by Hannah Northey (E&E News) Think of it as the policy muscle behind the promised "Green New Deal." A policy group is being formed to support an energized progressive movement that's taken Capitol Hill by storm under the leadership of Rep.-elect Alexandria
Legislation-Federal
Back TO HOMENBB Appreciates Proposal for Long-Term Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive
(National Biodiesel Board) Ways & Means Chairman Kevin Brady’s (R-TX) tax proposal includes a multi-year extension and phaseout of the biodiesel incentive -- ... Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, released a proposal to make technical
December 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Hearing Scheduled on Bill to Sunset RFS, Enact Octane Standard
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A house subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing Dec. 11 on the recently released discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. The bill aims to sunset the Renewable Fuels Standard and enact a
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Here's Where Incoming Republicans Stand on Climate
by Mark K. Matthews (E&E News) If they stay true to their campaign rhetoric, the class of freshman House Republicans won't be leading any revolutions next year on the issue of climate change. ... In a few cases, there are reasons for climate activists
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Bernie Sanders Rallies the Climate Faithful
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) 'THE TIME IS LATE': Sen. Bernie Sanders, a likely 2020 presidential candidate, and a group of climate activists held a town hall Monday evening with a simple message: The world is running out of time to get
December 04, 2018 Read Full Article
A Carbon Tax Wave? 7 States Considering Carbon Pricing to Fight Climate Change
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) Democratic election victories raised the odds of climate change policies succeeding, activists and analysts say. A national plan was also just floated in Congress. -- At least seven state governments are poised at the brink of
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Study Shows Biodiesel Benefits in the Billions
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A new study shows that the Biodiesel Tax Credit helped the industry support $21.6 billion in economy-wide sales, employment for over 60,000 workers with wages and benefits totaling $3.8 billion, and nearly $2 billion in state and federal
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Climate Fee Backers to Plant Flag During Lame Duck
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Environment) Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), two Republicans to introduce carbon fee bill that would return money to consumers; With virtually no chance of passage, measure seen as effort to start discussions for next Congress -- A small group of Democratic
November 27, 2018 Read Full Article
In Sioux City, Steve King Talks Farm Bill, Temporary Migrant Workers
by Katie Peikes (Iowa Public Radio) ... The Republican congressman says he’d like to see his legislation in the farm bill that would keep states from regulating production standards for agricultural products sold in interstate commerce by other states. King drafted that
November 27, 2018 Read Full Article
GOP Chairman Releases Year-End Tax Package
by Naomi Jagoda (The Hill) ... The bill would ... phase out tax breaks for biodiesel and renewable diesel, and extend a number of other expired tax provisions through the end of 2018 — including tax breaks that benefit the
November 27, 2018 Read Full Article
ITC Action Needed:
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Energy trade and advocacy groups, including the Solar Energy Industries Association, ClearPath Action and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, want Congress to modify the tax code to include energy storage as an eligible technology for
November 27, 2018 Read Full Article
What Exactly Is the 'Green New Deal'?
by Hannah Northey (E&E News Climatewire) The proposal, drawing inspiration from President Franklin Roosevelt's Depression-era New Deal, is one that progressives — led by Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a rising star on the left — want Democratic leaders to embrace. The thinking is
November 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Shimkus, Flores Release Draft 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act
(Office of Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL 15) Congressman John Shimkus (Illinois-15) and Congressman Bill Flores (Texas-17) today released a discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. “I’ve been engaged in the biofuel debate my entire career in Congress,” said
November 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Dems to Hold Two Days of Hearings on Climate
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) House Democrats are planning to hold two days' worth of hearings on the impacts of climate change and potential solutions to it when they take the House majority next year. The likely chairmen of the Energy and Commerce, Natural
November 15, 2018 Read Full Article
60 Organizations Sign Tax Extenders Letter to Congress
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A group of 60 organizations representing diverse business, energy, transportation, real estate and agriculture sectors has sent a letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate on the “pressing need” to address the
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
2018 Midterm Elections—Implications for the Bioeconomy
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) And while the bioeconomy – biofuels, biobased products, chemicals, and more – enjoy bipartisan support, the new political landscape means that the biobased sector and stakeholders still need to be on their
November 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Who's Running Things? With Democrats Preparing to Run the House
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) With Democrats preparing to run the House, here's how the committee leadership shuffle is expected to work out. — Energy and Commerce Committee: New Jersey Democrat Frank Pallone will grab the gavel of this panel with
November 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Lobbying Is Up, and It Seems to Be Paying Off
Elvin Anawaguna (Roll Call/MSN) Biofuel groups upped their spending on lobbying this year as they pressured lawmakers and the Trump administration on issues related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, which sets minimum volumes of biofuels to be used to power cars
November 07, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler, USDA Secretary Perdue, and DOE Secretary Perry Send Letter to Congress on Biomass Carbon Neutrality -- Managed Forests Can Bolster Domestic Energy Production
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry, sent a letter to the House and Senate
November 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Say What about a Carbon Tax?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao was also at the White House Tuesday, where she suggested that Democrats in the House want to link a carbon tax to an infrastructure bill being developed, Pro Transportation's Sam
October 24, 2018 Read Full Article
ExxonMobil Gives $1 Million to Promote a Carbon Tax-and-Dividend Plan
by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) The tax would boost prices of the oil giant’s fossil fuels to fight climate change -- ExxonMobil will give $1 million over two years to a group promoting a plan that would tax the carbon content of
October 11, 2018 Read Full Article
A Superior Value: A Workshop in Anerobic Digestion
by Bill Keba* (Advanced Biofuels USA) October 2, 2018, Annapolis, Maryland. Inside the Doubletree Inn, it was as hectic as the traffic on Route 50. Eightyfive paid attendees were gathering, registering, networking, and hurriedly settling in for the 9:15 start
October 11, 2018 Read Full Article
It’s Past Midnight: Do You Know Where Funds for Your Farm Bill Energy Title Programs Stand?
