by Alexander E. Kaufman (Huffington Post/Yahoo! News) ... The 11-page Evergreen Action memo highlights the limits of what the Biden administration can do unilaterally. At least a dozen ideas proposed in the document require Congress to act, including nearly all
Legislation-Federal
Back TO HOMESustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act Becomes Law
(American Chemical Society) On January 1, the U.S. Senate passed the omnibus National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Within the NDAA Bill, Section E was the culmination of over 15 years of advocacy effort to deliver legislation that seeks to further the
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Can This Unlikely Duo Revive Rural America and Help the Planet? Joe Biden and Tom Vilsack Plan to Take Swift Action on Climate Change Proposals.
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) ... Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
The Clean Economy Employment Now ("CLEEN") Project Launches Nation's First Database with Actionable Ideas for Federal Leaders to Combat Climate Change, "Build Back Better," and Advance Climate Justice / Includes Advanced Biofuels USA "Disappearing Gas Tax" Proposal
(The CLEEN Project) The CLEEN Project was created through a collective of more than 200 contributors and 70 Advisory Board members from the private sector, federal and state government, environmental justice organizations, and leading climate-focused think tanks who share a
January 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Congressional Climate Camp #1: Budget, Appropriations, and Stimulus Briefing Series: Congressional Climate Camps --- January 29, 2021 --- ONLINE

A live webcast will be streamed at 2:00 PM EST at www.eesi.org/livecast Ready to make a difference in climate policy? But not sure where to start? We have you covered. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to join us for our
January 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act Passed as Part of National Defense Authorization Act
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 28, 2020, the House overrode President Trump’s veto and passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) by a vote of 322 to 87, and the Senate passed the bill on January 1, 2021,
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Carbon Reductions On the Rise in 2021
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) With carbon reduction taking center stage, biodiesel and renewable diesel can provide immediate and substantial benefits, including 80% reduction in both greenhouse gases and particulate matter, an over 40% reduction in carbon monoxide, and
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewed Focus on Climate Legislation Could Help Biofuels
by Sara Wyant (Ag Week) The biofuel industry argues that President-elect Joe Biden can also make progress on his climate goals by expanding biofuel usage mandates, embracing a low carbon fuel policy and increasing vehicle emissions standards. Now that Democrats have
January 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Grassley Shudders at Hill Reopening Renewable Fuels Law
by Marc Heller (E&E News) To Sen. Chuck Grassley, only one prospect may be scarier than putting the politics of ethanol before the Supreme Court: letting his colleagues in Congress vote on it. READ MORE
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Congress Continues To Affirm That Climate Security Is National Security
(Clean Technica) ... Congress voted to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacting H.R. 6395, the “William M. (Mac) Thornberry” NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. ... With the enactment of the FY21 NDAA, Congress again demonstrates
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
House Rules Would Exempt Coronavirus, Climate Bills from Budget Limits
(CQ Roll Call) Changes could paper over differences within House Democratic Caucus between deficit hawks and progressives -- The new rules package for the 117th Congress unveiled by House Democrats on Friday would grant a sweeping new exemption from deficit controls
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Cost Breakthrough in Department of Energy Loan Guarantees
(Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/CISION) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (“AFCC”) worked closely with policy makers and appropriators this year to provide changes to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”)’s Title XVII Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (the “Title
January 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Looking Back on 2020, Algae Thrived.
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Our collective effort has resulted in record-breaking policy support, including: $70 million for algae industry research, development, and demonstration in 2020 Congressional appropriations for DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, Office of Fossil Energy, and Office of Science. $110 million
January 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Analysis: Biofuels Sector Hopeful Over Biden RFS Stance, Wary of GHG Policy
by Patrick Newkumet (Oil Price Information Service) Renewable fuel industry officials are mostly optimistic that the incoming Biden administration will be more supportive of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) than the Trump White House, though some worry that the president-elect's
December 24, 2020 Read Full Article
The Big, Big Package: What’s under the Christmas Tree for the Bioeconomy, in the $1.4T New Spending Bill?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The $1.4 trillion spending package includes appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021, the COVID stimulus package, extensions of popular tax credits that otherwise expired on December 31st, and the Energy Act of 2020, a $35B version
December 23, 2020 Read Full Article
SCALE Act Could Help Ethanol Plants Transport CO2 to Customers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. Marc Veasey, D-Texas; David McKinley, R-W.V.; Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.; and Pete Stauber, R-Minn., on Dec. 16 introduced the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act, which supports the buildout of the infrastructure necessary to
December 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Included in Ag Provisions of COVID Relief Deal Moving through Congress
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee announced the food and agriculture provisions of the latest COVID relief deal moving through the House and Senate this week include payments to producers of advanced biofuel,
December 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Top 10 Ag Stories of 2020 - 9 Ethanol's 2020 Full of Bumps, Bruises in Fight to Maintain Business
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Each year, DTN publishes our choices for the top 10 ag news stories of the year, as selected by DTN analysts, editors and reporters. Today, we continue the countdown with No. 9 looking at
December 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Atlantic Council Analyzes the Potential for a Carbon Trade War
by Nick Silvis* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The world is undergoing drastic climate and ecological changes which will have dire ramifications on all facets of global activity. Critical trade relationships, such as the one between the United States and Europe, are facing
December 18, 2020 Read Full Article
5 Reasons Clean Fuel Standards Are the Secret Key to Decarbonizing Transportation
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) Clean Fuel Standards like the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) have been around for more than a decade but have not attracted the attention of more narrowly targeted policies promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, or renewable
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Opinion: The Secret to Clean Air Is No Secret. It’s Ethanol.
