by Humeyra Pamuk, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed increasing the volume of biofuels refiners must blend into their fuel annually to 20.04 billion gallons in 2020, from 19.92 billion gallons in 2019, according to two sources
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Back TO HOMEEPA Delivers Proposed Rule with 2020 RVOs, ‘Other Changes’ to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has delivered a proposed rule to set 2020 renewable blending obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The proposed rule also includes the
May 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Comments Urge EPA to Finalize E15 Year-Round Rule by June 1
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s leading association of ethanol producers and supporters, filed comments with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of a proposed rule allowing year-round sales of E15 – gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. “Unless the EPA
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Says EPA Plan to Hide Which Refineries Are Allowed to Stop Blending Renewable Fuels Would Hurt Farmers, Rural Communities
(Office of Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today the Trump Administration’s plan to go back on its promise to name which U.S. oil refineries are allowed to avoid requirements to blend renewable fuels into the nation’s
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Energy Fraudster Convicted at Trial for Scamming Multiple Federal Agencies and His Customers
(U.S. Department of Justice) Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and United States Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal jury in
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Inhofe, Senators Urge RFS Policy to Reflect Market Realities
(Office of Senator James N. Inhofe (R-OK)) In advance of the upcoming proposed rulemaking for the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) led a letter urging Administrator Wheeler to reset
May 02, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Said To Halt Work on Revealing More Info for Small Refiner Waivers
(DTN Progressive Farmer) An EPA plan to reopen comments on a plan it put forth in 2016 to reveal more information on refiners relative to small refiner exemptions from Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations has been put on hold, according to
May 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Why Some Climate Activists Are Cooling on a Carbon Tax
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) It is one of most popular plans among economists for addressing climate change. Many Democrats have embraced it. Even some Republicans have come around to the idea. But a carbon tax is increasingly out of favor among left-wing climate
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
NACS, Fuel Marketers, Comment on EPA’s RIN Market Proposal
(National Association of Convenience Stores) ...(P)roposed RIN Market Reform regulations are unnecessary solutions in search of problems, and that EPA should finalize only those aspects of the proposal that enhance disclosure requirements and set aside for future reconsideration those aspects
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Stalls Biofuel Waiver Transparency Plan after White House Blowback: Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice, Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has suspended work on its plan to publish the names of refineries securing exemptions from federal biofuels law after receiving blowback from the White House and parts of the
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Donald J. Trump, Our Blue-Collar President
by Curtis Ellis (WND) ... Last week, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers stood alongside President Trump at a union job-training center as he signed executive orders to expedite the construction of oil and gas pipelines and energy infrastructure projects,
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Can Go Further than E15
(Urban Air Initiative) The Urban Air Initiative submitted comments to the EPA supporting the agency’s proposal to make E15 available year round. While this is a critical step forward and needs to happen, UAI asked EPA to not stop at E15 and
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Stalls Biofuel Waiver Transparency Plan after White House Blowback
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice and Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has suspended work on its plan to publish the names of refineries securing exemptions from federal biofuels law after receiving blowback from the White House and parts of
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Urban Air Initiative Comments on E15 Proposed Regulations focus on Sub-Sim
(Urban Air Initiative, et al.) EPA’s proposed rule is inconsistent with the text of the sub-sim law, because ethanol is now a fuel additive used in vehicle certification. The proposed rule would codify a “no more than 15%” ethanol limit for the 1
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Inside California's Fight against Pollution
by Miranda Green (The Hill) ... Asked who she (Mary Nichols, head of the California Air Resources Board (CARB)) thought would benefit the most from the Trump rule change, which she has argued automakers are largely opposed to, Nichols points to
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Oil and Renewable Industries Locked in Tug of War over Trump's Ethanol Plan
by John Siciliano and Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) The deadline for comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed plan to allow year-round sales of 15% ethanol fuel closes at midnight, but neither side in the fight — that is, the oil and
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Tightening Tough Spot
by Alan Guebert (Beatrice Daily Sun) ... “U.S. farmers, particularly cornbelt farmers, have gotten a really bad deal from the Trump Administration on the biofuels front.” Both statements are true, according to Scott Irwin, an agricultural economist at the University
April 26, 2019 Read Full Article
ABFA Files for Injunction against EPA to Prevent Additional SREs
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Association filed a motion April 24 for a preliminary injunction to prevent U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler from granting any additional small refinery exemptions (SREs) to release obligated parties from compliance with the
April 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Guest Column: Read the Fine Print on the New E15 Rule
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union) and Jim Seurer (Glacial Lakes Energy) (Farm Forum) ... It does in fact, propose to provide year-round exemption from vapor pressure limits for blends of 15 percent ethanol, but does no more. The EPA proposal
April 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Time to Keep the Promises for Farmers to Compete in Energy
by James Talent (The Hill/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... (Environmental Protection Agency head Andrew) Wheeler announced more oil industry handouts last month, bringing the total to 2.6 billion gallons over two years, which is enough to eliminate the market for
April 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Jury Finds Pennsylvania Biofuel Company Owners Guilty of Tax and False Statements Conspiracy
(U.S. Department of Justice) Following a 14-day jury trial in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ben T. Wootton, of Enola, Pennsylvania, and Race A. Miner, of Buena Vista, Colorado, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Environmental
April 24, 2019 Read Full Article
NFU Urges Implementatin of E15 Waiver, Common-Sense Provisions for Higher Level Blends
(National Farmers Union/KTIC Radio) As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works towards allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline, National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned EPA’s proposed rule will make it harder for retailers to sell higher level blends of ethanol. In
