January 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Roadblock to Higher Blends
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s rule allowing year-round sale of E15 is a monumental achievement for the ethanol industry, but might also stymie growth for higher blends. Challenges to the rule could take the issues to
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
B&C Launches TSCA Tutor™ Online, On-Demand Training Courses
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce the release of the complete suite of TSCA Tutor™ regulatory training courses online and on-demand at www.TSCAtutor.com. Professionals seeking expert, efficient, essential training can preview and enroll in on-demand
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Grassley: New WOTUS Coming This Week, Trump Got No Applause on Ethanol
(Hagstrom Report/Fence Post) ... In a call to rural reporters, Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley R-IA) noted that he continues to warn the Trump administration that farmers are watching the management of the Renewable Fuel Standard and that he had heard
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Are Presidential Candidates Listening to the Biofuels Industry?
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) Biofuel industry advocates say they’re pleased with how the Democratic presidential candidates are talking about ethanol and biodiesel in Iowa, although most of the campaigns haven't provided specifics about how they would increase demand. READ MORE Trump
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor: Alleluias and Vision 2020 at the National Biodiesel Conference
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... They have been three years in the valley of the shadow of Death, and have emerged on the other side with huge wins in recent weeks on tax credits, progress on Argentine and China
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Plan to Gut Obama’s Auto Mileage Rules Is Getting Dialed Back
by Ryan Beene and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Revised proposal will require modest annual efficiency gains; Draft rule is under review by White House budget office -- ... A draft of the final rule, now undergoing a final White House
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
New Study Finds ‘Insignificant’ Link between US Biofuel Policy and Deforestation in Southeast Asia
(Biofuels International) A new study carried out by economic modelling experts from Purdue University in the US has found the impacts of US biofuel policy on deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia to be insignificant. The study, titled ‘US Biofuel Production and
January 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Why Ethanol Endures as Important Market for Midwestern Farmers
by Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) The biofuel's intended uses for energy independence and greenhouse gas reduction have become matters of debate. But no one questions its political clout, economic importance or staying power. -- ... Janet McCabe is
January 20, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA: 21 SRE Petitions Now Pending for Compliance Year 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Jan. 16, reporting that five new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019, up from 16 petitions
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA CEO Offers Outlook for Ethanol’s Future at Iowa Summit
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) As the keynote speaker at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said “2019 sucked” but the industry is focusing forward now into the “Roaring ’20s.” Cooper offered four predictions for the new
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Auto Rollback Goes to OMB Review
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA and NHTSA on Tuesday sent their new auto emissions and fuel efficiency rules to the Office of Management and Budget for review, EPA confirmed to ME. This is the second half of the
January 15, 2020 Read Full Article
The RFS: Where Things Stand
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine/Biomass Power Association) As we begin 2020, I thought an update of the Biomass Power Association’s pursuit of electric RINs, or eRINs, would be in order. Last year was big for us, and while we would
January 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Crude Oil: Has the United States Really Achieved Independence?
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) The recent conflict with Iran and its proxies in Iraq has served as a reminder of the enduring potential for geopolitical risk to unsettle petroleum markets – not just globally but also in the U.S.