by John Linder (National Corn Growers Association/Farm Journal AgWeb) ... One song that stuck with me from that decade was “Everything Old Is New Again.” I find a lot of truth in the song’s message when I think about climate
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Energy to Hitch Ride on Omnibus
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Congressional negotiators are expected to unveil the legislative text of a $1.4 trillion omnibus deal today that would boost federal agency budgets through next September and thwart a shutdown at week's end, POLITICO's Caitlin Emma
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
LETTER: Support Increase in Oil, Gas Royalties on Federal Land
by Earl Draayer (Sioux City Journal) ... Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)) proposes an increase of 50% of oil and gas royalties on federal land leased to oil and gas companies. The royalties were established a century ago under the
December 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Shutdown Stopped, but Funding Fight Continues
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) However, the emerging package has drawn the ire of progressive and environmental justice groups who are urging Democrats to walk away and try again next Congress. "We have serious concerns about the prospects of the Senate
December 14, 2020 Read Full Article
New Legislation Sets Policy Menu for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) As the aviation industry recovers from the severe contraction caused by the pandemic, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) will be essential to help the sector achieve a path to net-zero carbon emissions by
December 12, 2020 Read Full Article
After COVID: A Lower Carbon Future for Commercial Aviation
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Briefing Series: By Air, Land, and Sea: Navigating the Climate Future -- The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing series on climate mitigation and adaptation in the transportation sector. The series covered ports, aviation, and public transit. As
December 12, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA: Ethanol Industry Needs Support, as COVID-19 Losses Near $4 Billion
(Renewable Fuels Association) With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again, threatening to derail an already tenuous
December 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Pascrell, Fitzpatrick Introduce Green Bill to Boost Renewable Chemicals, Phase-Out Fossil Fuels
(Office of Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09)) Bipartisan legislation will provide tax credits for the production of renewable chemicals -- U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act, legislation that will create an allocated
December 09, 2020 Read Full Article
McKinley, Veasey Introduce ACCESSS 45Q Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Dec. 3 introduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction to
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Leaders Meet with Biden Team to Explain Priorities
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) ... Carbon sequestration payments to farmers is something said to be on the table for the incoming Biden administration as a path to address emissions reduction. Duvall said any potential program should be a market-based system and
December 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil and Gas Companies Keep Taking From Taxpayers. And Taking. Congress Should Raise the Royalty Rates on Federal Lands.
by Senators Tom Udall (D-N) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) (New York Times) One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Plan to End U.S. Fossil Fuel Subsidies Faces Big Challenges
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) ... Biden has said axing fossil fuel subsidies will generate money to help pay for his broader $2 trillion climate plan. While Biden can take executive action to reverse President Donald Trump’s rollbacks of rules meant to
December 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Incentives Spur Investors to Pick Up Pace on Low-Carbon Projects
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Growing interest in combining federal, state credits in low-carbon projects; Congress’ inaction on 45Q credit extension a worrying sign for new efforts -- A mix of federal and state environmental incentives are drawing investors towards low-carbon,
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm Bureau Calls on Congress to Extend Key Tax Provisions
(American Farm Bureau Federation) The American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 60 other organizations are urging Congress to extend tax provisions that promote biofuel production, as well as craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Among more than 30 temporary tax provisions,
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Could Ethanol Be a ‘Net-Zero’ Hero?