April 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Thank You, Biodiesel Industry
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... This past year we engaged with organizations like National Renderers Association, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, American Soybean Association, Petroleum Marketers of America, and many more. The National Biodiesel Board has strengthened its
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Comments on SRE Portion of Proposed REGS Rule DEADLINE: TBD
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA announced April 12 that it will reopen the comment period on one aspect of proposed rule issued in 2016 in an effort to “expand transparency surrounding the small refinery exemption program and provide
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose Rule on Biomass Carbon Neutrality This Summer
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler recently informed federal lawmakers that the agency is working on a rulemaking that will define biomass as carbon neutral. A proposed rule is expected to be released this summer. ... During the hearing,
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Revise Proposed Freeze of Vehicle Fuel Economy Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday the agency would revise its proposed freeze of vehicle fuel economy standards before unveiling its final regulation in the coming months. In August, the EPA and National Highway
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA’s Latest Effort on SRE Transparency Helpful Progress But Not Enough
(Growth Energy) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced they will take comment on the current process for issuing small refinery exemptions, allowing EPA to post the names of refineries who have applied for and received small refinery exemptions, an
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA May Grant Fewer Biofuel Waivers Due to Low Credit Prices: Wheeler
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could grant fewer waivers exempting small refineries from the country’s biofuel policy as lower prices for blending credits have reduced the cost of compliance, the agency’s administrator Andrew Wheeler told Reuters on Thursday. The
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Gets Welcome News: USDA Study Shows It’s More Environmentally Friendly than Gasoline
(The Messenger) ... The United States Department of Agriculture has just released the findings of a USDA study about the environmental impact of the corn-ethanol industry. The conclusions are superb news — ethanol has significant greenhouse gas benefits when compared to
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Study Shows Ethanol’s Impact
by John Huthmacher (Hastings Tribune) Ethanol continues to be a driving force in Nebraska’s economy, affecting a sizable portion of the state’s business sector. This, according to a recent impact study released by University of Nebraska-Lincoln economists. The report examines the economic impact
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Emissions from Low- and Mid-Level Blends of Anhydrous Ethanol in Gasoline 2019-01-0997
(SAE International) Typically ethanol is present in gasoline as a 10% blend by volume (E10), although E15, E85 (51 to 83%), and E0 are also available at selected stations. Numerous studies of tailpipe regulated emissions have been conducted to compare emissions
April 08, 2019 Read Full Article
California Sues Trump Administration over Rollback of Emissions Standards
by Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle) California’s Air Resources Board sued the Trump administration Friday for information that might support the federal government’s claim that its proposed weakening of auto emissions standards would save lives. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced regulations
April 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Sen. Grassley Honored for Lifetime Achievement in Bioenergy
by Cindy Zimmerman (AgWired.com) Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was honored at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) in Washington DC this week with the Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in Bioenergy. Accepting the award, Grassley said he was honored, but noted that his
April 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Wheeler Addresses SREs, RVO Reallocation during Recent Hearings
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler told federal lawmakers in early April that it would be difficult for the agency to reallocate biofuel volumes waived by small refinery exemptions (SREs), even if Congress provided a legislative
April 05, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-EPA Waits on DOE Input to Process Small Refinery Waivers for 2018 from U.S. Biofuel Law
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is waiting to receive input from the Department of Energy to process 2018 applications exempting small refineries from U.S. biofuel laws, the agency’s administrator Andrew Wheeler said on Tuesday. Speaking at a hearing
April 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Advocates Worry RIN Reform Proposals Will Derail E15 Expansion
by Jordan Godwin (Oil Price Information Service) With about two months to go before the start of the summer driving season, ethanol advocates are growing increasingly worried that EPA's decision to combine in the same proposed rulemaking changes to how Renewable Identification
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats Still Need Rural Voters to Defeat Trump
by J.D. Scholten (The Hill) ... To win back the White House, Democrats can’t just rely on “Whole Foods” districts of educated, affluent suburbanites. Democrats can do well in “Dollar General” districts if they show up and address the issues. No one gave me much
April 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Advocates Testify at EPA Hearing
(Ag News Wire) The Environmental Protection Agency held a hearing Friday on proposed regulatory changes related to retail sales of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) and the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Biofuels advocates, organization representatives and
March 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Backstabbing the Ethanol Industry
by David Kruse (The Daily Reporter) I was told by a director of the Iowa Corn Growers that at a meeting they discussed my recent reports where I had noted that the National Corn Growers Association is dropping the ball in
March 29, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Grants Additional 2017 Small Refinery Waiver from Nation's Biofuel Laws
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted an additional 2017 small refinery waiver from the nation’s biofuel laws, bringing the tally to 35, the agency disclosed on Thursday. READ MORE EPA Grants Another Small Refinery Waiver (Energy.AgWired.com) US EPA approves
March 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Fuel Standards to Prevent Overdependence on Foreign Oil Are Out of Date
by Merrill Matthews (The Hill/Institute for Policy Innovation) ... President Trump wants to roll back unattainable Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards imposed by President Obama. And he wants those revised fuel efficiency ratings to apply nationwide, including California, according to The Hill. But
March 28, 2019 Read Full Article
South Dakota Farmers Union: Say No to E15 Rule; Farmer Leader Says We Can Do Better
(South Dakota Farmers Union) On the eve of a public hearing to receive comments on the long awaited ruling to allow year round rvp relief for E15, the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) called the rule a backdoor effort to limit
March 28, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Input on E15 Information Collection Request Extension DEADLINE: May 17, 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of a proposed extension of an existing information collection request (ICR) related to E15 it plans to submit to the Office of Management and Budget. A
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Petrochemical Fire in Houston Reveals Much Larger Issue.
