(Renewable Fuels Association) he Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) for introducing legislation that reinforces the intended meaning of the term “extension” as it relates to the Renewable Fuel Standard’s small refinery exemption provisions. The bill stipulates
Regulations-Federal
Back TO HOMEGroups Urge EPA to Spell out RFS Waiver Rules
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) ... Farm and ethanol groups said they were confident the EPA will approve few exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard, but they urged the agency on Monday to state how it will run the program in
June 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Supporters Concerned about Biden's RFS Support
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Biofuels supporters remain opposed to President Biden considering relief for oil refiners from biofuel blending requirements. Jonathan Gibbs with the Wisconsin Soybean Board tells Brownfield Biden’s planned Tuesday visit in Wisconsin would be a good
June 29, 2021 Read Full Article
A Presidential Spotlight on Wisconsin Biofuels
by Neal Kemmet (Wisconsin State Farmer) President Biden is expected to discuss the farm economy during a trip to Wisconsin this week. It’s an exciting visit that will showcase the state’s leadership in the field and across the broader agricultural supply
June 28, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Supreme Court Backs Refineries in Biofuel Waiver Dispute
by Andrew Chung and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Yahoo!) The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday bolstered a bid by small oil refineries to win exemptions from a federal law requiring increasing levels of ethanol and other renewable fuels to be blended into
June 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Auto Alliance Underlines Importance of High Octane Low Carbon Fuels
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Commends Daschle HOLC Alliance Fight for National Higher Octane Gasoline Standard in SAFE-2 Rule -- The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) called a recent letter from automakers in support of high octane
June 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Readers React: Clean Energy Sources Support Green Jobs
by Carol Werner (Morning Call) A June 7 column criticized the Renewable Fuel Standard, reflecting arguments we’ve heard from oil refiners since the program launched in 2005. They were wrong then, and they are wrong now. Renewable fuels are a boon for
June 24, 2021 Read Full Article
White House OMB Reveals Expected Timelines of 2 RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Skor Highlights Biofuels’ Ability to Drive Economic Growth at Senate Subcommittee Hearing
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor participated in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy hearing titled “Renewable Energy – Growth and Opportunities for our Rural Economies”. In the hearing, Skor spoke on
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
EXCLUSIVE Farm Belt Lawmakers Push for Biofuel Investment and Tax Credits in New Bills
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/AgWeb) Billions of dollars in federal investments and tax credits to boost demand for U.S. biofuels will be part of two bills that Democratic lawmakers will introduce to the U.S. Congress, two sources familiar with the plans said. Congress
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
RURAL RENEWABLES: The Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee Meets Today on Renewable Energy Opportunities in Rural Areas.
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy subcommittee meets today on renewable energy opportunities in rural areas. Subcommittee Chair Tina Smith plans to use the hearing to highlight biofuels’ role in emissions reductions, particularly in hard-to-electrify industries like
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Hits Roadblocks on Path to Low-Carbon Economy
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) ... The decision by a Louisiana federal judge Wednesday requiring the Department of Interior to end its pause on oil and gas leasing came as the administration’s plan to spend hundreds of billions of dollars
June 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Wells Fargo Crashes and Burns with New RINs Analysis
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Earlier this week, equity analysts at Wells Fargo released a note to investors on the subject of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its compliance credit (RIN) market mechanism. We wouldn’t typically respond to an investment bank
June 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Waiting for the Signal to Change
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) While welcoming federal support for domestic SAF on par with support for biodiesel and renewable diesel, the NBB wants Congress and the Biden Administration to understand how all three fuels support the nation's climate and clean
June 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Shaheen, Collins Lead Bipartisan Letter to EPA Urging Support for Biomass Industry
(Office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)) U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) led a bipartisan letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the Biden administration to address languishing applications under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program, including
June 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Op-Ed: RFS Can Drive Positive Change
by Paul Winters (National Biodiesel Board/Public Opinion) Jim Snell’s argument against the Renewable Fuel Standard needs fact checking (“Op-Ed: Renewable Fuel Standard makes us more reliant on foreign oil,” June 4). Of the East Coast oil refineries that closed since 2005, according to
June 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Weighs Small Cut to Biofuel Targets in Nod to Refiners
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) The Biden administration is developing targets for biofuel that are likely to be relatively flat or even lower as it seeks to balance the interests of blue-collar refining workers and advance a clean-energy
June 16, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Previews More Tailpipe Rules
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA air officials said Tuesday they’re in the early stages of additional regulations related to conventional and greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes. The agency says it is on track to propose new federal light-duty
June 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Daschle: New Administration Could Put Ethanol into ‘Orbit’
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., talks about corn ethanol opportunities in the Biden administration and reflects on the recent passing of Orrie Swayze, a farmer and former Marine fighter pilot from Wilmot, S.D., who
June 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Biden Considers Giving Refiners Relief from U.S. Biofuel Laws, Sources Say
by Jarrett Renshaw nd Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) President Joe Biden’s administration, under pressure from labor unions and U.S. senators including from his home state of Delaware, is considering ways to provide relief to U.S. oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates, three
June 11, 2021 Read Full Article
A Stronger Soot Standard Soon?