January 13, 2020 Read Full Article
US EPA Sets 2020 Cellulosic Waiver Credit at $1.80, in Line with Platts Expectations
by Josh Pedrick (S&P Global Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has set the 2020 cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) at $1.80, in line with S&P Global Platts expectations, the agency said on its website. Parties obligated under the Renewable Fuel
January 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Congressional Watchdog to Review Trump Admin's Use of Biofuel Waivers
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Financial Post) The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) will review the Trump administration’s use of waivers exempting oil refineries from the nation’s biofuel blending requirements, according to a letter dated Friday, after lawmakers called for an investigation. The so-called
January 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Advisory Panel Slams Trump's Regulatory Rollbacks
by Sean Reilly, Kelsey Brugger, Maxine Joselow and Ariel Wittenberg (E&E News) ... The SAB (Science Advisory Board) also lobbed extensive criticism at the Trump administration's rollback of Obama-era clean car standards. "There are significant weaknesses in the scientific analysis of the
January 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Dems Tee up Climate Plans
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The legislative framework that senior Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee want to move this year to combat climate change calls for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the building, industrial, transportation
January 09, 2020 Read Full Article
2020 Biodiesel Plant Map Reflections
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine highlights industry changes as discovered during the 2020 U.S. & Canada Biodiesel Plant Map data collection efforts. ... Naturally, one recurring theme that kept rearing its ugly head was the toll that the
January 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Study Warns of Rise in Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Oil and Gas Firms by 2025
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) Oil, natural gas and petrochemical companies could release about 30 percent more greenhouse gas pollution by 2025 than they did in 2018, according to a new report. Expected growth from these companies could release about 227 million
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
As Iran Crisis Drives Oil Prices Higher, Ethanol Delivers Relief at the Pump
(Renewable Fuels Association) Tensions in the Middle East have inflamed global oil markets, sending Brent crude oil futures over $70 per barrel and pushing U.S. gasoline futures to a nine-month high. Analysts expect these gas price increases to reach the pump
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA’S Cleaner Trucks Initiative Launches Next Chapter for Advanced Diesel Technology
(Diesel Technology Forum) he Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI). This initiative will include a future rulemaking
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
What's Looming in 2020?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... Another looming fight: EPA's proposals to weaken rules on greenhouse gas emissions from cars. The Trump administration has revoked California's waiver authority, but its sweeping rollback of federal emissions standards has stalled ahead
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Suncor Asks 10th Circuit to Review EPA’s Denial of Controversial Biofuels Exemption
by Michael Karlik (Colorado Politics) Suncor Energy U.S.A. has filed a petition asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to review a federal decision denying the company a one-year exemption from the country's biofuels requirement at its two refineries
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Valero Energy and AFPM Petition Supreme Court on RFS’ Point of Obligation
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., Valero Energy Corporation and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to look at whether the EPA is following the law by not considering past petitions to change the point
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
The RFA 2020 Out-In List
(Renewable Fuels Association) RFAEditor’s Note: In keeping with a long-standing RFA holiday tradition, our very own Senior Strategic Advisor offers his views on what is on the way “out” as we turn our calendars to 2020 and what will be
January 03, 2020 Read Full Article
OPINION: 2019 Brought Some Good Ethanol News for Retailers
by Cassie Mullen (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) As we enter this new decade of the 2020s, the future looks incredibly bright for higher blends of ethanol. Here are a few of the highlights we experienced in 2019 that will no
January 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Debt and Equity Financing Mechanisms for Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Dave VanderGriend
"Locally, a chain of convenience stores has installed blender pumps selling mid-level blends in addition to E10 and E85. Consumers are responding by purchasing nearly as much E30 as E10, resulting in 2.5 times more ethanol sales compared to E10-only
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Washington, DC, Is No Longer an Option
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative/ICM) Mid-level blends are the future of the ethanol industry, and the U.S. government can't be trusted to promote their use. ... An overlooked provision in the recent rule allowing year-round sales
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
An Opportunity to Focus Forward
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... I do remain bullish, because I believe in ethanol. It’s the right fuel at the right time—and for the time to come. It’s the low-carbon, low-cost fuel America and the world
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Who Is Driving Our Ethanol Policy? And Why Does It Matter?
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill/Changing America) To prepare America for a green future, you have to understand the power politics of the present. -- ... But the real drivers of biofuel policy in both
December 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels – Where Are the Gallons?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From what is an advanced biofuel to why, we take a look at the gallons, the ethanol blend wall, the residue capacity, and over 30 advanced biofuels projects from around the world to watch. In today’s Digest,
December 27, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA: 6 New SREs Filed for Compliance Year 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 19, reporting that six new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019, up from 10 petitions
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Economics, Expectations and Exports
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine talked to three experts about the past year, and what they see moving into 2020. -- 2019 brought a Reid vapor pressure waiver for E15, but it also brought excessive small
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Yay or Nay for EPA? RFS Volumes out for 2020, Biodiesel for 2021 – What’s the Reaction from Industry?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Should Santa bring coal for EPA’s stocking this year? Do the biofuels and agriculture industries think the EPA just put coal in their stocking? Is it thumbs up or thumbs down from biofuel
December 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on 2019: RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper Bids Farewell to a Bad Year
(AgNewsWire) To say 2019 has been a rough year for the ethanol industry would be an understatement. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper says it was one of the worst years - if not the worst - the industry
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Chief Denies Coordinating with DOJ on Investigation of Automakers Siding with California
by Josh Siegel and Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) Environmental Protection Agency head Andrew Wheeler said he was not involved with the Justice Department’s decision to launch an antitrust investigation against four automakers that joined with California on fuel efficiency rules, a move that
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Refiners Bummed RFS Reset Rule Withdrawn
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The refining industry is disappointed that EPA on Thursday withdrew a proposed rule to set a biofuel blending schedule under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2020 through 2022. The agency said it needs to
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
The Bioeconomy Christmas: Uncle Sam puts $12B+ for Biomass-Based Diesel, Action on Biointermediates, Cellulosics, and Small Refinery Waivers into the Stocking This Year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, Congressional leaders announced a five-year extension of the biomass-based diesel tax credit as part of a year-end tax extenders package. As Christmas gifts go, the importance and value of this to the biomass-based diesel
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Fulfills Another Trump Administration Promise: Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2020 and Biomass Based Diesel Volumes for 2021
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020, and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021. Through this action, the Trump Administration has fulfilled
December 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Is Big Oil Feeling the Heat?