(Urban Air Initiative) On Sunday, March 17, tanks of toluene and xylene caught fire at Intercontinental Terminal in the Houston, TX area, releasing plumes of black smoke into the air. As a result, incomplete combustion of toluene and xylene combined to form benzene, a
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels: Recent Stability and Future Uncertainty
by Pat Westhoff (Columbia Daily Tribune) ... Long-term changes in the vehicle fleet could result in even larger changes in biofuel demand. If electric cars and trucks become widespread, the demand for both petroleum-based fuels and liquid biofuels could decline. How the
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Gaetz Drafting ‘Green Real Deal’ Climate Resolution
by Zack Coleman (Politico) Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is circulating a “Green Real Deal” resolution to counter the “Green New Deal” floated by Democrats, according to a draft copy obtained by POLITICO. The resolution acknowledges climate change as a threat to national security and
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
E15 Ethanol Is Coming, Like It or Not. Here’s What You Need to Know
by Jim Koscs (Hagerty) ... In the United States, ninety-eight percent of gasoline sold already contains some amount of ethanol. Cars produced in the past two decades or so generally have no problem burning the common E10 blend, which contains 10 percent
March 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Comment Period for E15 Underway
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The EPA has given stakeholders a little more than a month to weigh in on the proposed rule that would allow year-round sales of E15. The proposal is being published in the Federal Register today, and the
March 22, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Likely to Grant Partial Waivers from U.S. Biofuel Laws for 2018: Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is likely to issue partial waivers to some of the 39 small refineries seeking relief from the nation’s biofuel laws for 2018, in an unusual option to balance the competing interests of
March 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Study Shows Biofuels Are 3 Percent of Iowa GDP
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has released a new study that shows biofuels are responsible for over $5 billion of Iowa’s GDP, or roughly three percent. The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics and commissioned by IRFA, also found
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Waivers Reduce Incentive to Produce Biofuels
(KCRG) Between 2017 and 2018, U.S. ethanol consumption dropped for the first time in a decade and the Renewable Fuels Association says that's because of the Environmental Protection Agency hurting demand. One of the reasons former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned from
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Come Together: At NEC, a GM Executive Outlined Some Controversial Advice for the Ethanol Industry.
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Collaborate with the automotive industry, the petroleum industry, fuel retailers and other stakeholders in the liquid fuels market to push for a national high-octane standard. “We’re advocating for a reasonable and manageable proposal—a new,
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Amy Klobuchar Knocks EPA's Secret Waivers that Boost Big Oil
by Pat Rynard (Iowa Starting Line) Senator Amy Klobuchar blasted the Trump Administration’s continued use of blending waivers for renewable fuels usage while in Iowa this weekend. Using it as an example of how Donald Trump’s presidency has hurt rural America,
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Public Hearing for Modifications To Fuel Regulations To Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations March 29, 2019
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held in Ypsilanti, MI on March 29, 2019 for the proposed rule ‘‘Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations.’’ This proposed rule will be published separately
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Cruz Says EPA’s Wheeler Promised to Continue Granting Small Refinery Waivers
by Jim Wiesemeyer (Pro Farmer) Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says he won “explicit promises” from EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to keep granting small refineries waivers from U.S. biofuel mandates, without retroactively reallocating those quotas to non-exempted facilities. Cruz says he secured
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
UAI’s Studies Tell the Truth
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Institute/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The need for an updated fuel testing process. -- Every time we fill our gas tanks, we are exposed to chemicals known to cause cancer. Think about how often that happens, and how a cleaner
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Market Sees First Sales Decline in Decades: Lower U.S. Demand, Plunge in Exports Made for Rough 2018.
by Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) ... As production increased and sales to foreign countries rose to record levels, profits went down roughly 20 cents per gallon. ... The domestic market for ethanol had stopped growing at the same
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Use Falls for First Time in 20 Years
by John Herath (Farm Journal Media) RFA Blames Waivers for Refiners --- Ethanol use in the United States last year fell for the first time since 1998, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is blaming
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Grants More RFS Waivers, Undercuts Add’l Demand for Biofuels
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) U.S. EPA retroactively granted five new small refinery exemptions for 2017, releasing them from their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The five new small refinery exemptions reduced the 2017 renewable volume obligation (RVO) for biomass-based
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA's Proposed Rule Changes Around Higher Ethanol Blends Draw Mixed Reactions
by Danielle Romano (Convenience Store News) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulatory changes around higher ethanol blends, and they're drawing mixed reactions. ... "NACS is concerned that the proposed rulemaking would generate more problems than solutions," said Paige Anderson, NACS'
March 14, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Decide on 2017 Waivers from Biofuel Laws within Week
by David Gaffen and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will decide on the seven pending applications for small refinery waivers from the nation’s biofuel laws for the 2017 calendar year in the next week, agency administrator Andrew Wheeler
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15 and to Elements of the Renewable Identification Number Compliance System --- COMMENTS DUE April 29, 2019
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On March 12, 2019, EPA proposed regulatory changes to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 during
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Won't Return to Negotiations with California on Fuel Efficiency Rollback, EPA's Andrew Wheeler Says
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) The Trump administration won’t be returning to the negotiating table with California before finalizing a plan to roll back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Monday. Wheeler, in an interview with the Washington Examiner,
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Wants Refinery Information Sealed Agency Asks Court Not to Disclose Waivers Brief, Documents to Public
by Todd Neeeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The EPA wants to keep from the public eye an opening brief and some records to be filed in a small-refinery waivers case, claiming in a court motion the information is subject to a
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump's $4.7T Plan Slashes Energy, Environment Programs
by George Cahlink (E&E News) ... The decision means EPA would face a 31 percent cut over current spending, DOE an 11 percent reduction and Interior a 14 percent decrease, budget documents show. ... The White House released only the broad outlines of its spending
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Biogas To RNG Projects: What, Why And How
by Brad Pleima (BioCycle Magazine/EcoEngineers) With prices for renewable electricity low in many states, biogas producers are turning to the renewable natural gas marketplace. This road map is a valuable navigation tool. -- There is a national trend to reposition biogas-producing assets
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
New EIA Data Confirms Ethanol Demand Destruction in 2018
(Renewable Fuels Association) Total Ethanol Consumption and Average Blend Rate Both Saw Year-Over-Year Declines -- Data released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals the extensive damage to 2018 ethanol demand that resulted from former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s egregious abuse
March 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Court Brief: EPA Strayed on RFS Waivers -- EPA Changed Course on Small-Refinery Waivers Without Public Input
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The EPA broke away from Renewable Fuel Standard requirements for granting small-refinery waivers starting in May 2017 and continued to deny a congressional order regarding which refiners qualify, according to a 97-page brief filed
March 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Report: Feds' Biofuel Policy Produced Unintended Environmental Consequences
(Public News Service) A new report says the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, created to spur ethanol production and cut air pollution, is responsible for a number of negative environmental impacts, including reduced water supplies in Texas and other drought-prone areas. Producing a single
March 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive: U.S. EPA Aims to Curb Biofuel Credit Speculation by Blocking Outsiders
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The Environmental Protection Agency will attempt to stamp out speculation in the U.S. biofuel credit market by barring trading by non-industry players, publicizing large positions, and improving price transparency, a source familiar with the agency’s proposals told Reuters
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Demand Boost from US EPA Lifting Summer E15 Ban Expected to Be Slow
by Meghan Gordon (S&P Global Platts) Even if the Trump administration completes a policy change allowing year-round sales of higher ethanol blends in time for this summer's driving season, any major increase in demand may not materialize until summer 2020 because
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
White House Presses Automakers to Back Fuel-Efficiency Rollback
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) As the Trump administration races to roll back Obama’s most ambitious climate rule, it lobbies to get industry on board -- Trump officials thought they were doing the auto industry a favor when they decided to
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Changed Rules to Help Profitable Refiners Get Biofuel Waivers: Lawsuit
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. environmental regulators quietly changed the way they assess applications from refineries for waivers from the nation’s biofuels law, making it possible for highly profitable plants to secure lucrative exemptions, according to court documents filed by a
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Europe Needn’t Fear E10 Ethanol Blends
by James Cogan (Biofuels Digest) ... The ongoing battle to convince regulators that domestic crop based ethanol is climate friendly and free of adverse side effects is a roller coaster of highs and lows. It’s not for the faint-hearted investor. But one
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
OPINION: Terminal Availability of E15 Grows as RVP Relief Nears
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) When E15 (gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol) debuted in 2012, it was created at retail sites by using blender pumps to dilute E85 (fuel containing up to 85 percent denatured ethanol) with E10.