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) On September 30th, the 2018 Farm Bill officially expired. And while both chambers of Congress passed their respective bills, the final version of the legislation that supports the agricultural sector in the U.S. is
October 10, 2018 Read Full Article
NBB Appreciates Bipartisan Support for Biodiesel Tax Incentive Extension
(National Biodiesel Board) Forty-six bipartisan members of Congress ask House leaders for a multi-year extension -- Today (September 27, 2018), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) thanked the 46 Congressmembers – led by Rep. David Young (R-IA) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) –
October 03, 2018 Read Full Article
The Future of Biofuels Discussed at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Conference
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) I was pleased and excited to be invited to speak on a "Future of Biofuels" panel at this fall's Leadership Conference of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, whose purpose is "Developing the Next Generation
October 02, 2018 Read Full Article
ABO Secures $44 million for Algae, Carbon Utilization Research in FY 2019
(Algae Biomass Organization) Following close on the heels of the U.S. Department of Energy’s latest round of algae funding awards, President Trump Friday (September 21, 2018) signed into law a Fiscal Year 2019 spending bill providing an additional $44 million in FY2019 for algae
October 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Can the Bioeconomy Help Combat Plastic Waste?
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Recent reports have underscored the enormity of the global plastic waste issue. There are 9.2 billion tons of plastic waste in the environment and an additional 500 tons of plastics are produced annually.
September 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Smith Awarded “High Octane Champion" Award from Nebraska's Ethanol Industry
by Chad Moyer (KTIC Radio) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has been recognized as a 2018 High Octane Champion by Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the trade association for Nebraska’s ethanol industry. The award was developed by the RFN membership as a way to
September 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Midterm Elections, RVO Decisions, and Lame Duck Tax Relief
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association) ... When testifying recently before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the acting administrator was judicious in answering questions about EPA’s small refinery exemptions (SREs). He has publicly stated that there should be more
September 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Delay Possible as Deadline Looms
(NAFB News Service/Hoosier Ag Today) The farm bill deadline at the end of the month could pass without a new farm bill or an extension. As the pace of the farm bill committee stalls, leadership says the actual deadline that would
September 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Why Donald Trump Is Feeling the Heat From Midwestern Farmers
by Justin Worland (Time Magazine) On the campaign trail, Donald Trump made two big promises: renegotiating free trade agreements and helping corn growers by supporting ethanol. ... As tensions over trade have proven painful to Midwestern farmers in the short term, demands
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Elizabeth Warren Leads Push by Democrats to Force Public Companies Make Climate-Risk Disclosures
by Francine McKenna (Market Watch) The Climate Risk Disclosure Act directs the SEC to issue rules that require every public company to disclose more on climate change exposure -- Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is spearheading an effort by Democratic senators to bring
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Bill Would Require EPA to Reallocate Biofuels Gallons Lost to Waivers
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) While EPA remains in an impasse on requests to reallocate biofuels gallons lost to small refinery waivers of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would require
September 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Baker-Schultz Carbon Tax Group Say It Would Beat Paris Target
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The carbon tax plan pushed by Republicans like James Baker, George Schultz and Christine Todd Whitman would exceed the 26-28 percent pollution reductions promised by the Obama administration under the Paris agreement. The proposal,
September 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Will Dems Act on GHGs after a Midterm Win? It's Complicated
by Nick Sobczyk (E&E News) Democrats have long billed themselves as the party of climate science, and if they take back the House in November, they want to put global warming back on the congressional calendar. "It's the 800-pound gorilla," said Rep.