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA announced Thursday it would take another look at one of the agency’s most sweeping and important public health regulations that the Trump administration opted to leave alone last year, Pro’s Alex Guillén reports.
June 11, 2021 Read Full Article
New Poll Finds Growing Bipartisan Support for RFS and Ethanol
(Renewable Fuels Association) A recent poll found that voter support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has hit its highest levels in at least five years. Meanwhile, the tracking poll shows support for the use of biofuels like low-carbon ethanol has
June 10, 2021 Read Full Article
The Renewable Fuel Standard Is Now President Biden’s to Fix
by Chet Thompson (Real Clean Energy/American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) ... AFPM members make approximately 10 percent of the ethanol produced in America, and over the last year U.S. refiners announced eight new renewable diesel projects. This focus on sustainability
June 08, 2021 Read Full Article
NIST: NCWM Meeting to Address Proposal on E15 --- July 18-23, 2021 --- Rochester, NY

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A notice published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology states that the 106th annual meeting of the National Conference on Weights and Measures will address a proposal related to E15. The event is scheduled
June 08, 2021 Read Full Article
A Two for One – Biofuels Reduce Carbon for Both Climate and Health
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Biofuels Digest) ... Carbon emissions include not just CO2 but a range of unburned hydrocarbons that are criteria pollutants that form ground level ozone, or summertime smog. Fine and ultra-fine particulates from toxic aromatics in gasoline
June 08, 2021 Read Full Article
California Urges EPA to Let State Set Car-Emissions Standard
by Matthew Daly (Associated Press) Officials from California, New York and other states urged the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday to allow California to set its own automobile tailpipe pollution standards, an action that would reverse a Trump administration policy and
June 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Why Do RINs, RFS and EVs Matter to the Fuels Sector?
(NACS) Renewable Identification Number credits have more of a relationship to fuel demand than you might think. -- RINs, RFS and EVs are more than alphabet soup—they all impact the fuels sector. Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are “a credit that
June 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Stinkweed to False Flax: Oilseeds Race to Reap Biofuel Bonanza
by Rod Nickel and Karl Plume (Reuters) ... Botanists, businessmen, farmers and federal lawmakers, they all gathered to peer at the waist-high plant usually considered a pest and uprooted on sight because of its foul odor, toxicity and the grim taste
June 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Agricultural Feedstock Costs Drive RIN Prices to All-Time Highs
by Sean Hill and Matthew French (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanism used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—sharply increased through April of
June 02, 2021 Read Full Article
LETTER: Ethanol Actually Saves Consumers Money at the Pump
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Las Vegas Review-Journal) In response to your May 23 editorial: The increased use of ethanol resulting from the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act has lowered — not increased — prices at the pump for American
June 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Delta Air Makes $350 Million Gamble as It Lobbies Biden on Fuel Credits
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Yahoo!) Delta Air Lines Inc has stopped buying the credits its oil refining arm needs to comply with U.S. biofuel laws, leaving it with a $346 million liability at the end of the first quarter, as it
May 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Fischer, Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan RFS Integrity Act of 2021
(Office of Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)) U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan RFS Integrity Act of 2021. This legislation would provide more certainty for rural America by
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Asks Courts to Dismiss Its Challenges in SRE Cases
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Following last week’s decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate and remand three small refinery exemptions granted by EPA to Sinclair Oil Corp. on the eve of President Biden’s inauguration, the Renewable Fuels
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Financing Carbon Capture
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are introducing legislation today that would help businesses finance carbon capture technology at power plants and other industrial facilities, and seek to give a boost to direct air capture. The bill, dubbed
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Grassley, Cantwell Introduce Legislation to Support Biodiesel Industry
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today introduced legislation to support the biodiesel industry, continue to broaden America’s energy independence. The bipartisan Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2021 would extend the current
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
United States Announced as Chair of Multilateral Biofuture Platform during Biofuture Summit II
(Biofuture Platform/PR Newswire) - Policy Blueprint was also unveiled to urgently accelerate the growth of the global bioeconomy; - The IEA's Net Zero by 2050 report published last week has highlighted the critical role that sustainable bioenergy will play in the clean
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
RIN Woes
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Over 75 environmental groups are writing to EPA administrator Michael Regan today urging him not to include electricity generated from burning wood biomass, factory farm gas and landfill gas in renewable fuel standard credits
May 25, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA: 2 Additional SRE Petitions Filed, 70 Now Pending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on May 20 published updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year 2020. The agency also changed the status
May 21, 2021 Read Full Article
In Praise of the Federal Ethanol Regulations
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Wall Street Journal) The Renewable Fuel Standard deserves credit for reducing pump prices and saving Americans billions each year. -- Regarding your editorial “The Ethanol Gasoline Tax” (May 15): The 16-year-old law requiring oil refiners to blend renewable
May 20, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Keep Biofuel Mandates Steady in 2021-22 Due to Coronavirus -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/AgWeb) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's biofuel blending mandates for this year and next are likely to be in line with those of 2020 as the agency accounts for weaker fuel demand since the onset
May 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Court Vacates Prior Administration’s Midnight Refinery Exemptions
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today hailed an order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacating three small refinery exemptions granted by EPA to Sinclair the day before President Joe Biden was inaugurated. The court’s decision came
May 20, 2021 Read Full Article
RFS: Can the Oil, Corn, and Biofuels Industries Find Middle Ground?