by Geoff Cooper (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) Already contributing to decarbonization, ethanol is a phenomenal low-carbon molecule that will continue to play an instrumental role in the transition to net-zero emissions. And because it is here today, there is
November 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Capito to Confront Climate in EPW Role
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso's decision to relinquish the Environment and Public Works Committee gavel in favor of the Energy and Natural Resources chair has shifted new attention to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). She is
November 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels to Boost Clean Fuel Standard to Biden
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Some of the largest biofuels companies plan to ask Biden to impose a nationwide standard to reduce carbon emissions from transport fuels, Reuters reports, citing five sources familiar with the matter. The push reflects the
November 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Congress Considers A Variety Of Programs To Incentivize Carbon Capture Projects
by Jim Magill (Forbes) As industry leaders and policy makers increasingly confront the challenges of battling climate change triggered by an excess amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they are increasingly turning to an old
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Brownley Introduces Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act
(Office of Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA 26)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “As a member of the House Select Committee
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Transition Book: Priorities for Administrative Action on Carbon Removal in 2021+
(Carbon 180) We partner with policymakers, scientists, and businesses around the globe to develop policy, promote research, and advance solutions that transform carbon from a pollutant to a resource and foster a prosperous, carbon-conscious economy that removes more from the
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Applauds Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act of 2020
(Growth Energy) Today, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) introduced the Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act of 2020 to encourage low-carbon fuel production and increase production of cellulosic biomass into renewable fuels. This legislation would expedite the approval process
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Retailers: Zero-Emission Truck Plan Could ‘Devastate’ Agriculture
by John Gallagher (Freight Waves) Ag retailers: Zero-emission truck plan could ‘devastate’ agriculture -- An environmental policy promoted by Democratic lawmakers to effectively ban internal combustion engines (ICEs) for heavy-duty trucks by 2040 would be a major economic blow to agribusiness
November 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Can Biden Keep His Promise to Make Farms Climate Friendly?
by Charlie Mitchell (The New Republic) The president-elect will have to overcome major obstacles, including some of his own advisers and campaign proposals. -- Last month, when asked on Pod Save America to name three or four things atop his first-term agenda, Joe Biden mentioned a
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Wyden Introduces Legislation to Improve Soil Health, Crop Resilience and Address the Climate Crisis
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR) U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. introduced legislation to help address the climate crisis by encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and crop resilience and lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. “In 2020 alone,
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
On the Move: Unpacking the Challenges and Opportunities of Electric Vehicles
by Joseph Glandorf (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... Congress is considering legislation that would address these hurdles, including the Electric Vehicle Freedom Act, and has already passed the Charging Helps Agencies Realize General Efficiencies (CHARGE) Act (see part 2 of this article). ... Renewable energy and
November 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Post-Election Analysis from ABFA: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Advanced Biofuels Association’s Election View
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did the bioeconomy win or lose? If you missed the conversation on Thursday at DigestConnect, check out this slide guide from Mike McAdams, President of Advanced Biofuels Association for his post-election analysis from the Presidential
November 10, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Renewable Fuels Legislation Could Garner Bipartisan Support under Biden
by Stephanie Kelly and Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Renewable fuels are a niche market for now, but with Democratic President-Elect Joe Biden set to enter office with a divided Congress, legislation supporting demand for products like renewable diesel could garner bipartisan
November 10, 2020 Read Full Article
US Elections: Ernst Holds onto Iowa Senate Seat after Race Tests Biofuel Support
by Meghan Gordon (S&P Global Platts) Republican played key role in biofuel mandate talks; Opponent supported clean energy, denounced 'Big Oil'; Ernst took heat for commodity prices, EPA confirmation -- US Senator Joni Ernst, Republican-Iowa, held onto her seat after a tight race
November 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Senator Chuck Grassley Says That Buying an Electric Car Should Not Be a Mandate
(RFD TV) A prominent Republican Senator says that he is in favor of gas-free cars, but Senator Chuck Grassley says that buying one should not be a mandate. ... Last week, a group of Democrats introduced a bill that would
November 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Looks beyond Trump-Biden Bluster to Biofuel Reset
by Kim Chipman and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg Green) Presidential, Iowa Senate races put biofuel in spotlight; Renewable Fuel Standard uncertainty clouds ethanol outlook -- ... The winner will oversee a “reset” of the congressional mandate to blend biofuels with gasoline. This
November 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Top 5: Solar Costs Are Dropping. How Does It Impact Fuels?
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies) ... Items I selected this month include: • Solar Costs Declining Quickly: More quickly than even the IEA has projected. That will have consequences in transport that includes cheaper EV charging, green hydrogen and electrofuels.
October 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Supporters Criticize Zero-Emissions Vehicles Bill
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... The Zero-Emissions Vehicles Act of 2020 would end sales of new vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035 and boost the market for electric vehicles. Monte Shaw with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says, as
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Overview of 2020 Cannabis Ballot Measures: Potential to Add 21 Million as Legal Consumers in the U.S.
by Martin Wahl (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) This is the first in a series of articles being prepared by Lee Enterprises Consulting experts addressing opportunities and concerns for the growing hemp and cannabis industries. Topics will include cultivation, feedstock management, project
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Senator Merkley, Congressman Levin Introduce Legislation to End U.S. Sale of Gasoline-Powered Vehicles by 2035
(Office of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)) The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2020 will position U.S. to lead global auto industry -- Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) today introduced in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House
October 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Win Could Be Net Positive for Metals and Mining, Observers Say
by Jacob Holzman and Gaurang Dholakia (S&P Global Platts) ... As a result, observers have predicted that producers of battery and base metals such as lithium and nickel could benefit from a Biden victory. ... The benefits to metals producers from a
October 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Eyes Trade Agenda to Combat Climate Change
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Joe Biden and key Democrats in Congress say they want to use the trade agenda to fight global warming if they win the White House and Senate next month, POLITICO's Gavin Bade reports .