by Matt Carr (New Energy American/The Hill) ... In 2016 Big Oil received the gift of the century in a Donald Trump presidency. Despite promises in Iowa to grow the renewable fuels industry and to promote clean air, he immediately set out to do exactly
December 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Administration to Stick with 2020 Biofuel Plan over Farmer Objections: Sources
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The White House will stick with its current proposal on 2020 biofuel blending requirements, despite anger in Farm Country that the plan does too little for corn growers, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The issue
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
McEachin, Haaland, Dingell, Blumenauer, Tonko & Pingree Introduce 100% Clean Legislation
(Office of A. Donald McEAchin (D VA-04)) Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 with Representatives Deb Haaland (NM-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01). This legislation sets
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Leaders to Governor Noem: E30 Ready for Prime Time
(South Dakota Farmers Union/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Following her remarks at the Glacial Lakes Energy annual shareholders meeting last week, a broad group of ethanol, agriculture, and clean air supporters commended South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for her leadership in advancing 30%
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Govs. Walz and Noem for Support of E30
(Grand Rapids Herald Review) Recently, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, along with South Dakota Gov. and coalition vice chair Kristi Noem, sent a letter to President Trump urging the administration to consider 30 percent ethanol
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Caribou Biofuels, Research Foundation for SUNY Sign Agreement
(Caribou Biofuels/Biomass Magazine) Caribou Biofuels Inc., a company that develops hardware and systems to cost-effectively process biomass, has entered into an agreement with the Research Foundation for SUNY, on behalf of SUNY Cobleskill, to develop and commercialize a rotary gasifier that
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
How Ethanol Plant Shutdowns Deepen Pain for U.S. Corn Farmers
by Mark Weinraub and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... (Indiana farmer Paul) Hodgen’s troubles reflect the increasing difficulties faced by America’s corn farmers as a meltdown in the ethanol industry hits the corn market – adding strains to farmers already facing poor
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
For Trump Loyalist Rep. Jim Hagedorn, Ethanol Rules Pose a Challenge
by Gabe Schneider (MinnPost) In August, Corn Plus, one of the oldest biofuel plants in the state of Minnesota, closed. Forty employees lost their jobs. The reasons for a slump in the biofuels industry are many, but one stands out: a
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Thermochemical Technology to Turn Trash to Treasure: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Enerkem’s Waste to Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking non-reyclable waste to sustainable chemicals and biofuels is Enerkem’s world. Current products from ‘trash’ include syngas, methanol and ethanol with alternative pathways currently under development. Andrea Redford, Chief Business Development Officer from Enerkem gave this
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Report from Growth Energy Debunks Unsupported Claims Regarding Endangered Species
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers, released a new report demonstrating how claims on the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) alleged impact on endangered species “relies on unsupported assumptions and speculation.” The report was authored by Ramboll, a global
December 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Says U.S. Will Finalize New Fuel Efficiency Rules Next Year
by David Shepardson (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that his administration will finalize its rollback of Obama-era vehicle emissions standards next year and expected it would provoke a new legal challenge by California. ... Trump said on Friday that
December 10, 2019 Read Full Article
IMO 2020: What Fleets Need to Know and How to Prepare
by Bill Zobel (Trillium/ACT News) Will the looming IMO 2020 sulfur regulation impact domestic diesel prices? How on-road fleets can turn to domestically produced fuels to avoid price volatility. -- There’s much debate about how the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO)
December 06, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Stresses Ethanol Benefits at COP25
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association told world leaders meeting this week in Madrid that low-carbon ethanol is an economical and proven solution for fighting global climate change. RFA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis is attending the U.N. Climate Change
December 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Larry Kudlow Hatches New Plan to Boost Biofuel Mandates
by Jennifer Jacobs, Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg News/Transport Topics) White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow is developing a new plan to bolster biofuel-blending requirements after ethanol allies in politically important farm states complained the current proposal doesn’t do
December 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Klobuchar Leads Letter Expressing Concern that the Newly Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Blending Targets Will Be Undermined by Continued Abuse of ‘Hardship’ Waivers
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Hampton Roads Sanitation District Selects Greasezilla as the FOG Separation Technology at its Nansemond Treatment Plant