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won't Make Up for Lost Markets
(National Corn Growers Association) The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today said plans unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide aid to farmers negatively impacted by trade tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty would be insufficient to even begin
August 31, 2018 Read Full Article
NBB Asks Farm Bill Conferees to Support Biodiesel Programs
(National Biodiesel Board) National Biodiesel Board sends letter reiterating support for passage of a new Farm Bill -- Today (August 16,2018), the National Biodiesel Board sent a letter to leaders of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, reiterating the industry’s strong support for
August 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump's Plan to Boost Ethanol Could Quickly Get Sidelined
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... On top of that, a senior Senate aide close to the pro-ethanol camp led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said “there is debate" over whether it will take legislation to enact the changes Trump
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Iowans Tell EPA Chief President Made E15 Promise, It’s Time to Deliver
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s acting administrator met privately with Iowa commodity group leaders at the Iowa State Fair today — but Andrew Wheeler told reporters afterwards there is no decision yet on regulations that would
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Stink, Swine, and Nuisance: The North Carolina Hog Industry and Its Waste Management Woes
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Biogas – Turning Hog Waste into Resources -- Biogas technologies turn organic wastes, including manure, into energy and compost. When manure is turned into biogas, the smells, poor health effects, and methane
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Admin Sees Grim Climate Outcome in Car Rule
by Zack Colman and Scott Waldman (E&E News) The last time carbon dioxide levels hit the mark the Trump administration envisions for the end of the century, crocodiles roamed the poles and palm trees existed where glaciers are today. In fact, there
August 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Why Hasn't the US Put a Price on Carbon Yet?
by Hugh C. Welsh (Real Clear Energy) It’s time to rethink how our country approaches carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the use of fossil fuels. Right now, we know that the release of CO2 damages the environment but emitters bear none
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Leahy among Lawmakers Taking Farm Bill to Conference
(WCAX) Both houses of Congress have passed their respective versions of the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that affects farmers around the country. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, will try to come together to
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
California Schemin'
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration's proposed freeze of vehicle fuel efficiency standards sought by the Obama administration and plan to end California's power to enforce its own rules has placed the spotlight squarely on the state, where
August 03, 2018 Read Full Article
House Moves forward on Ethanol Reform, but No Bill Yet
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The House Energy and Commerce Committee is on course to create legislation to develop a national biofuel program that places consumers first, said Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon, the Republican chairman of the committee, on Wednesday. The
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
More Support for Carbon Utilization in Congress
(Algae Biomass Organization) This month the momentum for supporting technologies that put carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to good use got a boost in Congress with the introduction of the bipartisan Carbon Utilization Act of 2018. The House bill would
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
RFA: EPA Is Working on an E15 Rule
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Bob Dinneen, the outgoing CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, told reporters Wednesday that he thinks EPA staff is working on a rule to allow year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol fuel, despite what
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Bioenergy (Biofuels/Biomass) RFS Roundup: To Grow Cellulosic Fuel Volumes, Address Low Hanging Fruit in RFS Changes
by Jessie Stolark (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) On Wednesday July 25, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing to educate members on the complexities of the compliance markets for biofuels, as Environment and Economy Subcommittee Rep. Shimkus (R-IL),
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Time for EPA to Clean up the Mess It Made of the RFS
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... Let’s be clear here. There are legitimate complaints from the biofuel industry because (acting Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew) Wheeler’s predecessor turned over the agency to Big Oil. How else can you explain
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
New Bill Introduced Recognizes Benefits of Natural Gas for Vehicles
(VNG/NGVAmerica/NGV Journal) On July 23, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) introduced HR-6476 the Light-Duty Natural Gas Vehicle Parity Act of 2018 in the US House of Representatives, a companion to Senate bill 3226 introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) on July
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Shuster Infrastructure Draft Boosts Gas Tax in Short Term
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster released his long-awaited infrastructure discussion draft on Monday. The Pennsylvania Republican proposes a short-term boost to the gasoline tax before ending the tax in a decade, as Pro Transportation's
July 24, 2018 Read Full Article
United Front ... Octane Is Important
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Experts in multiple industries support the idea of a high-octane fuel standard, but some prefer it as a replacement to the RFS. -- Octane is important. The ethanol industry knows this, the automakers know it and
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Emissions, Energy, and Economic Implications of the Curbelo Carbon Tax Proposal
(Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy) In July 2018 Representative Carlos Curbelo proposed legislation that would put a price on US carbon dioxide emissions (“Curbelo proposal”). A carbon price is widely viewed as a necessary part of a cost-effective national
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Taxes Would Drive GHG Emissions Reductions with Minimal Impact on U.S. Economy, Oil and Gas Production
(Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy) A series of four reports released today by Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy and partners assesses the economic, energy, and environmental implications of federal carbon taxes. The reports analyze various carbon tax legislation
July 20, 2018 Read Full Article
House Votes to Denounce Carbon Taxes. Where Was the Climate Solutions Caucus?
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) Only 4 of the 43 Republicans who claim membership in the Climate Solutions Caucus voted against the resolution. All were early members of the group. The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a resolution denouncing
July 20, 2018 Read Full Article
All Eyes on Carbon Tax Vote
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) CARBON COPY: Today's largely symbolic vote on an anti-carbon tax resolution could offer Republicans helpful campaign-trail fodder against Democrats — but it comes with a price tag for some of the House's most endangered moderates.