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
All in on Ethanol?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA sent its rule that would allow the year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol fuel to the White House for review on Monday, a step that makes it more likely the agency will release
March 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Federal Agencies Release Framework for Advancing the Bioeconomy
(US Department of Agriculture) The federal Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board today unveiled a multi-agency strategy to accelerate innovative technologies that harness the nation’s biomass resources for affordable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. The Bioeconomy Initiative: Implementation Framework was developed by the B&RD
March 05, 2019 Read Full Article
How Ethanol Threatens Energy Security
by Pat Meehan (Washington Times) The blending of fuels puts needed small refineries in peril of extinction -- Big oil manufacturers who can blend ethanol and oil in excess of their needs can sell that excess capacity as a credit to the smaller
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Paul, Grassley Introduce Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2019
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Today (February 27, 2019), U.S. Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2019(S.581), legislation that would remove burdensome regulations on domestic energy production. “The Fuel Choice
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Presentation/Webinar Recording Posted: Effects of Ethanol Blends on Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies) The presentation and webinar recording from the first 2019 web conference for Future Fuel Outlook members is now posted. The webinar focused on the study, “Effects of Ethanol Blends on Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions: A Critical Review.” This is
February 28, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Gets 37 Bids for Small Refinery Waivers through Mid-February
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has received 37 applications for small refinery waivers for 2018 from the U.S. Renewable Standard (RFS) through mid-February, according to data released on Thursday by the agency. The 37 applications matches the total
February 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Kern Oil Threatens to Sue EPS over Delayed Biofuel Waiver Decision
(KTIC Radio) Kern Oil & Refining Co has threatened to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to respond to its request for a small refinery biofuel waiver within the proscribed 90 days, according to a letter seen by Reuters
February 27, 2019 Read Full Article
API Study: EPA’s Proposal for Reforming RINs Exacerbates Broken Fuels Mandate
(American Petroleum Institute) Today (February 26, 2019), the American Petroleum Institute released a new study that found EPA’s proposal to reform the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) market will only worsen program. This could ultimately harm consumers. “API’s new study makes clear that the EPA’s
February 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Delay in SAFE Rule Disappointing, But Still an Opportunity
(Urban Air Initiative) EPA’s decision to delay fuel economy rules until “later in the year” provides the Urban Air Initiative an opportunity to continue educating the agency on the benefits of clean octane from higher ethanol blends. Originally the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient
February 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Icahn-Backed Refiner Saves $189 Million on EPA's Biofuel Tweaks
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) CVR Energy Inc., backed by billionaire investor Carl Icahn, saved $189 million under the U.S. biofuels mandate last year. That’s largely thanks to a campaign he helped ignite to lower costs for compliance. CVR Energy,
February 26, 2019 Read Full Article
10-Slide Guide to the US Ethanol Industry
by Douglas B. Rivers (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises, Inc.) Past, Present and Future Douglas B. Rivers, PhD, from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting, offers this illuminating overview of the U.S. ethanol industry’s history, current technologies, new developments
February 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Will 2019 Finally Be the Year of E15?
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol) Retailer interest in E15 increased over the past few months, with many retailers believing President Donald Trump “signed something” making E15 legal year-round at an event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in October. We’ve explained there
February 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Society of Environmental Journalists Program at Wilson Center Illustrated Problem with Climate Change Journalism
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Billed as the “2019 Journalists’ Guide to Energy & Environment,” the Society of Environmental Journalists held their annual presentation on Energy and Environmental Journalism January 25 at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC. The event
February 24, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Will Study Ethanol's Impact on Air Quality after Long Delay
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it has agreed to conduct a long-delayed study to assess the impact that burning ethanol as a motor vehicle fuel has on air quality. The Sierra Club had filed a
February 23, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Presents Industry Award to East Kansas Agri-Energy
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased to announce its 2019 Industry Award is being awarded to East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), an ethanol and renewable diesel biorefinery in Garnett, Kan. RFA presented the award to the board and
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
New York State Could Help Clear the Air by Approving Sale of E15
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On February 21, EESI submitted comments to New York State supporting the use of E15 in the state to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases. New York is one of seven states that expressly prohibit
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Republicans Shift on Climate
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Republicans appear to be changing their tone and launching fewer attacks on climate science. Instead, some in the party have touted longstanding support for innovation to address the problem — a sign of the changing
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
SD Farmers Union Calls Out GM on Weak Octane Proposals
(South Dakota Farmers Union) In a letter to General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra today (February 21, 2019), South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke challenged the automaker on its claim that 98 RON (Research Octane Number) or higher gasoline
February 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Agency Proposes Overhaul of Biofuel Credit Trading
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA will propose several options, including position limits; Effort aims to quash speculation and boost transparency -- The Trump administration is planning to propose an overhaul of the opaque market for trading biofuel compliance credits
February 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Despite Challenges, Ethanol Supporters Say Industry Is Vital
by Steve White (NTV-ABC) Nebraska's a world leader in ethanol, but global politics have the industry treading on thin ice. “Tougher together” is Chris Vincent's motto these days. The CEO of Aurora Cooperative stands behind ethanol, even as the profitability has disappeared. ... The
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Risks in the Climate Finance Markets
by Michael Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) Risks often act as barriers to investment and trading in the climate finance market – the systems designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), California’s Cap & Trade and