October 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Shaheen, Lankford & King Introduce Bipartisan ‘DRIVE LESS’ Act to Reduce Federal Spending on Government Vehicles, Save Taxpayer Money
(Office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)) U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), James Lankford (R-OK) and Angus King (I-ME) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal funding available for the acquisition and leasing of new federal vehicles.
October 08, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Applauds Movement toward COVID Relief for Ethanol Producers
(Renewable Fuels Association) Late Thursday, the House of Representatives passed another COVID economic relief package, the HEROES Act II, which provides for $2.2 trillion in coronavirus relief and includes an important provision for the renewable fuels industry. The following is a
October 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Signs Government Funding Bill Including CCC Replenishment
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... President Trump signed a continuing resolution funding the government after returning from campaign stops in Minnesota, about an hour after Washington officially ran out of money. Farm Bureau economist John Newton tells Brownfield the continuing
October 02, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA: New University Study on COVID-19 Impacts Underscores Need for Emergency Aid
(Renewable Fuels Association) As Congress and the administration continue negotiations on another potential COVID-19 relief package, a new study by university economists finds that ethanol producers will experience roughly $8 billion in losses this year due to the pandemic’s impact on
September 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Signal to Noise: Oil and Biofuels Must Work Together
by John Herath (Farm Journal Ag Web) ... They (Pro Farmer's Jim Wiesemeyer and Farm Journal's John Herath) also lay out how the oil and biofuels industries need to work together if they want to preserve a future for liquid
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: House Democrats Get Aggressive on Biofuels
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ...What did become clear was Democrats in both the House and the Senate are paying more attention to biofuels at the moment. And yet, given that Congress is going to pass a temporary funding
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
House Legislation Includes RFS Integrity ACT
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act passed by the U.S. House includes provisions of the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act put forth by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN). The provisions set an annual deadline for refiners to request exemptions from
September 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Bustos Introduces Next Generation Fuels Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., on Sept. 24 introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, a bill that establishes a minimum octane standard for gasoline and requires sources of added octane value to reduce carbon emissions by
September 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump's Trade and Coronavirus Aid to Agriculture Could Hit $50 Billion
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) ... Trump administration could spend $50 billion — quadruple the cost of the auto industry bailout — in less than three years to buffer the impact of trade war and pandemic on agriculture. Farm groups
September 23, 2020 Read Full Article
House Ag Committee Chair Says Ethanol Is Priority
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson puts ethanol second only to the hog industry in priority to get some kind of assistance to mitigate losses this year due to coronavirus restrictions. “Because of the price of oil collapsing
September 23, 2020 Read Full Article
House Ag Plans Detailed to NFU Pelosi: House Will Bring Up Biofuels Integrity Bill
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Tuesday that the House will take up the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act sponsored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., just as the House Energy and Commerce
September 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Virtual Biofuel Summit Connects Growth Energy Members with Lawmakers
by Amie Simpson (Brownfield Ag News) Growth Energy members are talking with lawmakers about issues impacting the biofuel industry this week during the virtual Biofuels Summit. CEO Emily Skor says it’s especially important to have these conversations now because of the demand
September 17, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Applauds Congressional Efforts to Enhance Transparency of Small Refinery Waiver Process
(Renewable Fuels Association) The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today unveiled the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which contains provisions requiring more transparency and accountability in EPA’s process for evaluating small refinery exemption requests under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The provisions
September 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Considers Cash Aid for Refineries Denied Biofuel Waivers
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Trump administration officials are developing a plan to offset the potential economic damage of denying dozens of refineries waivers from biofuel-usage mandates: giving them financial aid. The approach is actively being discussed by top Environmental Protection Agency officials
September 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Unveil New Agenda for Economic Recovery and Climate Action
by Justine Calma (The Verge) Democrats will commit today to a wide-ranging new progressive agenda that simultaneously tackles pandemic recovery, climate change, and systemic injustice. They’re calling the agenda THRIVE, which stands for “Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a
September 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Proactively Leveraging Ethanol’s Low-Carbon Value
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Merely playing defense on the RFS does not constitute a plan to expand ethanol demand. We need to go on offense because it is a matter of when, not if, Congress
September 07, 2020 Read Full Article
The Case for Climate Action: Building a Clean Economy for the American People
(Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis) ... In the near term, we must continue to significantly grow solar and wind energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles while conducting more research into new technologies, advanced biofuels, and smaller and
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate GOP Mulls Skinny Aid Package without Ag Funding
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans are circulating a trimmed down coronavirus aid package that leaves out additional aid for farmers as well as the $1,200-per-person stimulus checks included in their earlier, $1 trillion HEALS Act. The new proposal includes business
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
US Fuel-Makers Could Face 'Irreparable' Damage from Demand Collapse and the Move to Green Policy