July 19, 2018 Read Full Article
White House ‘Concerned’ that House Bill Doesn’t Cut EPA Funding Enough
by Niv Elis (The Hill) The White House is expressing concerns that a funding bill set for a vote Thursday in the House does not make deep enough cuts for agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The House is debating
July 19, 2018 Read Full Article
How to Win the Public Policy Debate, and the Annual Government Agency Funding Battles for the Bioeconomy
by Craig (CJ) Evans (American Diversified Energy Consulting Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) More than almost any other industry, financing for the bioeconomy is heavily influenced by and, in many cases, reliant on favorable public policies. Everyone involved in the bioeconomy – companies, entrepreneurs,
July 16, 2018 Read Full Article
On Tap This Week: The Rules Committee (Carbon Tax)
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Rules Committee will meet Tuesday to consider a resolution, H. Con. Res. 119 (115), that calls a carbon tax "detrimental" to the U.S. economy and "not in the best interest" of the country.
July 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Letter from Byzantium: Answers to Your Questions about Byzantine Biofuels Budgets and Policy Moves
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Yes, Virginia, there is cant, pettifoggery, self-dealing, obfuscation, and downright dirty pool when it comes to the deployment of biofuels, chemicals and advanced biomaterials — but there are also some mysteries which can unraveled and
July 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Sweeping Farm Bill, Setting up Fight with House
by Caitlin Dewey and Erica Werner (Washington Post) The Senate passed its version of the $428 billion farm bill Thursday, setting up a bitter fight against the House over food stamps, farm subsidies and conservation funding. The Senate measure passed in an
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
West Fargo Farm Rally Will Try to Capture Part of Trump's Spotlight
by Patrick Springer (West Fargo Pioneer) ... "It's not a protest against President Trump," said Pam Musland, marketing and communication supervisor for the North Dakota Farmers Union. "Our hope is to grab some media attention with all the media in town"
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Producers, Marketers Unify in Support of Biodiesel Tax Credit
(National Biodiesel Board) Today (June 25, 2018), a diverse group of trade associations delivered a letter to Congressional leaders announcing a unified position to maintain and extend the current biodiesel blenders tax credit. In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard: Current Status and Future Prospects
(U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment) ... A number of exogenous policies have greatly impacted advanced biofuels markets and RFS (Renewable Fuel Standards) compliance. These include trade restrictions and duties now imposed on certain imported
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Considers Delaying Friday Biofuel Announcement: Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering delaying its widely anticipated announcement on Friday on 2019 renewable fuel volumes as it re-examines plans to force larger refineries to make up for gallons exempted
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
UPDATE 2-EPA to Propose Reallocating Waived Biofuels Volumes to Other Refiners-Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters/Successful Farming) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will propose reallocating biofuel blending obligations waived under its small refinery exemption program to other refiners, in an announcement that could come as early as Friday, according to two sources familiar with the
June 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Oxy Considering Carbon Capture Project
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) The Houston oil company Occidental Petroleum is studying a carbon capture project to deliver carbon dioxide to its oil fields in West Texas, the company announced Tuesday. Engineers are expected to spend six months studying the feasibility
June 20, 2018 Read Full Article
New Conservative Group Lobbies for Carbon Tax
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A new group with a conservative backing has formed to push for a carbon tax. The Americans for Carbon Dividends is co-chaired by two former senators: John Breaux and Trent Lott. The group calls
June 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Midwest Trump Voters Losing Faith in His Commitment to Biofuels
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New polling shows that voters across three Midwestern states are disappointed with Trump administration decisions they view as broken promises of support for local agriculture and renewable fuels industries. In a survey of voters in Iowa, Missouri and
June 18, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Won't Reallocate Exempt Biofuel Obligations without Congress
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it will not reallocate exempt biofuel obligations under the small refinery waiver program without an act of Congress, setting the stage for a new clash with lawmakers in corn producing
June 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Restores 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Funding
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 13, the Senate ag committee approved the its version of the 2018 Farm Bill with bipartisan support. The legislation includes an amendment offered by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that restores mandatory funding to Farm
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Senators Hope to Reap Farm Bill Amendments
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Agriculture Committee will take up amendments to the farm bill today, but negotiations were still ongoing as to just which of 186 submitted would get a vote. Here are a few energy highlights
June 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Not into Octane
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ON THE HILL: GOP Sen. John Cornyn says finding common ground on an overhaul of the RFS is "like trying to come up with peace in the Middle East." Cornyn has not yet put pen
June 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Utilization Bill Could Create Value for CO2 Emissions
by Tim Albrecht (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced three bills this week to boost rural economic opportunities by expanding USDA funding eligibility for clean energy projects. This funding would help improve electric grid security, create more energy choices for
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Farm Bill Expands Reach of Energy Title, But Provides Little Funding
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Friday, June 8, the Senate Agriculture Committee released the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In contrast to the GOP-only bill that has advanced in the House, the bipartisan Senate farm bill refrains from eliminating
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Jenna Bloxom
Jenna Bloxom, in a recent Biofuels Digest thought piece on the need "to drastically alter the public’s understanding and attitudes about biofuels," pointed to Standing Rock as, "among many things, a prime and missed opportunity for the biofuels industry to send
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Mired in Misère: Re-Launching Political Capital and Public Trust for Biofuels; Seven Strategies to Reinstate Our Industry’s Power in Washington, D.C. through Mainstreet, USA
by Jenna Bloxom (Colorado State University/Biofuels Digest) ... Now is the critical juncture for a unified bioeconomy to re-assert biofuels as a political powerhouse and compelling policy agenda that defies partisan, geographical, and generational divisions. ... (T)his industry must take the initiative to drastically
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Sen. Tina Smith Tells Senate Agriculture Committee Leaders that Farm Bill Energy Programs Are Key to Reviving Lagging Farm Economy
(Office of Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)) Senator Leads Bipartisan Push for Strong Funding and Focus on Energy As Senate Begins Work on Farm Bill in Coming Days -- As the Senate prepares to begin work on the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S Senator
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Increase E15 Labeling Requirements
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In mid-May, Reps. Austin Scott, R-Ga., and Lois Frankel, D-Fla., introduced legislation that aims to introduce more stringent labeling requirements for E15. The bill, titled the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018, or H.R.