by Lisa Whitley Coleman (EHS Daily Advisor) The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) ends its current phase in 2022. The EPA has asked the oil, corn, and biofuels industries for input on the next phase of the biofuel policy, according to Reuters. ... “The
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
More Research to Back the Bills: University of Nebraska Researchers Have Proven E30 Is Safe
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) University of Nebraska Researchers have proven E30 is safe for long-term use in non-flex fuel vehicles. The findings could bolster the push for state- and federal-level low-carbon fuel legislation. -- Two researchers from the
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Fiber Frustration: The U.S. EPA Hasn’t Approved a Corn Fiber Pathway in More than Four Years
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The stalled U.S. EPA approval of corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol pathways could be having a $1 billion impact on a 15-billion-gallon-per-year ethanol industry, says Jim Ramm, director of engineering for EcoEngineers. That’s assuming 3% of
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Getting the Most from Sustainable Aviation Fuel
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) The aviation industry is currently responsible for less than 3% of total global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). But with air travel expected to increase by more than 60 percent
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
The Refiners Who Cried Wolf
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The RFS creates competition that lowers fuel prices and reduces carbon emissions. Yet, refiners still complain. -- ... Indeed, at their request, the RFS includes provisions allowing refiners to comply without ever
May 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Tesla Seeks Entry into U.S. Renewable Fuel Credit Market - Sources
by Jarrett RenshawStephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The electric car maker is one of at least eight companies with a pending application at the Environmental Protection Agency tied to power generation and renewable credits, the sources said. The EPA produces a list
May 12, 2021 Read Full Article
As Pipeline Shutdown Sparks Fuel Shortage Fears, Groups Say Ethanol Could Ease Supply Issues
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) ... Renewable fuels groups are offering up a solution that could help ease supply pressures. Both Growth Energy and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are now calling on EPA to take immediate steps to allow low-carbon ethanol to fill the
May 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Skor Discusses Key Priorities to Drive Biofuel Demand
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the event with a speech that framed the future of biofuels by addressing three key priorities to drive biofuel demand: building out access to higher blends nationwide, positioning biofuels
May 10, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Hand over Biofuel Exemption Documents to GAO Probe
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is handing over to the Government Accountability Office information on oil refiners that petitioned for exemptions to biofuel blending mandates, in an effort to help the government watchdog investigate the exemption program. The
May 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s EPA Administrator Says RFS Levels Coming ASAP
by O. Kay Henderson (KBOE) The administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spent much of Tuesday in Iowa. It’s the first solo trip Administrator Michael Regan has taken since he was sworn into office. Regan toured an ethanol plant in Nevada
May 05, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Files Motion to Vacate Three Biofuel Exemptions Given to Sinclair
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/NASDAQ) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed a motion on Friday to vacate three waivers given by the previous administration to Sinclair Oil Corporation refineries that exempt them from biofuel blending mandates. In the motion, the EPA said that
May 05, 2021 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol: USDA Must Reward Farmers, Biofuel Facilities For Carbon-Cutting Contributions
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Grainnet) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) encouraged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help establish a protocol for biofuel producers and farmers to easily document the carbon intensity benefits of changes in agricultural practices in comments submitted April 29 regarding USDA’s climate strategy for President
May 01, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA to USDA: Ethanol Fuels Climate-Smart Agriculture, Energizes Rural Communities
(Renewable Fuels Association) In separate comment letters submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association explained how expanded ethanol production and use can support the administration’s “climate-smart” agriculture goals and encouraged USDA to use the Rural Energy Pilot
April 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Regan Defends EPA Budget Boost, Role of Ethanol and Biofuels in Emissions Reduction
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) ... On the issue of biofuels, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, pressed (Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael) Regan on the administration’s views on the future of ethanol, expressing her concern about the fact that advanced biofuels are
April 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Agri-Pulse Doing Deep Dive into Biofuels
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Agri-Pulse is investigating how the biofuels industry has changed and where it’s headed in season two of the farm policy news outlet’s Deep Dive podcast series. ... The first episode – “Running on E” – focuses on the history of
April 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Incentives Could Turn Costs of Biofuel Mandates into Environmental Benefits
(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment) CABBI studies on the Renewable Fuels Standard indicate a need for more targeted policies that value the environmental benefits of perennial bioenergy crops over cheaper options - and provide
April 28, 2021 Read Full Article
A Clash over Renewable Fuels Hinges on the Meaning of a Single Word
by Emily Hammond (SCOTUSBlog) On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC v. Renewable Fuels Association. The case presents an issue of statutory interpretation involving the Renewable Fuel Standard program — a part of the Clean
April 27, 2021 Read Full Article
California Scores Tailpipe Emissions Win
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The EPA on Monday said it will reassess the Trump-era rule preventing California from setting stricter car pollution standards than the federal government after a similar move last week by the National Highway Traffic