(Greasezilla/Globe Newswire) Greasezilla™ announces it has been selected by Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) to provide the most cost-effective and ecologically sound FOG (fats, oils and grease) Separation Technology for the Nansemond Treatment Plant in Suffolk, Virginia. HRSD did an industry-wide search for the
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Reynolds Requires All New State Diesel Vehicles to Use Fuel at Least 20% Biodiesel
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Gov. Kim Reynolds gave a boost Tuesday to Iowa's renewable fuels industry, requiring that all new state-owned diesel-powered vehicles — from cars and trucks to snowplows and graders — be able to use at least 20%
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 96%
by Steve Hanley (Clean Technica) There is nothing inherently wrong with internal combustion engines. The problem is the fuels we use to run them emit billions of tons of greenhouse gases every year, gases which cause the Earth to get hotter.
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
More than 11,700 Comments Filed on EPA’s SRE Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The public comment period of U.S. EPA’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking that addresses the agency’s plan to reallocate future Renewable Fuel Standard volumes lost to small refinery exemptions (SREs) closed Nov. 29. More than
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
New Consumer Reports Analysis Shows Near-Freeze of Fuel Economy Rules Would Cost Consumers $300 Billion
(Consumer Reports) Rolling back fuel economy requirements down to 1.5% annual increases would raise net cost per vehicle by $2,100 -- As the federal government reportedly moves closer to finalizing plans to weaken fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards, Consumer Reports
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Reducing Toxic Aromatics: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to High Octane Low Carbon Ethanol
Ethanol is better for your health and “What a difference a year makes.” That’s what Douglas Durante, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Development Coalition told the audience recently at the World Ethanol and Biofuels conference in Brussels. The latest on
December 02, 2019 Read Full Article
ACE Urges EPA to Get RFS Back on Track
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ACE CEO Brian Jennings detailed three areas
November 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Low Hanging Fruit on the Climate Change Tree: Renewable Fuels in Gas and Diesel Engines
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... As more governors look to California for leadership on climate change, they should look to what’s working in California…and it doesn’t have to do with electric cars, but with use of low-carbon renewable biofuels in internal
November 26, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Review of 2020 Vehicle Models Reveals Good News for E15, Bad News for Flex Fuels
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new analysis of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements by the Renewable Fuels Association reveals that nearly all new 2020 automobiles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). However, RFA’s
November 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Governors Ask President Trump to Remove Gasoline’s Deadly Aromatics
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Say Poisonous Aromatics Put Our Health at Risk -- In a letter to President Trump today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem asked him
November 25, 2019 Read Full Article
White House Asks Iowa Senator for Input on Biofuels Policy: Sources
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The White House has asked Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley’s office for input on the administration’s latest proposal to boost the ethanol market in 2020, according to two sources familiar with the matter on Friday, after
November 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Production Idled Citing EPA Decisions, POET-DSM Converting Cellulose Plant to Research, Development
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) In another response to EPA's actions regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC announced Tuesday the company will "pause" production of cellulosic ethanol at its Project Liberty plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Poll: Despite State Impacts, Registered Republicans Approve of How Trump Has Handled Trade with China
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Three-fourths of Iowa's registered Republicans back President Donald Trump’s approach to trade with China, and half say his tariffs have done more to help than harm Iowa agribusiness, a new Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows. The
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Sec. Perdue Comments on Ethanol and SREs
by Chuck Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During a visit to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) annual convention on Friday, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was asked about EPA’s supplemental proposal to account for small refinery exemptions and to address the concerns of the
November 19, 2019 Read Full Article
RNG Advocates Spurned as DC Circuit Upholds EPA Biofuel Refinery Waivers
by Richard Nemec (Natural Gas Intel) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday upheld the federal government's waivers for small refineries, which allows them to not include minimum renewables volumes in their transportation fuels to
November 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Senators Ask Trump to Stick to Biofuels Agreement