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Key to Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions
by Arlin E. Gyberg (StarTribune) The biofuels industry over the last 30 years has produced more product using less energy and water and contributes far less carbon-dioxide emissions than petroleum fuels. -- Across Minnesota, about 25 ethanol and biodiesel plants generate about
February 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Republican Backlash against Trump EPA Pick Fueled by 'Biofuel Reset'
by Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) EPA acting administrator Andrew Wheeler rejected a proposal from his staff that would have reduced the ambition of the nation’s biofuel policy over the next three years, arguing the targeted range it included for annual
February 19, 2019 Read Full Article
USDA to EPA: What About Plan B on E15? USDA's Censky Raises Possibility EPA Could Use Discretion on E15 Enforcement
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) As the EPA races the clock to complete a rule allowing year-round E15 sales ahead of the summer driving season, if the rule isn't done by June 1, the agency may have to resort
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Ethanol Industry Not Impressed with General Motors' Push on Octane Standard Legislation
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) While General Motors representative Dan Nicholson indicated this week it was important for the ethanol industry to get behind legislation to set a national octane standard -- starting with a 95 research octane number,
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Listen to 3 Renewable Fuels CEOs Talk about the Future of Biodiesel and Ethanol
(National Biodiesel Board/FuelsFix) This year’s National Biodiesel Conference at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, CA was a resounding success, with biodiesel advocates, enthusiasts, and industry experts from around the country coming together to discuss the future and potential of this versatile biofuel. One of
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Operatives Say Ethanol Worship Is Now as Corny as The West Wing
by Ben Jacobs (The Guardian) ... Tim Gannon, the Democratic nominee for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2018, told the Guardian the idea of ethanol as a dealbreaker in the state was “very much a stereotypical thing because of The West
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Could Immediately Increase Volume of Low-Carbon Biofuels by Over 50 Percent
by Jesse Stolark (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) The EPA is leaving 200 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels on the table, according to the newly formed Biomass Power Coalition, a group of biomass trade organizations, biomass power producers, and supporters (EESI is
February 17, 2019 Read Full Article
RFS Power Coalition Launched by BPA, ABC, ERC
(Biomass Power Association, American Biogas Council and Energy Recovery Council/Biomass Magazine) Three trade associations representing renewable electricity producers today announced the launch of the RFS Power Coalition. The coalition’s purpose is to get the EPA to implement a law passed by
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
National Wildlife Federation Files Lawsuit over Habitat Destruction from Biofuels Policy
by Mike Saccone (National Wildlife Federation) The National Wildlife Federation, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit today against the Environmental Protection Agency alleging that it illegally approved expanded volume production of largely corn- and soy-based biofuels despite evidence that such production
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Open the Door to Higher Blends
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprise/Biofuels Digest) ... The reality is that the RFS is going backwards, we have effectively capped the use of corn ethanol in the United States, and the EPA continues to play lip
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
General Motors to Ethanol: Focus on 95 Octane Fuel Standard, or “Miss the Window altogether”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, General Motors VP Dan Nicholson told delegates at the National Ethanol Conference that “High octane is essential to realize better efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions,” but warned the US ethanol industry to get behind
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Reader Opinion: Let's Be Champions for Ethanol
by John Poston MN(R) District: 09A (Brainerd Dispatch) ... Over the past five years, farm income has fallen by 46 percent. One thing that all Americans can do to help is use a biofuel that we make and sell right here at
February 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Kicks Off Awareness Campaign for E15
(Convenience Store News) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) launched an awareness campaign in support of E15 fuel with the launch of a new consumer-facing website and digital ads in The Washington Post. The campaign's goal is to educate consumers and policymakers about the benefits
February 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive: U.S. EPA May Issue E15 Gasoline Plan without Biofuel Credit Trade Limits - Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering releasing its draft proposal to expand sales of higher ethanol blends of gasoline without including simultaneous measures it promised the oil industry to curb biofuel credit speculation, according to three sources
February 12, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Pushing Water Quality Trading to Address Nutrients
(Agri-Pulse) The Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging states to develop water quality trading programs to tackle nutrient pollution, which has become an increasingly visible issue in farm country. In a memorandum to EPA regional administrators, Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross said the agency
February 11, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Releases 2019 Ethanol Industry Outlook, Pocket Guide
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today at the 24th annual National Ethanol Conference, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released its 2019 Ethanol Industry Outlook and Pocket Guide, known around the world as the go-to sources for reliable information and data on America’s ethanol industry. The annual Outlook publication
February 11, 2019 Read Full Article
NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) Favors Giving Consumers Options at the Pump
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For the National Association of Convenience Stores, selling E15 is a matter of giving consumers plenty of fuel options. “We like the optionality of being able to have lots legal choices and really sell what
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The GHG emissions of petroleum are higher than the baseline estimates originally projected by EPA" That's one finding in a new study by Life Cycle Associates. It's also one reason biofuels entering the marketplace thanks to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exceed
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
New Study: RFS2 Has Reduced GHG Emissions by 600 Million Metric Tons, Beating EPA Expectations
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new study released today finds that the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) has been a tremendous success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with nearly 600 million metric tons of GHG reduction since 2007. Actual GHG reductions under the
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Matsui Introduces Legislation that Pushes Back on the Trump Administrations Attempts to Roll Back the Fuel Economy and Vehicle Emissions Standards
(Office of Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA 6th)) Today (February 5, 2019), Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) led 19 of her House Energy & Commerce Committee colleagues in introducing the Clean and Efficient Cars Act of 2019, which would preserve fuel economy and
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Commentary: Bring California’s Low-Carbon Wisdom to Washington, D.C.