April 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Takes Step toward Allowing California to Set Its Own Tailpipe Emissions Standards
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) ... The Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a withdrawal of its part of a Trump-era rule that preempted states from setting their own standards. Early next week, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected
April 23, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA: Renewable Fuels Inclusion in U.S. Climate Plan is Good; Larger Role Warranted
(Renewable Fuels Association) President Biden’s plan for re-entering the Paris climate agreement includes low-carbon renewable fuels as a strategy for helping to achieve a 50-52% economy-wide reduction in net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels President
April 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Experts on the Outside Looking in: EPA’s Technical Experts Were Largely Shut out
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA’s technical experts were largely shut out of the rulemaking process when the Trump administration rolled back tailpipe greenhouse gas standards, according to a report by the agency’s internal watchdog. OIG’s review could help
April 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Grassley Pleased Biden EPA Backs Ethanol in Waiver Case
(TOM/Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network/KIWA Radio) Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley recently said he’s encouraged the Environmental Protection Agency is siding with the ethanol industry in a case that goes before the Supreme Court later this month. The industry and the 10th Circuit Court
April 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Infrastructure Push: RFA Makes Case for Including Biofuels in Infrastructure Plans
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) After renewable biofuels appeared to be effectively shut out of President Joe Biden's plan for infrastructure, leaders in the ethanol industry and their advocates on Capitol Hill are trying to make the case that biofuels
April 20, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Counters Refiners’ RFS Claims -- Q&A: Geoff Cooper
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) ... The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers urged Regan, who was confirmed as EPA administrator on March 10, to “take swift action” on the Renewable Fuel Standard by extending compliance deadlines and “setting achievable targets” for
April 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Responds to EPA’s Proposed Changes to E15 Label and UST Regulations
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today responded to proposed changes by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to E15 fuel dispenser labeling requirements and underground storage tank regulations to accommodate the safe storage of E15 and other higher blends. “RFA is
April 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Urges Adoption of Nationwide LCFS Policy That Would 'Build' on the RFS
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS Biofuels News) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will ask Congress to adopt a national clean fuels policy or low carbon fuels standard (LCFS) that would build upon the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the ethanol industry group said
April 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Provides Ethanol Industry Update
(Ag Newswire) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) provided an ethanol industry update on Friday, presenting a history of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its success, how small refinery waivers have undermined production, progress on recovery after COVID, a new consumer attitudes
April 19, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Oil, Corn Sectors' Input on Next Phase of U.S. Biofuel Policy -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has asked industry groups for their input on the future of the nation's biofuel policy after it ends its current phase in 2022, four sources familiar with the matter said. The consultations will
April 16, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Provides Some Clarity on Mid-Level Blends in Court
(Urban Air Institute) A three-judge-panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not go far enough when it extended the 1 pound RVP waiver to allow year-round
April 14, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA, Growth Energy and NCGA Defend Year-Round E15 in Court
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the D.C. Circuit Court will hear oral arguments in American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, et al. vs. EPA, a case in which oil refiners challenge the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 rulemaking that paved the way for the year-round
April 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Study Shows Higher Ethanol Blends Reduce CO2 Emissions
by Lura Roti (SDPB Radio) Results from a recent University of Nebraska Study could dramatically increase demand for ethanol. This is optimistic news for South Dakota corn farmers, ethanol manufacturers and family farm advocates. Redefining Renewable Fuels was a year-long study conducted by
April 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Caucus Requests Meeting with EPA Administrator
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Bipartisan members urge Administrator Regan to maximize benefits of RFS. The bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus extended an invitation to meet with EPA Administrator Michael Regan to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and other biofuels priorities. In a letter
April 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Oil Industry Games in the Delaware Valley Are Played out | Opinion
by Jan Koninckx (USA TODAY Network/Delaware Online) Every few years, leaders like Sen. Tom Carper and Sen. Chris Coons are on the receiving end of lobbying blitz by area petroleum refiners seeking to roll back the Renewable Fuel Standard. The 2005
April 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Growth Provides Signal Upstream to Expand Crush Capacity
by Ron Kotrba (Bio-Based Diesel Daily) Canada’s largest agribusiness, Richardson International Ltd., is doubling canola crush capacity at its processing facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In addition to doubling capacity to 2.2 million metric tons, the company said it will optimize operational
April 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Wins CAFE Penalty Court Dispute
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York has sided with the Biden administration in a lovers’ quarrel with green groups, blue states and Tesla over the Trump administration’s delay
April 07, 2021 Read Full Article
RFS Won't Expire Next Year, Volume Requirements in Limbo
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) The clock on the Renewable Fuel Standard won’t run out at the end of 2022 when it resets, but industry leaders wonder how the Environmental Protection Agency will set volume requirements for 2023. Renewable Fuels Association