June 06, 2018 Read Full Article
On The Front Lines: The Old Battle between Ethanol and Oil Takes Center Stage with the RFS.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine recaps the many recent attempts to hinder the policy, and looks beyond 2022. -- ... But leaders in the ethanol industry are quick to point out this fight is not new; it’s the
June 04, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. Biodiesel Lobby Drops Effort to Adjust $1-Per-Gallon Tax Credit
by Tom Polansek and Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) The biggest U.S. biodiesel lobbying group has dropped its nine-year push to covert a $1-per-gallon tax credit available to blenders of the biofuel into one for producers, the vice president of federal affairs said on
May 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Appropriations Committee Rejects Trump Cuts for Energy Funding
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) The Senate Appropriations Committee easily advanced its Energy-Water fiscal 2019 spending bill on Thursday, rejecting Trump administration efforts to reduce funding for energy and science research. The $43.8 billion bill, approved by a 30-1 vote, is $566
May 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Programs Have Earned Bipartisan Support
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) Since 2002, the farm bill has contained an energy title, with cost-effective programs that support private investment in renewable energy, biobased manufacturing and energy efficiency. The programs are extremely successful in helping businesses create
May 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Grassley Points to Need to Change RFS Waivers Language
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, would like to see administrative changes made to how EPA hands out Renewable Fuel Standard waivers to small refiners, estimated by one ethanol industry study to have resulted in about
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill to Get Second Vote in US House in June: Roll Call
(CNBC/Reuters) The U.S. House of Representatives will vote for a second time on a massive farm bill after the measure was defeated last week, according to a report. The vote on the $867 billion bill will be held on June
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Donnelly Urges President Trump To Take Steps To Lower Gas Prices
(WBIW) Following reports that gas prices are on the rise, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly today urged President Trump to take an important step towards addressing the price surge by reducing regulatory burdens around the blending of biofuels. Current regulations on Reid
May 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Rejection Sinks In: House Ag Leaders Look for New Path Forward After Farm Bill Defeated
by Jerry Hagstrom and Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The cheers and jeers were all over the spectrum Friday after the House of Representatives failed to pass its version of the farm bill following a raucous debate this week. ... The bill went
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Hits Back at Proposed E15 Labelling
(Biofuels International) Following the introduction of a bill to warn consumers about the perceived dangers of E15 in small engines, representatives from the ethanol industry have questioned the rationale for the legislation. The biofuel proponents say that the new rules are designed to
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Biotechies Riding Herd on Biofuel Policy Uncertainties
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Ag technology promoters are pedaling hard for biofuels-friendly policies in Washington, D.C., to make life livable for cash-strapped farmers supplying markets that didn't exist 30 years ago. Erick Lutt, director of industrial and environmental policy for Biotechnology
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuel Policy Adds to Agricultural Market Uncertainty
by Pat Westhoff (Columbia Tribune) ... Biofuel policy decisions also have the potential to have large impacts on commodity markets and farm income. Most cars in this country run on a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol. At current gasoline
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Reps. Scott, Frankel Introduce Legislation that Calls for Clearly-Labeled Ethanol-Blended Gasoline at the Pump
(Yamaha Marine Group/Business Wire) Legislation would require more detailed labeling of gas pumps that dispense E15 fuel, which causes corrosion and mechanical problems in equipment with small engines -- Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21), members of the Congressional
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Breaking News: Attack on Farm Bill Clean Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Breaking news arrives from the Ag Energy Coalition regarding the 2018 Farm Bill. Green Capiltol’s Lloyd Ritter writes: Rep. Biggs farm bill amendment was made in order by the Rules Committee last night to eviscerate the
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Will Battle Between 'Big Corn' And 'Big Oil' Stall Next Generation Biofuels?