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) ... “Thankfully, I am not invested in refineries,” said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at IHS Markit and founder of Oil Price Information Service. “They are having a pretty miserable year. They don't
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel's Uphill Battle for More Coronavirus Relief
(RFD TV) ... The head of the Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, says that ... USDA Secretary Perdue has made his position clear on using unspent CCC money for pandemic-crippled biorefineries. "Secretary Perdue has said pretty bluntly, 'look unless Congress
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Committee to Review Wyo. Carbon Capture, Utilization
by Jeremy Dillon (County 17/E&E News) The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will head to Wyoming this week for a field hearing to analyze the state’s efforts on carbon capture and sequestration.The hearing is likely to provide another opportunity for
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Fossil Fuel Sector Has Come Out Far Ahead of Renewables in Pandemic Relief, Recent Policies
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) Energy Policy Tracker: Since March, U.S. has devoted more to its fossil fuel sector than any other G-20 country -- At least $71.6 billion in federal funds has been allocated directly or indirectly to
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Biogenic Emissions: Credit Where It’s Due
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The push to alter biogenic emissions regulations could boost corn farming and ethanol production while cementing the role of biobased solutions in the fight against climate change. Political inertia, however, remains the primary barrier
August 17, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA ‘Reset’ Recommendation Addresses RFS, LCFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six former U.S. EPA administrators representing both republican and democratic administrations are calling for a “reset” of the agency as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The Renewable Fuel Standard and a potential federal
August 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Joe Biden Picks Kamala Harris as Running Mate and What This Means for Climate in 2020
(Our Daily Planet) ... (U.S. Senator Kamala) Harris has been a steady champion of climate action in the Senate but perhaps her strongest stance has been her newly-released landmark legislation called the Climate Equity Act which would ensure that any environmental regulation or
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Durbin Introduces Bill To Fund A Clean Climate Future
(Office of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)) Today (August 7, 2020), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced the introduction of America’s Clean Future Fund Act, a bill that would spur job creation by investing in a clean energy economy, achieve critical reductions in
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
ACE: Legislation Would Require EPA to Update GREET
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (August 6, 2020), Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require U.S. EPA to update its decade-old greenhouse gas lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. American Coalition for Ethanol
August 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Building a Biobased Economy: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to BIO in a Post-COVID-19 World
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President of the Industrial & Environmental Section at Biotechnology Innovation Organization shared this illuminating slide guide on how BIO is advocating for a resilient future, promoting LCFS
August 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Peterson Working to Make Sure HEROES Act Ag Provisions Make It in Final Bill
by Mark Dorenkamp (Browfield Ag News) House Ag Committee chairman Collin Peterson says he and his colleagues are working to make sure ag provisions included in the HEROES Act are put in the next round of coronavirus relief. “Currently being negotiated
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Climate Crisis Staff Report Aims to Build Back a Cleaner, More Resilient Aviation Sector
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Murkowski: Carbon Management Has Significant Promise
(U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing focused on the development of carbon removal technologies in the United States. Murkowski also highlighted the introduction of the CREATE Act, a new bill she is cosponsoring to
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Ethanol and Politics 2020
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol is undoubtedly playing a role in 2020 politics in Iowa, including the presidential race. Getting the word "ethanol" into the next aid package also might become a tipping scale in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. The
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Border Adjustments in a Carbon Tax
by Shuting Pomerleau (Niskanen Center) The paper reviews the principles of border adjustment, the principal design choices policymakers would face when establishing a border adjustment for a carbon tax, and the implications of different design choices. It also provides a
August 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Webinar: 95 RON Octane Perspective -- Starting the Conversation about a 95 RON Octane Standard
(Urban Air Initiative) This is a conversation related to ethanol and octane. The Urban Air Initiative presents its perspective on a 95 RON Octane Standard and the value it can bring to the corn ethanol industry. Urban Air President Dave
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Biofuel Industry May Depend on Agriculture Secretary Perdue for Aid, Senator Says
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry may have to depend on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for aid, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday, after Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package without specific appropriations for the
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate GOP Unveils Coronavirus Relief Package with $20B in Ag Aid
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package Monday that would give the Agriculture Department broad authority to spend an additional $20 billion to compensate agricultural producers and processors for the impact of the pandemic. The money would augment
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Omar, Sanders, Merkley, Markey, Barragán Introduce Bill to End Corporate Handouts to the Fossil Fuel Industry
(Office of Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) together with Sen. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Markey (D- Mass.) and Rep. Barragan (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to close tax loopholes and eliminate other federal subsidies for the
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Washington Week Ahead: Senate GOP Set to Unveil Pandemic Aid Plan
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) ... Republicans had hoped to release their plan last Thursday, but (Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell (R-KY) announced instead that leaders of key committees would roll out portions of the plan, expected to cost about $1