April 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Algae Oil, Lignin, Plastics, Waste: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Conventional Fuels from Unconventional Sources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Southwest Research Institute’sEloy Flores, Assistant Director R&D in Chemical Engineering, shared this illuminating slide guide on SwRI’s work with alternative fuels technology and all steps from idea/concept, engine testing to pilot plant, scale up and
April 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Coprocessing at Diesel Refinery: bp Products, North America — Cherry Point Refinery | Blaine, Washington
(EcoEngineers) bp’s Cherry Point Refinery is the first refinery in the Pacific Northwest capable of manufacturing diesel made from biomass-based feedstocks, which are processed alongside conventional feedstocks in an existing ultralow-sulfur diesel unit. Renewable diesel has the same properties as conventional ultralow-sulfur
April 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Tailpipe Litigation Put in Park
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Despite procedural objections from states and environmentalists, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the Biden administration's request to pause litigation over federal auto emissions and fuel economy standards. That will give
April 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Nebraska Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum Features CEO Panel
(AgNewsWire) The 16th Annual Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum last week, hosted by the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, featured an industry CEO panel that discussed some of the most pressing topics in the renewable fuels space. Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN) interim director Pam Miller moderated
April 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Scrap the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Andrew Quinlan (Center for Freedom and Prosperity/Washington Examiner) Plummeting demand due to reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the many flaws with the Renewable Fuel Standard and strained some in the petroleum industry to the breaking point. ... The RFS
April 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: White House Asks EPA to Study How EVs Can Generate Renewable Fuel Credits
by Jarrett Renshaw, Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The White House has directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study how using renewable fuels to power electric vehicle charging could generate tradeable credits under the nation’s biofuels program, two sources familiar with
April 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups, States File Amicus Briefs in SCOTUS SRE Case
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Association, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, the National Biodiesel Board and a group of eight states on March 31 filed amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the court to
April 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Auto Industry Urges Biden to Back 'Comprehensive' EV Plan
by David Shephardson (Reuters) ... “Neither the current trajectory of consumer adoption of EVs, nor existing levels of federal support for supply- and demand-side policies, is sufficient to meet our goal of a net-zero carbon transportation future.” The White House did not
March 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s High-Cost Plan To Accelerate U.S. Adoption Of Electric Vehicles
by David Blackmon (Forbes) With electric vehicles making up just 2% of U.S. auto sales in 2020, achieving a rapid “energy transition” to an all-electric vehicle fleet in the coming 15 years will be a huge endeavor, one that President Joe Biden
March 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Regan: EPA to Get RFS Back on Track What the Broader Economy Can Learn From Climate Work Done in Agriculture
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) One day after EPA granted deadline extensions to refiners to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the Biden administration will be working to get the RFS back on track this
March 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Time to Grow Biofuel Use
by Zippy Duvall (American Farm Bureau Federation) As homegrown fuels, ethanol and biodiesel have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower gas prices, increase demand for corn and soybeans and decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources. But the road to success
March 24, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Extends RFS Compliance Deadlines
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The first decision by the new administration that impacts biofuels is a disappointment to the industry. Late Tuesday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency extended compliance deadlines for the Renewable Fuel Standard, a move proposed under the Trump Administration that
March 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Meeting Emissions Goals Will Save Consumers A LOT of Money -- Fact Sheet: Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards
(Consumer Reports) The Biden-Harris Administration has committed to getting the U.S. on a path to a low-carbon economy by 2050, bringing back the Obama-Biden vehicle standards, and setting new, ambitious ones. Meeting those commitments will require steady progress on gasoline vehicle
March 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Checking Your Environmentals: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Wildlife & Natural Resource Considerations in Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How to evaluate the economic and biological effects of bioenergy production and potential impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat? Certified Wildlife Biologist Dr. Susan Rupp shares how to look at the environmental impact of projects,
March 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Urges EPA to Stay the Course on Renewable Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association on Wednesday asked newly confirmed EPA Administrator Michael Regan to “stay the course” on the Renewable Fuel Standard, as the important policy faces renewed attacks from oil refiners. In a letter to Regan, RFA responds
March 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Wants the Financial Sector to Face up to Climate Risk
by Steven Mufson and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission aims to create a new Climate Risk Unit, joining initiatives at Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Reserve -- A growing number of federal
March 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Mess with Texas: Time for a 2nd Look at Electric Vehicles
by Burl Haigwood (Clean Fuels Development Coalition) ... Imagine it is 2050 and Texas gets hit by another winter storm, flood, heat wave, or God forbid, a physical or cyber terrorist attack on a vulnerable electric power system. As news cameras
March 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Fuel Industry Experts Share Expectations for 2021