by Aaron Smith and Vincent Smith (Investor's Business Daily) ... The most immediate impact of the RFS wars is to focus attention on corn ethanol and petroleum gasoline at the detriment of second-generation biofuels. These fuels — produced from the inedible parts
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
US Appropriations Committee Approves $243M Cut for Renewable Programs, $58M Increase to Fossil Fuels Research
(Renewable Energy World) The U.S. House Appropriations Committee yesterday approved an energy and water funding bill that, as compared to fiscal year 2018, cuts energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) programs by $243 million, and increases research and development funding for
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
RNG Stakeholders Talk Renewable Fuels With Lawmakers
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Stakeholders from across the North American renewable natural gas (RNG) industry descended on Capitol Hill today (May 15, 2018) for more than 65 meetings with federal lawmakers to communicate the importance of continuing to develop and
May 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Congressman Veasey Introduces Bipartisan Energy Research Legislation
(Office of Congressman Marc Veasey) The Fossil Energy Research and Development Act would set the course for the next generation of climate change mitigation -- Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Science Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, along with Congressman David
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
API: Administrative Changes to RFS Probably Illegal, Definitely a Bad Idea
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The American Petroleum Institute is no fan of Trump's effort to make administrative changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Trump administration is working on a memo laying out a series of administrative changes, including
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Voters Should Challenge Candidates on Iowa’s Energy Future
by Katie Rock (Des Moines Register/Center for Rural Affairs) Iowa’s future as a leader in renewable energy is on the ballot in 2018. As legislators head home and campaigns gear up for important primary elections, voters should call attention to key
May 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Production and Consumption in the US: Status, Advances and Challenges
by Mahmood Ebadian and James D. McMillan (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) ... The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was enacted in 2007 to enhance domestic production of fuels and spur economic development while reducing reliance on imports and improving the
May 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Pelosi Visits Central Iowa Farm, Warns RFS under Attack
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi — the top-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives — toured a central Iowa farm early this morning. Pelosi’s visit follows her speech last (Sunday) night at a fundraiser for Polk
May 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Repeating History with Octane Biofuel Standards Is a Huge Mistake
by Mike Carr (New Energy America/The Hill) Recently, Chet Thompson of American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) testified before Congress and proposed a “fuel neutral” octane standard as a “potential replacement” for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Octane is a fuel characteristic that allows engines
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
US EPA Climate Changing on RFS?
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) At ABFA, we’ve been keeping our eyes on the U.S. EPA during the first quarter of 2018. The EPA’s actions over the next several months will have ripple effects through the industry, in the
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Lacks Power to Administratively Expand Ethanol Waiver
(Institute for Energy Research) The Trump administration is considering expanding the ethanol fuel waiver in the Clean Air Act (CAA) to allow E15 fuel (gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol) to be sold year round. The Environmental Protection Agency has indicated
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Mail Call! Biofuels Write to EPA on Strategy
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter Thursday to EPA asking it to move administrative time and staff away from Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and instead toward approvals for cellulosic ethanol. "The
May 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Is Budget Report Language Cause of RFS Waivers?
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, mentioned on Tuesday he wants to change language in recent appropriations bills approved by Congress in the past three years. Grassley told agricultural journalists the language may be one of the
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Update 2-White House Sets Meeting with Senators on Biofuels Next Week -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Successful Farming) The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Marathon Petroleum to Acquire Andeavor for $23B
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The deal creates the largest US oil refiner (and a top-five refiner globally) at 3.1 million barrels per day of capacity — Valero is around the same size, but that includes overseas operations. ... The (Marathon Petroleum)
May 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Stay Vigilant: The Importance of Paying Attention and Remaining Active in Ethanol Advocacy.