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
In Virtual Hill Visits, RFA Hears from Lawmakers, Administration Officials
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s summer Board of Directors meeting concluded Wednesday with more than a dozen virtual Capitol Hill visits. Board members had the chance to hear from senators, House members and administration officials. Discussions covered a broad
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Inside the DNC's Draft Climate Platform
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The drafting of the Democratic Party's platform was "the latest front in a tug-of-war between moderates and progressives over the direction and breadth of the party's agenda," POLITICO's Holly Otterbein reports. A draft of the 80-page platform obtained
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
The Battle Over ‘Clean Energy’ Estimates
by Aman Azhar (The Real News) With 17% of US energy jobs gone in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent industry report suggests that over half a million ‘clean energy’ workers are unemployed despite nationwide efforts to jumpstart the economy. Released
July 21, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Iowa Senators Hope to Include Biofuels Aid in Next Coronavirus Relief Package
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from Iowa are trying to add aid for the biofuels industry into a pending coronavirus relief package in the Senate, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley said on Friday. Grassley and his Iowa colleague, Senator Joni Ernst, hope
July 20, 2020 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Michael McAdams
“The forward-thinking climate plan recently released by House Democrats acknowledges the important role liquid transportation fuels will continue to play in these areas, so it is disappointing to see the Biden campaign miss the mark," said Michael McAdams, president of
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Analysis: Ethanol Industry’s COVID-Related Economic Losses Already Top $3.4 Billion, Could Reach Nearly $9 Billion by 2021
(Renewable Fuels Association) The COVID-19 crisis has already led to more than $3.4 billion in lost revenues for the U.S. ethanol industry, according to an economic analysis released today by the Renewable Fuels Association. Based on the latest projections from the
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
COVID-19 Response and November Election: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to 2020 Biofuel Issues to Watch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Michael McAdams from Advanced Biofuels Association shared this short but illuminating slide guide at ABLC Digital last week to look at the big 2020 issues to watch affecting the biofuels industry. From tax credits, regulatory
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel’s Affordability: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Airlines for America’s Viewpoint
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC last week, Airlines for America’s Nancy Young shared this illuminating presentation that outlines what airlines need to deploy sustainable aviation fuel as well as progress, gaps, opportunities and action to scale up supply and
July 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Prophet Tilts at Petroleum
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) South Dakota ethanol promoter Orrie D. Swayze likes to hear promotions for 30% ethanol blends in gasoline but thinks 50% would be better for the environment and human health. -- ... Swazey, 76, ... became worried
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Bustos Secures Agriculture Wins for Rural America in $152 Billion Appropriations Bill
(Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL)) Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) helped pass a comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development funding bill out of the powerful House Appropriations Committee that would deliver more than $152 billion in agriculture and rural support. “Democrats are building up
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Elements of Bipartisan EICDA: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve heard of BioPreferred and Renewable Fuel Standard, but what about the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act? Find out all about EICDA in this slide guide from Business Climate Leaders that was shared at a
July 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Rebuilding Minnesota's Ethanol Industry
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... That is why it is imperative for the Senate to include the financial aid package for the ethanol industry that was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the next
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America Majority Staff Report: Is It Worth Supporting?
by Robert Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA/Atlantic Biomass, LLC) Today the US House of Representatives Democratic Select Committee on Climate Change released their ideas for a “Clean Energy Economy.” Interestingly, this document is not proposed legislation. Instead, it is simply a
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Select Committee Democrats Releases 'Solving The Climate Crisis', A Congressional Roadmap For Ambitious Climate Action
(House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis) Plan Would Put Americans Back To Work, Save Lives, And Help the United States Reach Net Zero By 2050 -- On Tuesday, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chair Kathy Castor (D-FL), members of the House Select Committee
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Bamboo Forests in the Desert
David Liepman (Disruptive Nation) ... Strong commercial applications of bamboo include sustainable branded products such as pulp paper, timber, lumber and textiles. And, in line with tissue and textile major brand owner concerns, bamboo is twice as soft as cotton and
June 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups Urge Congress to Extend Tax Biofuel Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Algae Biomass Organization, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board and Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee on June 19 expressing support
June 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Republicans Back Bill to Help Oil Sector
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) REPUBLICANS BACK BILL TO HELP OIL SECTOR: Texas Sen. John Cornyn introduced legislation on Tuesday to help the hard-hit oil sector during the coronavirus pandemic by reducing the royalty rate for payments due from oil, gas, minerals and coal
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
NACSAA Submits Policy Recommendations to Senate Climate Crisis Panel
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA) submitted last week a detailed set of policy and program recommendations to the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. The submission, which was made in response