by Steve Klein (C Store Decisions/Renewable Energy Group) ... The transportation industry will be a key factor in reaching those goals. There are also many new policies being debated. New York is considering a low-carbon fuel standard similar to California’s. Many
March 16, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Public Input on Climate-Smart Ag and Forestry Strategy DEADLINE April 30, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on March 15 announced it is opening a 45-day public comment period to gather input on its climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy, including several topics focused specifically on biofuels, bioproducts and renewable energy. The
March 16, 2021 Read Full Article
RFS Reset Coming in 2022
by Julie Harker (Brownfield Ag News) A reset of the Renewable Fuels Standard will take place in 2022 as part of the original law. Gary Marshall, former CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers, tells Brownfield the EPA Administrator will have to
March 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Supreme Court Picks Date for Ethanol Case
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) An ethanol court case over Small Refinery Exemptions will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court April 27th. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says he is confident the Supreme Court will review the
March 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Now You Can Give the SEC Your “Two Cents” On Climate Disclosures DEADLINE June 15, 2021
(Our Daily Planet) The Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission wants to know what you want to know about how corporations are dealing with climate change and other environmental risks. In a speech yesterday to the liberal think tank the Center
March 16, 2021 Read Full Article
A Large PR Firm Pledged to Fight Climate Change. Then It Took Millions from a Notorious Fossil Fuel Trade Group.
by Zahra Hirji and Kendall Taggart (BuzzFeed News) Edelman, a PR firm that’s pledged to “work with an environmental conscience,” was paid $4 million to promote one of the most extreme fossil fuel trade groups in the country, new tax
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA: EPA Should Shelve Proposal to Extend RFS Compliance Deadlines
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (March 11, 2021) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association opposed a proposal to extend the deadlines for demonstrating compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2019 and 2020. “This proposal is
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Three Days of SCOTUS ... Refiners' Appeal
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) ... On April 27 the court will hear refiners’ appeal of the 10th Circuit's ruling that severely limited EPA’s ability to exempt small refiners from biofuels blending requirements. (EPA recently shifted to support the
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Automakers Push for Lower Emissions Standard
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Automakers are proposing a vehicle emissions standard lower than both the Obama administration's rates and the deal that California set with five automakers, the Associated Press reports. The standards would be above the Trump administration’s
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
CFDC Calls On EPA to Prioritize Octane in New Fuel Economy Rule
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The Clean Fuels Development Coalition called the pending revision of the nation’s fuel economy rules one of the most immediate and tangible actions the Biden Administration can take to address a range of issues impacting climate, health,
March 12, 2021 Read Full Article
CFDC Calls Nebraska E30 Demonstration One More Step Towards Higher Blends
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) today applauded the work of the State of Nebraska following the release of a report that found higher ethanol blends are safe, efficient, and cost effective when used in conventional vehicles. The
March 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Supported Bills Introduced on Capitol Hill
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) House climate proposal includes RFS integrity provisions and Adopt GREET Act recognizes ethanol’s improved environmental benefits. -- Legislators are looking to expand access and acceptance of biofuels with the introduction of several bills this week on
March 04, 2021 Read Full Article
SDFU Calls for Repeal & Replace of Fuel Economy Rule to Include Octane and Higher Ethanol Blends
by Rusty Halvorson (KFGO) Speaking at the National Farmers Union National Convention February 26, 2021, South Dakota Chapter President Doug Sombke said ethanol advocates need to prioritize support for a high octane standard in the new fuel economy rule that could triple
March 03, 2021 Read Full Article
More States Follow California's Lead on Vehicle Emissions Standards
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) An increasing number of states are looking to follow the precedent set by California and adopt stricter vehicle emissions standards as the Biden administration appears poised to green light those efforts. The Virginia legislature this past week
March 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Is Hiking the Cost of Carbon. It Will Change How the U.S. Tackles Global Warming.
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) President Biden on Friday dramatically altered the way the U.S. government calculates the real-world cost of climate change, a move that could reshape a range of consequential decisions, from whether to allow new coal
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
SEC to Toughen Climate Rules on Companies
by Avery Ellfeldt (E&E News) The acting head of the Securities and Exchange Commission is expanding the agency's efforts to push public companies to be transparent about the threats they face from climate change. Acting SEC Chair Allison Herren Lee announced yesterday
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Researchers Challenge the CRP Status Quo to Mitigate Fossil Fuels
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment/Phys.Org) ... (A)llocating CRP land for high-yielding energy biomass might eliminate the need for bioenergy crops and food crops to vie for space. A team led by CABBI Sustainability Theme Leader
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leaders Say EPA Still Has to Account for Lost Gallons
(Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol industry leaders say the EPA’s recent change of policy on Small Refinery Exemptions is a start, but there is still a lot of work to do. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association tells Brownfield the
February 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel RIN Prices Approaching All-Time Highs
by Sean Hill (U.S. Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanisms used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—have been steadily rising in recent months and
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
LCFS and RFS – Conflict or Complement?