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol ) ... The timing of this year’s fly-in was fortuitous, amid talk of “win-win” deals for refiners and biofuel producers and a snowstorm that put the citizens of D.C. on edge. Our
April 30, 2018 Read Full Article
How Trump Will Go after California's Auto GHG Authority
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration plans to argue that California does not have the authority to enforce stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, despite the Obama administration's 2009 waiver, according to a source familiar with a forthcoming
April 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Washington Insider: Biofuels Mandates Under Pressure
(DTN The Progressive Farmer) Oil state partisans, including certain refiners, have raged about a credit-trading market within the program that they say causes undue economic pain. The biofuels industry counters that those compliance credits, known as renewable identification numbers, are essential
April 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog -- NFU Opposes House Version of Farm Bil
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) In another blow to support for the House version of the farm bill, the National Farmers Union's board of directors early Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the bill as it cleared the
April 26, 2018 Read Full Article
ABO Insider Briefing: Algae’s Big Winning Streak in DC – How to Take Advantage --- May 1, 2018
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae is on a roll in Congress. Despite a challenging fiscal environment, the latest federal spending bill passed by Congress includes new funding for algae R&D that will be available in FY2018 and, for the first time, tax
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Refinery Workers Return to Capitol Hill to Rally for Renewable Fuel Standard Reform
(United Steelworkers/PR Newswire) The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that on Thursday, April 26, about 100 workers from independent merchant oil refineries owned by Monroe Energy, Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) and PBF Energy will rally for their jobs in Washington, D.C., bringing
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Pruitt Unveils Controversial ‘Transparency’ Rule Limiting What Research EPA Can Use COMMENT DEADLINE extended to August 16, 2018
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt moved Tuesday to limit what science can be used in writing agency regulations, a change long sought by conservatives. The proposed rule would only allow the EPA to
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture Could Be a Financial Opportunity for US Biofuels
(Stanford University/Phys.Org) Although considered critical to avoiding catastrophic global warming, the feasibility of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it underground - known as negative emissions - has been in question. But researchers at Stanford and other institutions have found
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Delays, Ethanol Waivers Worry SD Sen. Rounds
by Barry Amundson (Grand Forks Herald) U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D, is concerned about two major issues that can affect farmers and ranchers this year. One is the farm bill that faces an uncertain future as it's set to expire in September. The
April 23, 2018 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes 2018 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In a statement, House Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., criticized the legislation, calling it “a flawed bill that is the result of a bad nontransparent process.” Cuts to Energy Title programs are among
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
McConnell Introduces the Hemp Farming Act of 2018
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 12, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., introduced the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation that aims to legalize and clearly define hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Taxes Can Be Both Fair and Effective, Study Shows
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology/EurekAlert!) Several different carbon-pricing approaches would help reduce emissions, and some would be fair as well, researchers report -- Putting a price on carbon, in the form of a fee or tax on the use of fossil fuels, coupled
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Draft 2018 Farm Bill Reauthorizes Energy Title Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
RFS Wrangling Continues: GOP Senators Ask for Small-Refiner Waiver Suspension
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Details have yet to emerge from a planned meeting at the White House on Monday between President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet regarding possible changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The meeting reportedly
April 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Issues Growing Jobs and Rural Economies: The Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Since their inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, Energy Title (Title IX) programs have helped farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities generate thousands of jobs and millions in economic development. The sectors impacted by
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
White House Plans to Hold RFS Meeting Monday
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The White House plans to hold a Monday meeting to discuss possible changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Minnesota Corn Growers president Kirby Hettver says it appears EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt will present President Trump with
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Biofuels Battle - Senator Moves to Expand Small Refiner Exemption
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice (Reuters) Lawmakers spearheading efforts to reform U.S. biofuels regulations are considering a blanket waiver for all small refineries, according to four sources familiar with their draft legislation. The move would save some refiners a fortune but would
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Rep. Collin Peterson Voices Support For Minnesota's Ethanol Industry
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Rep. Collin Peterson visited the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) plant in Benson on March 28 to reiterate his support for Minnesota’s ethanol industry. “Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company is doing some exciting work and are continuing to find new
April 03, 2018 Read Full Article
2018 ACE Fly-in
(AgNewsWire) American Coalition for Ethanol celebrates 10 years of taking the message of grassroots ethanol producers, retailers, farmers and consumers to Capitol Hill. This year’s theme is Ignite a Movement. This virtual ag newsroom includes links to photos and audio content available free
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Trump Weighs Dropping Personal Efforts on Biofuel Reform - Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump is seriously considering abandoning efforts to remake the nation’s biofuel laws after wading deep into an issue that divides some of his core constituencies, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s thinking. Advisers
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
High Tech Algae Farming Industry Gets Boost with Introduction of Bipartisan Algae Agriculture Act of 2018
(Algae Biomass Organization/Globe Newswire) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today applauded the introduction of the Algae Agriculture Act of 2018, a bill that would give algae cultivators and harvesters many of the same advantages as other
March 23, 2018 Read Full Article
NBB Again Disappointed by Failure to Renew Biodiesel Tax Credit
(National Biodiesel Board) Congress Reaches Another Deal to Fund the Government That Fails to Reinstate the Biodiesel Tax Credit -- Today, the U.S. Congress is expected to pass an omnibus spending bill to fund the government that did not include a reinstatement