June 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Unveil $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) House Democrats unveiled a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Thursday that calls for a huge increase in funding to repair roads and bridges while expanding broadband access in rural areas. Democrats described the bill as the biggest legislative
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Slip-up Reveals Chevron Ties to Architect of Climate Attack
by Corbin Hiar (E&E News) It was an audacious messaging campaign: White environmentalists are hurting black communities by pushing radical climate policies that would strip them of fossil fuel jobs. The email to journalists, sent by a public affairs firm at the
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Bill Would Push Biofuels Innovation
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Sen. John Thune (R-SD) has introduced legislation, together with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), to approve some advanced biofuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard, which have been delayed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the legislation, EPA would also be
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Caucus Town Hall Talks Ethanol Issues
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus held a virtual town hall Wednesday to discuss the challenges currently facing the ethanol industry and what can be done to help. Participating in the meeting were caucus members including Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN),
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Committee Leaders Unveil the INVEST in America Act, a Transformational Surface Transportation Bill to Bring Nation’s Infrastructure into a New Era
(U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure) Chair DeFazio: “The INVEST in America Act is our opportunity to replace the outdated systems of the past with smarter, safer, more resilient infrastructure that fits the economy of the future,
June 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Thune Introduces Bill to Support Hand Sanitizer and Ethanol Production By Extending FDA Guidance
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would extend for two years The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency.” Extending
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Fugitive Methane, Eating Elephants, and Brewing Quarantine Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We left the discussion with a hint about the potential conversion of methane to methanol, which can serve as a powerful chemical building block or, in China most prominently, as a fuel. We’ll pick up from that
June 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Continues to Seek COVID-19 Assistance
(Red River Farm Network) Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper says the U.S. ethanol industry is still a long way from normal operations. “We are beginning to climb out of the hole that COVID-19 put us in, but we’re still
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
In Rare Bipartisan Bill, U.S. Senators Tackle Climate Change via Agriculture
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters/Yahoo!) U.S. senators on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill that would direct the Agriculture Department to help farmers, ranchers and landowners use carbon dioxide-absorbing practices to generate carbon credits, a rare collaboration on climate change. The proposed Growing Climate
June 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Inside the House's Infrastructure Bill
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The House Transportation Committee's five-year surface transportation bill — expected to be unveiled later this week — will include a hefty focus on climate mitigation, as House leadership had previously promised. The major themes
June 03, 2020 Read Full Article
At Last, a Climate Policy Platform that Can Unite the Left: The Factions of the Democratic Coalition Have Come into Alignment on Climate Change.
by David Roberts (Vox) ... Robinson Meyer captured it well in a 2017 piece in the Atlantic: “Democrats Are Shockingly Unprepared to Fight Climate Change.” But something different has been happening lately, as groups across the left come together to hash
May 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil Firms See Relief from Stimulus Tax Provision
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Oil and gas companies that have struggled for years under low crude prices are reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in tax refunds under a provision of the $2 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress
May 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Committee Passes Gardner Bills to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Bioeconomy
(Office of Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)) Today (May 20, 2020) the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed S. 3712 and S. 3734, two bipartisan bills cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and designed to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity
May 22, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks Sens. Grassley, Klobuchar for Renewable Fuel Feedstock Reimbursement Act of 2020
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Sens. Chuck Grassley and Amy Klobuchar for introducing bipartisan legislation to provide much needed emergency relief to ethanol producers hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new bill would reimburse renewable fuels producers for
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Backers' Zoom Fly-In
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico's Morning Agriculture) Growth Energy, which represents ethanol producers and supporters, is hosting its first “virtual fly-in” this week to press Midwestern lawmakers on their coronavirus relief efforts, along with trade barriers and other biofuel issues, starting
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report 5-15-20
(Ag NewsWire) The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the U.S. ethanol industry, slashing production by half and leading to the idling of scores of plants across rural America. But there are positive signs that demand is starting
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
'The Worst May Be behind Us': U.S. Ethanol Industry Says Inching Back from Collapse
Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. ethanol industry is showing some signs of recovery as government officials ease stay-at-home orders that depressed fuel demand, while a vote Friday in Congress could bring the industry one step closer to federal aid, industry
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Carper, Alexander Bill Would Spur Clean Refueling Growth
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Senate Environment and Public Works ranking member Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Appropriations Energy-Water Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will introduce legislation today to expand the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Investment Tax Credit and encourage private investment in clean
May 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Help for Coronavirus-Stricken Biofuel Industry and Others is Needed Now!