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Do Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) policies conflict or complement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? That was the question Dr. Jarrett Whistance with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri was called on to
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Postal Service Awards Contract to Launch Multi-Billion-Dollar Modernization of Postal Delivery Vehicle Fleet
(U.S. Postal Service) ... Under the contract’s initial $482 million investment, Oshkosh Defense will finalize the production design of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) — a purpose-built, right-hand-drive vehicle for mail and package delivery — and will assemble 50,000 to
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Logjam Kicks up Debate over Boosting Electric Vehicles
by Marc Heller (E&E News) A backlog of applications for advanced renewable fuels at EPA is spurring a new debate in the biofuel industry: Should the agency catch up on proposals related to electric vehicles first? That's a possibility, a biofuel industry
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Johnson, Craig Introduce RFS Integrity Act
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., on Feb. 19 reintroduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, which aims to ensure transparency and predictability in the U.S. EPA’s administration of the small refinery exemption (SRE)
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Supports 10th Circuit Court Ruling to Tighten Small Refinery Exemptions
by Tyne Morgan (Ag Web) Renewable Fuels groups are celebrating an EPA win. More than a year after the 10th Circuit Court issued its initial ruling on the small-refinery provisions within the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), EPA announced Monday it’s supporting
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference: Ethanol Report 2-19-21
(Energy.AgWired.com) This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper's annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA: RFS General Waiver Requests Are Unjustified and Illegal
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today filed comments with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to earlier requests from oil refiners and the governors of six oil-producing states seeking a general waiver from 2019 and 2020 renewable volume obligations under
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Social Distance, Meet Social Carbon
by Zack Coleman (Politico's Morning Energy) The White House is expected to sharply raise the government’s calculation of how much greenhouse gases will cost the U.S. in the future, a policy change that will make it easier for his administration
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
POET Urges Biden Climate Team to Grasp E15 Philosophy
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA’s Cooper: Ethanol Provides Essential Energy for Meeting Global Challenges
(Renewable Fuels Association) Just as ethanol has played an essential role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the low-carbon fuel will also serve as essential energy for combatting climate change, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said today at the
February 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Building the Evidence on Corn Ethanol’s Greenhouse Gas Profile
by Jan Lewandrowski (US Department of Agriculture) Over the past two decades, the demand for renewable fuels — including corn-based ethanol — has helped drive a strong domestic market for corn, and supported rural America by generating jobs (PDF, 1.5 MB). New research
February 15, 2021 Read Full Article
PBF Energy Considering Renewable Diesel Project at Chalmette, Louisiana, Refinery
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Technical feasibility study ongoing; Project would mitigate RFS costs -- PBF Energy is considering a renewable diesel project at its 190,000 b/d refinery in Chalmette, Louisiana, as it seeks to mitigate the high cost of meeting
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Governor Walz Sends Biofuels Letter to President Biden
(Red River Farm Network) Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday asking him to support the biofuels industry and reverse the Trump administrations actions in supporting small refinery exemptions. Walz wants the Biden administration to
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden's EPA Pick to Review Options for Biofuel Blending Law beyond 2022
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency said he will confer with legal and policy teams to understand the options available for setting mandates to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel mix beyond
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Groups Testify against EPA’s Proposed RFS Deadline Extensions PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: March 11, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry testified against the U.S. EPA’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines during a Feb. 9 virtual hearing. Public comments on the proposal can be
February 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Klobuchar, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Expand Renewable Fuel Market and Consumer Access
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol. The Renewable
February 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Dems Ask Sec. Pete to Revive GHG Reporting Rule
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of congressional Democrats on Tuesday wrote to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging him to reinstate a Federal Highway Administration regulation that required state planners to measure and report annual changes in greenhouse gas
February 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Three Methods to Produce Rare Cannabinoids: Cultivation, Chemical Synthesis, and Biosynthesis
by Maxim Mikheev (BIOMEDICAN/Biofuels Digest) There is a rapidly growing demand for cannabinoids (the compounds found in the cannabis plant) because of their numerous health benefits. While the most popular cannabinoid is CBD, there are over one hundred known cannabinoids, including
February 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Life is a Highway
by John Eichberger (Fuels Institute) ... Fuels Institute recently published “The Impact of Transportation-related Environmental Initiatives” which provides an objective assessment of 37 global efforts and a deep dive into 14 of the most prominent initiatives affecting transportation. As we embark upon
February 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog Working on the Night Moves: Cruz RINs Cap Plan Struck Down in Wee Hours Friday