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A group of United States senators asked President Donald Trump in a letter on Friday to make sure an EPA proposal to account for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard will account for actual
November 18, 2019 Read Full Article
California and Nearly Two Dozen Other States Sue Trump Administration for the Right to Set Fuel-Efficiency Standards
by Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) Lawsuit marks the latest in an escalating fight over one of the nation’s biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. -- California and 22 other states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday,
November 16, 2019 Read Full Article
The Trouble with Biofuels
by Clair L. Jarvis: ... Perhaps the most interesting thing about the expansion of the biofuels industry — as a share of the fuel market and a lobbying power — is that the general public hasn’t really noticed. Compared with fracking
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Small Refinery Exemptions in the Renewable Fuel Standard Explained
(U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) ... The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates the amount of renewable fuels refineres must blend into the U.S. transportation fuel supply. As part of the RFS program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can grant
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Fuels Institute Resource Helps Navigate Biofuel Regulations -- The Report Helps Retailers Better Understand Their Responsibilities.
(National Association of Convenience Stores) Biofuels are playing an increasingly important role in the U.S. fuel supply due to a combination of regulatory programs, market developments and technological advancements, but navigating the federal requirements pertaining to the storage and dispensing of
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Court Dismisses ABFA’s Petition for Review of EPA SRE Methodology
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Nov. 12 dismissed a petition for review filed by the Advanced Biofuels Association challenging the U.S. EPA’s methodology for granting small refinery exemptions (SREs). The
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Grants Request for Reconsideration of Title V Ethanol Rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA announced Nov. 6 it is granting a request for reconsideration filed by the National Resource Defense Council in March 2009 related to the agency’s exclusion of ethanol plants from Title V permitting
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Whose Side Is Trump on? The Fight Continues…Corn Country and Oil Country Still Battling It out in Washington, DC
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s a back and forth game of Trump’s promises to help farmers and agriculture and support ethanol and biofuels, EPA giving small refinery waivers to big oil companies, .... ... (T)he latest responses
November 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Ernst Says President Trump Is Upset by EPA’s Biofuels Rules
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Senator Joni Ernst today said she’s talked directly with President Trump about the furor over proposed EPA rules which Ernst says do not fulfill the deal Trump struck in September on the renewable fuels
November 08, 2019 Read Full Article
LETTER: Iowa Ag Secretary: EPA Is 'Undermining' RFS
by Mike Naig (Sioux City Journal/Iowa Department of Agriculture) There’s a growing sense of frustration across America’s heartland, and it’s not hard to understand why. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undermining the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), which is hurting
November 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Amy Klobuchar: Donald Trump's Presidency of Broken Promises Is further Dividing America
by Amy Klobuchar (Argus Leader) 'When we’re straight with the American people, we can build an even bigger coalition with an optimistic economic and justice agenda for this country.' -- From town halls to fish fries, debate stages to Hall of
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Interior Appropriations Bill Requires EPA to Act on eRINs
(RFS Power Coalition/Biomass Magazine) The RFS Power Coalition today applauded the passage of H.R. 3055 (116), the Senate’s Interior Appropriations bill. The Interior-EPA portion of the spending package includes a provision led by Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, requiring the EPA to
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Rural Leaders Ask President Trump to Uphold Biofuel Promise
(Renewable Fuels Association) A broad coalition of biofuel and farm advocates today sent a letter to the White House calling on President Trump to fix a flawed proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency, which “fails in its mission to reinvigorate farm
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Fractionation Processes Can Improve Profitability of Ethanol Production
(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois) The U.S. is the world's largest producer of bioethanol as renewable liquid fuel, with more than 200 commercial plants processing over 16 billion gallons per year. Plants typically use dry grind processing methods; however, implementing fractionation techniques that
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
ABLCNext Top 10 Takeaways – What Was the Industry Buzzing about in San Francisco?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Next last week, there was lots of buzz and tons of discussion about all sorts of things, but what were the key takeaways? Let's start with Sustainable Aviation Fuels, CRISPR, new food, the
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Refinery Exemptions Reduced Renewable Fuel Blending Requirements in 2018
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) On August 9, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had granted 31 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Small Refinery Exemptions (SRE) for the 2018 compliance year, or 4 fewer than were approved for the