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Senators Detail Farm Bill Goals
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee are getting ready to move ahead on drafting a farm bill, ideally in April, and will seek to avoid the rancor over food assistance that has tied up
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
RFA Leader: EPA Eroding RFS -- Assistant to President Says Search Continues for a Win-Win Proposal
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) A special assistant to President Donald Trump on agriculture said Wednesday, "the search for a win-win continues" in the debate over how to relieve oil refiners of their obligations under the Renewable Fuels Standard. Ray
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
It's Here! ... The (Spending) Level Playing Field
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA grants rise: The agency's operational budget would remain pretty much the same, but grant programs get a boost, Alex Guillén and Annie Snider report. That means the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving funds
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
What Would a Bill Look Like?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. John Shimkus have some ideas. The two have been working on a bill for well over a year to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, a likely vehicle for the fixes Perdue
March 21, 2018 Read Full Article
New Federal Budget Puts Price on Carbon
by Joshua D. Rhodes (University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute) Expanded Carbon Credit Could Spur New Coal Power Investment -- The Furthering carbon capture, Utilization, Technology, Underground storage, and Reduced Emissions (FUTURE) Act, part of the recently enacted Bipartisan Budget Act of
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
RFS Roundup: Potential Impacts of the GREENER Fuels Act on Cellulosic Fuels Development
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Riding the recent wave of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) reform talks, Representative Welch (D-VT) and Senator Udall (D-NM) introduced the Growing Renewable Energy through Existing and New Environmentally Responsible Fuels Act (GREENER Fuels Act)
March 18, 2018 Read Full Article
DOE Official: Clean Energy Funding Should Be Cut for ‘Exceeding Goals’
by Lacey Johnson (Greentech Media) The Under Secretary of Energy defends a Trump administration proposal to cut $1.3 billion in funding from the DOE’s renewable energy office. -- The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is so
March 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Environmental Groups Back Ted Cruz, Republicans on Overhaul of Renewable Fuel Standard
by Ben Wolfgang (Washington Times) Green organizations back ending corn ethanol mandate -- ... The intense opposition to the RFS from environmental and conservation groups comes as the White House and congressional leaders work to craft the most serious reforms the program
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Interest in Post Tax Bill Hearing
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and more than 50 member organizations are urging Congressional leaders to extend the biodiesel tax credit as soon as possible for at least 2018. In a letter to House and Senate leadership sent in advance of
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
So-Called ‘Dem’ Ethanol Bill Has It All Wrong
by Doug Sombke (The Hill/South Dakota Farmers Union) As a card carrying Democrat, I resent the broad brush generalization of the Hill’s March 8 headline, "Dem Bill Would Overhaul Ethanol Mandate.” To imply to readers that the measure by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel and 2nd Gen Biofuels Need Stable Tax Policy
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AdWired.com) The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy heard from representatives of the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries Wednesday on the need for “Post Tax Reform of Recently Expired Tax Provisions” that are helping move the nation toward
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Refiners Try to Hold Trump's Attention
(Politico's Morning Energy) With a settlement between refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions and EPA in hand and voting in the Pennsylvania special election over, some biofuels observers think the issue may fall off Trump's radar. A biofuels source told ME Tuesday they
March 14, 2018 Read Full Article
ACE Talks Opportunities, Challenges for Ethanol Demand in 2018
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol hosted a webinar Feb. 20 titled “Opportunities and Challenges to Increasing Ethanol Demand in 2018.” The webinar focused on ACE initiatives designed to ensure ethanol continues to grow in the
March 13, 2018 Read Full Article
The Pentagon Is Quietly Moving forward on Biofuel Deals. Republicans Want to Stop It
by Travis J. Tritten (Washington Examiner) ... (Former Navy Secretary Ray) Mabus’ vision is, however, quietly moving forward under the Trump administration. The Pentagon has authorized $140 million to help build two biofuel refineries in recent months, a move that
March 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Ahead of Hearing, Dozens of Biodiesel Stakeholders Urge Passage of Tax Extenders
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel Tax Credit Requires Reinstatement, Will Be Discussed Tomorrow in Ways and Means Committee -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and more than 50 of its member organizations sent a letter to Congressional leaders that calls for extending
March 13, 2018 Read Full Article
RIN Price Cap a Demand Cap: Oil Industry Study Makes Ethanol Industry's Case on Motive, Impact
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) A study commissioned by the country's largest oil refiner explains how a waiver credit would freeze ethanol demand. Ethanol industry groups are pointing to several statements in the oil industry's own report to make the
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Plant Operators Say No to RIN Price Cap -- Comments from Renewable Fuels Association Member Companies
(Renewable Fuels Association) Another White House meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 12, to continue discussions between oil refinery and biofuels interests over the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, which were created under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Long Road for Biofuels Industry
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) This year is setting up to be a long year for the biofuels industry. First on the agenda is the fate of the biofuels tax extenders, including the biodiesel blenders, renewable diesel credit, second-generation and alternative fuels
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Tax Act May Spur More Investment in RNG, Biogas Projects
by Doug Lamb and Durham McCormick (Biomass Magazine/Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas) ... While the tax code is clearly not responsible for a bulk of the current boom in RNG, the recent tax reform signed into law at the end of 2017
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Dismantle RFS, Limit Biofuel Blending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On March 8, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced companion bills that aim to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard and sunset blending obligations for conventional, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel fuels. The
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
200 Companies, Trade Groups Urge Congress forward on Farm Bill Energy Title Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than 200 companies and trade associations today wrote House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, urging them “to reauthorize and maintain stable mandatory funding for energy title programs in the next farm bill reauthorization.” The letter,