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Senate rejected an attempt by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to cap the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as part of a proposed amendment to the COVID-19 stimulus bill, in
February 08, 2021 Read Full Article
NREL Develops New Method to Better Understand Ethanol Production
(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office funded researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to address a significant challenge
February 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Thune, Shaheen Reintroduce Bill to Advance Renewable Fuel Technologies
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) Bill would require EPA to approve proven technologies, expedite review of others -- U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations that have gone without approval by
February 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Marathon Petroleum Balancing Traditional Refinery Operations with New Renewable Ventures
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Sees Q1 2021 gasoline demand 90% of Q1 2020; STAR project continues at Galveston Bay, TX, refinery; Dickinson, ND RD plant to reach full rates end-Q1 -- US refiner Marathon Petroleum is embracing the renewable energy space
February 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Klobuchar, Grassley Highlight Need to Restore Integrity to Renewable Fuel Standard in Letter to Environmental Protection Agency
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a letter to Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Jane Nishida highlighting the need to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
February 04, 2021 Read Full Article
To Make the U.S. Auto Fleet Greener, Increasing Fuel Efficiency Matters More Than Selling Electric Vehicles
by John DeCicco (The Conversation) ... Motorcars stay on the road for a long time, so failing to adequately reduce gasoline vehicle emissions this year burdens the atmosphere with excess carbon dioxide (CO2) for many years ahead. ... The media spotlight on EVs
February 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Regan Faces Senate Committee Wednesday: EPA Nominee Regan Tells Grassley Biofuels Part of Biden Climate Plan
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said he wants regulatory stability in agriculture when considering the Biden administration's nominee to head the EPA, Michael Regan. In a recent conversation with Regan ahead of his Wednesday hearing before
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Races to Draft Interim Auto Standards for CO2
by Maxine Joselow (E&E News) President Biden's EPA is expected to draft interim auto emissions standards based on an agreement last year between California and five car companies, according to sources following the matter. EPA is poised to unveil the interim
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Toyota, Fiat Chrysler Drop Support for Trump Effort to Bar California Emissions Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters/Yahoo!Finance) Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler and other major automakers said on Tuesday they were joining General Motors in abandoning support for former President Donald Trump's effort to bar California from setting its own zero emission vehicle rules. The
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Battles in Court to Reverse Demand Destruction
(Growth Energy) On Friday, January 29th, Growth Energy, along with others in the biofuels industry, filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Case No. 20-1046) challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Electric Cars Are Coming, and Fast. Is the Nation’s Grid Up to It?
by Brad Plumer (New York Times) GM’s decision this week to phase out gasoline vehicles is the latest in a major shift that will mean drastic new demands on electric utilities. Here are four things that will need to happen. ... Generate
February 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Trump Left Biden a $30 Billion Fund Used for Trade Wars. Biden Has Other Plans for It.
by Liz Crampton (Politico) A Depression-era financial institution was used by the Trump administration to dole out billions to farmers. Now the Biden team has their own ideas about how the money should be spent. The Trump administration used it to
February 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Infrastructure Bill Can Bring Us Closer to E15 Standard
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) In the past few weeks, we have been working with state lawmakers to advance a bill that would provide partial funding for fuel retailers to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to offer E15. This
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Spotlight: E15 May Get Boost with Friendlier Labeling at the Pump PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: April 19, 2021
by Corey Lavinsky and Zane McDonald (S&P Global Platts) US Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to modify the label requirements for gasoline blended with 15% ethanol; EPA’s proposed mock-up labels are less likely to dissuade a customer from using the blend; E15
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Directed to Report on 2017 Court Order
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is directing the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a status report every 60 days “on its progress in complying with the court’s remand” stemming from the July 2017
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s Climate Goals Will Boost Ethanol for Now: Oil Refiners and Ethanol Producers’ Collective Pain Hasn’t Done Much to Align Their Interests
by Jinjoo Lee (Wall Street Journal) In the tug of war for former President Donald Trump’s favors, oil refiners won some surprising victories over ethanol producers. Their fortunes are about to flip under President Joe Biden’s climate-driven administration. The fate of U.S.
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
New RFA Staffer in DC, 10 Years of Ethanol Safety, and Crappie Masters 2021
(Ethanol Report 1-28-21/Energy.AgWired.com) In this edition of the Ethanol Report , we hear from three Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) staff members about the organization's efforts in advocacy, safety, and education. Troy Bredenkamp is RFA's brand new Senior Vice President for Government
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Gov. Reynolds Plans to Build ‘Relationships’ with President Biden to Protect Biofuels
by John Steppe (The Gazette/SoutherMinn.com) Gov. Kim Reynolds is looking forward to “building those same relationships” with President Joe Biden and his Environmental Protection Agency staff that she had with the Trump administration to protect biofuels, Reynolds said during Tuesday’s