November 04, 2019 Read Full Article
The Bioeconomy Initiative: Implementation Framework Published by Interagency Collaboration under the Biomass Research and Development Board
(Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board) Created through the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000, the Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board facilitates coordination among federal government agencies that affect the research and development of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. Since
November 01, 2019 Read Full Article
John Phipps: Why the Current Ethanol Debate Could Be Trivial By 2023
by John Phipps (Farm Journal Ag Web) ... The current dispute could be child’s play a few years from now - 2023 – when RFS mandated volumes will be set by at EPA discretion. By that time the effect of electric
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
House Energy Hearing Pits Ethanol vs. EPA, Administration
by Matt Kaye (FarmWeekNow.com) Renewable Fuels Association chief Geoff Cooper called the proposed supplemental rule issued by EPA a "bait and switch." -- ... During a hearing before a U.S. House Energy subcommittee, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) chief Geoff Cooper
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump’s Push for Ethanol Not Reaching Pumps
(Finance & Commerce/Bloomberg) Donald Trump’s effort to boost corn demand by allowing year-round sales of ethanol-blended gasoline has run into a logistical problem. Few stations offer it. In corn country, gasoline with a 15% blend of ethanol is now pretty accessible year-round.
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
The Race Is on to Repurpose Garbage
by Marc S. Reisch (Chemical & Engineering News) Despite a spotty track record, companies keep trying to convert trash into energy, fuels, and chemicals -- ... Local press reports noted weather-related construction delays, a challenge to the plant’s environmental permits,
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Views from Napa Valley: A Peak at California’s Low Carbon Fuels Program (2019)
by Michele Rubino (Biofuels Digest) ... Take California’s climate change mitigation efforts – and specifically the LCFS (Low Carbon Fuels Standard), the State’s flagship Program aimed at decarbonizing the transportation sector. Back in 2015 the Program was emerging from years
October 30, 2019 Read Full Article
DC Circuit Finds That EPA Will Have to Explain Its Rejection of Facts in Rollback of Clean Car Standards
(Sierra Club) (October 25, 2019) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C Circuit confirmed that EPA cannot ignore the record of facts supporting the conclusion that the clean car standards are achievable. In January 2017, the Obama administration went through a
October 30, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Posts Call-in Information for Oct. 30 Hearing on SRE Proposal (and Proposal) COMMENT DEADLINE: November 29, 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted call-in information for its Oct. 30 hearing on the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking released Oct. 15 that seeks comments on how the agency should project the volume of small
October 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Car Clash Hits Cap Hill: Motor Madness
by Gavin Bade (Politico's Morning Energy) House lawmakers will hold a hearing today to critique the White House plan to roll back vehicle fuel economy standards, a day after GM, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota said they would side with the
October 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Dems Propose Major Clean Cars Push As Court Rejects Challenge to Clean Car Rollback
(Our Daily Planet) Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, on Friday announced a $450 billion/10 year “Clean Cars For America Climate Proposal” to accelerate the
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Foundation Receives Clean Diesel Project Grant
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The National Biodiesel Foundation has been awarded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding for its 2020 National Clean Diesel Project. In partnership with Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Optimus Technologies, and Renewable Energy Group (REG), the
October 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Air Pollution Experts Say Current Standards Must Be Strengthened to Protect Public Health; Dismissed by Trump Administration, Scientists Speak Out Anyway
(Union of Concerned Scientists) ... Today, the Independent Particulate Matter Review Panel issued its consensus letter on the science and policy of particulate matter. The twenty scientists, the leading experts in their fields, have reviewed the latest science and determined that today’s
October 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups File Petition Challenging Trump Administration's Small-Refinery Waivers
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Biofuels groups have filed a petition in the U.S. court of appeals in Washington against the Environmental Protection Agency, challenging the agency’s process for granting refineries exemptions to the nation’s biofuel blending mandates, the groups said
October 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Moving beyond the RFS
Douglas A. Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governor's Biofuels Coalition) The global biofuels community is without a doubt watching the developments in the US with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and might be understandably confused. How is a program that was passed
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
New Court Documents Detail Rampant EPA Abuse of Small Refinery Exemption Program