by Andy Foster (Capital Press/Aemetis Inc.) ... With the election behind us and new leadership in the House, it’s time to take another look at the IPCC warnings and examine bipartisan solutions that Congress can work toward — immediately. High on
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Want a Bipartisan Push on Climate Change? Start With Unleashing American Biofuels
by Jeff Cosman (Morning Consult/Attis Industries Inc.) ... And in November, a letter from the Department of Energy, the EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture to Congress laid out a plan to encourage the use of efficient and carbon-neutral
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Chief Says Agency, California ‘Far Apart’ on Car Emissions
by Ryan Beene, Jennifer A Dlouhy, and David R Baker (Bloomberg) Wheeler, Nichols signal little progress on auto MPG agreement; State shouldn’t have authority on C02 emissions, Wheeler says -- U.S. and California officials agreed Monday on one thing about auto emissions standards:
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Group Growth Energy Sues U.S. EPA over Small RefineryExemptions
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) Biofuels group Growth Energy filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, challenging the agency’s renewable fuel mandate for 2019 as failing to address rising waived biofuel volumes. “EPA’s inaction on addressing lost gallons
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Asks EPA to Use Reset Rule to Restore Lost RFS Gallons
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) CEO Geoff Cooper sent a letter to (Andrew) Wheeler this week to provide input on the agency’s upcoming RFS reset proposal. RFA is asking Wheeler to use the reset rule as an opportunity to restore
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
How Do Your Fuel Decisions Impact Our Environment?
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI Policy Associate Jessie Stolark spoke on a roundtable panel about the health and environmental considerations of fuel choices, at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 29. Below is an abbreviated version
February 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Leaders Engage in RFS Discussion: “To 2022 and Beyond: Renewable Fuels in the Next Decade”
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The 2019 National Biodiesel Conference concluded Thursday with a panel discussion entitled “To 2022 and Beyond: Renewable Fuels in the Next Decade,” featuring renewable fuel industry leaders discussing the Renewable Fuel Standard and what is on the horizon for
February 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Prepares for a ‘Crazy Year’ Trying to Sway the Trump Administration
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Ethanol producers are preparing for major action at the federal level in the months ahead, both in terms of litigation against Trump administration actions on the nation’s renewable fuel mandate and lobbying to finalize rules regarding
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Interview: RFA Hoping EPA Will Be More Restrained on SREs
by Jeff Barber (Opis Biofuels News) The U.S. ethanol industry, which spent most of 2018 dealing with the fallout from EPA's decision to allow a record number of small refineries to escape their Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance obligations, believes the
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Energy Outlook Report Underscores Need for Higher Ethanol Blends
(Growth Energy) Federal forecasts in the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) newly released Annual Energy Outlook 2019 (AEO2019) underscore the importance of delivering cleaner, lower cost options to the fuel pump, said Chris Bliley, vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Octane on ‘Sesame Street’
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Striving for higher-octane fuels shouldn't mean saying goodbye to the RFS. --... Why is the quest for high-octane fuels to reduce petroleum consumption and increase efficiency in vehicles paired with getting rid of
January 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Economic Reasons for a Green New Deal
Rob Jackson (Global Carbon Project/Stanford University/The Hill) ... The global economy is creating half a million new jobs yearly in renewable energy and employs more than ten million people. In the U.S. we’ve created a hundred thousand new solar and wind jobs annually, 12
January 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Review Finds No Consensus Among Fuel Studies – Major Implications for Health, Air Quality
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A recent review of nearly 100 different peer-reviewed vehicle emission studies, by the independent consulting group Future Fuel Strategies, found that there is no consensus in the literature regarding the health effects of
January 27, 2019 Read Full Article
On Tap: Retailers Preparing for Year-Round E15 Have Options for Pumps, Financing and Marketing.