(Solutions from the Land) ... Compared to the relief that is being considered for the oil industry, it is still a meager response. Changes made late last month by the Federal Reserve to a $600 billion loan program created to help small- and
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
This Is Not the Green Stimulus You're Looking for
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) House Democrats unveiled a $3 trillion package on Tuesday to respond to the coronavirus crisis that they're planning to vote on at the end of the week. The 1,815-page measure is largely a messaging bill with
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Groups Ask Congress to Address GHG Emissions from Annual Crops
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biogenic CO2 Coalition sent a letter to Capitol Hill on May 11 asking lawmakers to direct the U.S. EPA to promptly publish a rule that states neither agricultural biomass nor woody biomass contribute to
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Groups Ask Congress to Provide COVID-19 Relief for Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 11 ag and biofuel groups sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on May 11 asking congress to provide COVID-19 relief for ethanol and biodiesel
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Electric Cooperatives Ask Congress to Provide Aid for Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Three dozen Midwestern electric cooperatives and rural electric associations send a letter to 20 federal lawmakers on May 7 asking Congress to provide much-needed economic relief for rural America, which continues to suffer from
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Don’t Lose Heart or Courage
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... I encourage us to consider something Winston Churchill said during World War II that has resonance now. “It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour. It would be
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Dems on COVID-19 Relief: Leave Fossil Fuels out of This
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin led 60 Democratic lawmakers in a letter to House leadership Monday opposing any efforts by the fossil fuel industry to use Covid-19 recovery legislation to "confer immunity" for climate change or pollution, citing efforts that
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Midwest Lawmakers: Biofuel Producers Need Relief Aid
(Nexstar Media Wire/Fox40) Midwest lawmakers say biofuel producers should be getting the same support and protection as oil companies. Coronavirus shutdowns have slashed the demand for gasoline, and while the White House is pledging to buy 75 million barrels of oil, ethanol
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Vilsack Warns Administration Continues to Ignore Biofuels
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) ... (Former Agriculture Secretary Tom) Vilsack said the biofuel industry hasn’t been invited to the White House like the airline or oil industries have to discuss ways to help cover their losses. A number of conservative
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Bill Authorizes $600 Million to Support Biofuel Infrastructure
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, on April 28 announced the introduction of the Clean Fuels Deployment Act of 2020. The bill aims to provide funding for installing and converting fuel pump infrastructure to deliver higher blends
April 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Work Continues on Developing a Low Carbon, High Octane Fuel Standard
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... “Working with Congress to find a pathway forward to come up with a minimum octane standard with some sort of carbon metric is what we believe to be the next step,” Palmer (Mark Palmer,
April 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Conservative Youth Climate Group Seeks to Move beyond Green New Deal
by Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) The American Conservation Coalition, a conservative youth climate group, unveiled a climate policy framework Tuesday that offers a guide to Republican lawmakers as they try to message their budding climate policy agenda. The group also hopes its
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Prepares Aid Package: Perdue Says Aid Coming 'Very Soon' as Groups Highlight Struggles for Industries Such as Ethanol
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... Regarding ethanol, (Agriculture Secretary Sonny) Perdue talked about helping the export market, but he did not talk about providing direct aid to ethanol. On a webinar Wednesday with a Democratic-leaning group, "Focus on Rural,"
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
PODCAST: Ethanol: The Future of the Fuel Industry, with RFA's Bob Dinneen and NCGA's Mark Palmer
(National Corn Growers Association) This may be a tumultuous time for corn farmers and ethanol producers. But then again, the ethanol industry's entire history has been a roller coaster ride. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett revisits the battles that got us
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Ahead of Stimulus Talks, Voters Back Relief for Renewables More Than for Oil and Gas
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) -- 38% of voters support a bailout for the oil and gas industry, compared to 54% backing for a renewables industry bailout. -- Republicans are nearly as supportive of a renewables bailout (49%) as
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Plastics Industry Oversold Recycling to Americans, Now What?
by Zoey Shipley and Miro Korenha (Our Daily Planet) NPR and PBS Frontline recently announced a new joint investigation which has revealed that since the 1980s, “the plastics industry spent tens of millions of dollars promoting recycling through ads, recycling projects, and public relations, telling people
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Action Needed – 37 “Industry-Critical” Federal Programs Have Been Proposed for Severe Cuts or Elimination in the President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Federal Budget
by C.J. Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/American Diversified Energy/Biofuels Digest) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC) has been working on Capitol Hill for the past two months to advocate for FY2021 federal programs and funding that are of importance to the
March 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Efforts to Link US Airline Rescue Package to Carbon Targets Resisted as Industry Faces Unprecedented Times
(GreenAir Online) Attempts have failed to link the future carbon emissions performance of US airlines to the rescue package aimed at helping the beleaguered sector through the coronavirus crisis. Congress voted last Friday to provide the US aviation industry around
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
What's Lining up for Phase Four?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... Both the House and Senate have begun work on surface transportation bills ahead of a September deadline to act, but lawmakers haven't been able to settle on how to pay for the legislation, Pro's
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
From the 3 E's to the 3 C's
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Touting ethanol as a source of clean octane, it's ability to reduce carbon, and allowing consumer choice in the marketplace. -- For decades, ethanol advocates have used the “Three E’s” to describe