(Renewable Fuels Association) Newly available court documents assert that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inappropriately granted Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance exemptions to certain small refineries that did not even qualify for the waivers, and that there was division within the
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
White House Sides with EPA over USDA Objections on Biofuel
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Detroit News) Administration officials warned that an EPA plan for boosting biofuel-blending requirements violated the spirit of a deal brokered by President Donald Trump. The White House blessed it anyway. The back and forth is revealed in newly released
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
E&C Subcommittee Announces Legislative Hearing to Address EPA's Mismanagement of Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee) Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced today that the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing on Tuesday,
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
No Giant Package Necessary
By Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Contrary to oil industry and media talking point headlines portraying Trump’s attempts to fix what his EPA’s policies have destroyed as a “payoff” or “hush money,” farmers and the ethanol
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
New Evidence on the Environmental Benefits of Biofuels
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy report highlights ethanol's environmental benefits as EPA contemplates RFS reset. -- ... Right now, the agency is also crafting a rule that will set new goal posts for renewable energy in
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Producers Merit Recognition for Contributions to Climate Change Mitigation
(Solutions from the Land) Tomorrow marks the seventh annual Bioenergy Day, during which more than 40 organizations all over the United States and Canada - businesses, non-profits, universities, and state and local governments - are showcasing the many ways they benefit
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Volatility in the Ethanol Market Could Increase - Archer-Daniels-Midland Suffers with the Agricultural Sector
by Andrew Hecht (Seeking Alpha) Summary: Lots of action in ethanol since the 2018 low. Liquidity declines in the biofuel. The trade war impacts ethanol - a policy decision fails to keep a promise. The falling Brazilian currency is also
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Air Quality Was Improving. Now It’s Getting Worse
by Eric Roston (Bloomberg) New data may signal a deadly change in America’s environmental health. -- After years of decline, a spike in air pollution may have taken the lives of almost 10,000 additional Americans over two years. Following a 24% drop
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATED — Trump Lays RFS Egg and Perdue Hatches It
by Jim Wiesemeyer (Pro Farmer) President Donald Trump today said a plan to recalculate biofuel-blending requirements to offset waivers exempting refineries from the mandates is approved, done and ready to sign and that the deal is “going to be terrific for
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Climate Change, Advanced Biofuels and Clean Diesel
(Diesel Technology Forum) When Rudolph Diesel patented his engine over a century ago, it was designed to operate on vegetable oils. Today, most diesel engines are still capable of operating on high quality fuels derived from vegetable oils. Whether it
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2020 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards DEADLINE: December 31, 2019
(American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute) The American Chemical Society, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is calling for nominations for the 2020 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards from companies or institutions that have developed a new chemistry process
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA: 5 SRE Applications Filed for Compliance Year 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Oct. 17 that shows the agency has received five SRE applications for compliance year 2019. All five applications are listed as pending. No other changes
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Pitch Plan to Trash Ethanol Mandate Amid Industry Clashes
by Brian Dabbs (National Journal) ... Now, though, two retiring Republican House members want to carve out a new future for U.S. liquid transportation fuel policy. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, who represents some of the most prolific corn-producing counties
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Farm Leaders Warn Trump Could Lose Rural Voters unless He Makes Good on Ethanol Deal
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Angry over proposed ethanol changes, Iowa agriculture leaders warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump will lose rural voters next year unless he makes good on a deal to restore millions of gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. "No more
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Approves RFS Fuel Pathway Filed by Texmark, Neste
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently approved a Renewable Fuel Standard fuel pathway filed on behalf of Texmark Chemicals Inc. and Neste US Inc. that will allow renewable diesel produced at Neste’s biorefinery in Porvoo, Finland, to be
October 17, 2019 Read Full Article
South Dakota Farmers Union Says RFS "Fixes" Lack Vision and Progress
(South Dakota Farmers Union) Following yet another disappointing announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on their management of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said it’s time to recognize the RFS Is broken. "The