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...(W)ith the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expected to extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to E15, hopefully before next summer’s driving season. Retailers will have to decide not only if they will offer
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Moving the RFS Forward
by Amie Simpson (Brownfield Ag News) There is a false notion that the Renewable Fuel Standard ends in 2022, but that is not the case. Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says even those in the industry sometimes misunderstand
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Thune Meets With Acting EPA Administrator
(Office of Senator John Thune) “Acting Administrator Wheeler is committed to the president’s efforts to provide greater regulatory relief and certainty to the American people, including through the EPA’s rewrite of the WOTUS rule and by providing for the year-round sale
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
UAI: Test Fuels Are Not Representative of Real-World Fuels
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An analysis commissioned by the Urban Air Initiative raises questions about studies used by U.S. EPA to model ethanol’s emissions. The independent analysis, completed by Future Fuel Strategies, looked at nearly 100 vehicle emissions studies, and
January 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Koda Energy Urges EPA to Process eRIN applications
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Shakopee, Minnesota-based Koda Energy LLC is urging the U.S. EPA to promptly process applications to allow biomass power facilities to participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard program by generating e-renewable identification numbers (eRINs). On Jan. 21, Stacy
January 23, 2019 Read Full Article
World Energy and Valero Lead Rebound in Biofuels M&A: 2018 Review
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Convergence reigns as the North American biofuels industry witnesses a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions, including exceptionally large deals -- Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in biofuels picked up considerably in 2018 after a slowdown in
January 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Independent Study Finds Vehicle Emission Testing Is Not Reliable
(Urban Air Initiative) A new study finds that many of the test fuels used in emissions research studies do not reflect the makeup of consumer fuels, limiting the ability of ethanol to be used to reduce emissions and improve vehicle
January 21, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Publishes E15 Countdown Clock, Calculator and FAQs
(Renewable Fuels Association) E15. Clean. Affordable. Domestic. Fuel. There’s been a lot of talk recently about “E15,” a biofuel blend of gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol, a product that comes from crops grown by American farmers. E15 burns cleaner and cooler
January 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Is the Safe Option
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Tri-State Livestock News) ... Well, let's hope we don't see the price at the pumps go up. Instead, let's use more ethanol. What I'm suggesting is oil companies increase the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Potential 2020 Candidates Test Climate Messages on Trump's EPA Pick
by Gino Grandoni (Washington Post) ... Nominally, the hearing was convened to consider the nomination of former coal lobbyist and ex-Senate aide Andrew Wheeler to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. ... In the past six months alone the EPA under Wheeler has
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Asks EPA to Separate Year-Round E15 Provisions from RIN Reform Measures in Upcoming Proposal
(Renewable Fuels Association) With the government shutdown threatening to further delay approval of year-round sales of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus strictly on year-round E15 provisions in its forthcoming
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Automakers Push for Deal on Fuel Efficiency Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Executives at the major U.S. automakers are pressing the Trump administration and California to agree on standards for fuel efficiency and carbon emissions through 2025, as risks increase that a deadline for setting national standards will pass without
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
House Bill Would Repeal CAFE Standards:
(Bergeson & Campbell) On January 10, 2019, Representative Roger Williams (R-TX) introduced a bill (H.R. 431) that would repeal the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. CAFE standards are set by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA.
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel an Underutilized Solution as US Carbon Emissions Climb
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... The transportation sector remained the largest source of U.S. emissions for the third year in a row, “as robust growth in demand for diesel and jet fuel offset a modest decline in gasoline consumption,” the
January 14, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Says It Is Committed to Rule for Higher Ethanol Blend by Summer Driving Season
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it would complete a rule to boost sales of higher-ethanol blends of gasoline by the summer driving season, despite a partial government shutdown. The statement from the environmental
January 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Forecast for U.S. Federal and International Chemical Regulatory Policy 2019
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and its consulting affiliate The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to offer you our Forecast 2019. In this richly detailed document, the legal, scientific, and regulatory professionals of B&C and Acta distill key
January 09, 2019 Read Full Article
The Problem of Invalidated RINs in the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting/Stillwater Associates) Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed a “buyer beware” approach to the purchase and sale of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). This creates a liability for any buyer of RINs, making
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels Council Offers Biodiesel Strategy
by Jeff Hove (Biodiesel Magazine) Jeff Hove, vice president of NATSO's Alternative Fuels Council, provides perspective on current political, regulatory and market events relating to biodiesel blending, and how a myriad of potential changes will affect downstream operators. -- ... But renewable
January 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel’s Cutting Edge
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine profiles nine companies whose process technologies, products and services are on the frontline of change in this industry. Third Coast Commodities Biodiesel feedstock trading is evolving, and Third Coast Commodities is one of the firms ushering
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Ricketts: My Goals for 2-19
by Pete Ricketts (Office of Governor of Nebraska/Star Herald) As we enter the new year, I have put together a list of goals for our state in 2019. I am sharing a few of them here. ... Year-Round E15 – In October,
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
A Fox Guarding the RFS Henhouse
by David Kruse (The CommStock Report/Spencer Daily Reporter) From a subscriber: "I asked my local Cenex manager why the price of E85 was still high. E10 has dropped 43 cents in the last couple of months and E85 hasn't changed from $1.94. He