(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today to mark the end of the summertime restriction on E15 by rewarding drivers who chose E15 at the Winner station on 46th Street. From 11:30 am to 12:30
Regulations-Federal
Back TO HOMEA Worldwide Oil Mandate
by Orrie Swazye (Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan) Our gasoline market today is 90 percent gasoline and Brazil’s 75 percent gasoline but oil still supplies 99+ percent of transportation fuels worldwide. As we begin to net export oil, oil remains
September 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standards Boosts Air Quality
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/My San Antonio) The Express-News Editorial Board recently missed the mark, claiming that the Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, is bad policy. The RFS has boosted local economies, strengthened U.S. energy security and improved overall air
September 18, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA’s SAB to Address Biogenic CO2 Framework at Sept. 26 Meeting
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced its Chartered Science Advisory Board will hold a teleconference Sept. 26 to address several issues, including a new draft SAB review of EPA’s Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary
September 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Finding Pathways for Biofuels Advocates Say State Low-Carbon Fuel Policies Could Drive More Ethanol Demand
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Just a few blocks from the commotion and crowds at the Global Climate Action Summit, biofuel advocates gathered Thursday to champion more low-carbon fuel standards that could take the country's biofuels industry in new
September 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Small Refinery Exemptions and Ethanol Demand Destruction
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) Small refinery exemptions (SREs) represent the latest controversy to engulf the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). When the U.S. Congress first created the RFS in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) it included a temporary exemption
September 17, 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
Renewable Electricity and the Renewable Fuel Standard – An Untapped Opportunity?
by John Mosheim (Clean Energy Business Network) ... Currently, electricity generated from the combustion of cellulosic biogas under the RFS is an approved pathway for RIN generation.[1] In July 2014 EPA approved this pathway for RIN generation from electricity derived from
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
It’s Time for Action to Unlock Growth of Biofuels in Kansas
by Jesse McCurry (Wichita Eagle/Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission & Producers Association) ... Our grains reach markets around the world and feed production at a dozen Kansas ethanol plants that produce nearly 500 million gallons of clean, renewable biofuel each year. Ethanol
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Pushes Back on Urban Air Challenge of Faulty Emissions Model
(Urban Air Initiative) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has refused to acknowledge it used faulty science and blending practices to paint an inaccurate picture of ethanol emissions in a long-awaited response to the Urban Air Initiative (UAI). In January 2017,
September 13, 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
EPA Needs to Reallocate Gallons from RFS Waivers
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) : Incoming RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper addresses the small refiner exemptions issued by the U.S. EPA last year, and how they affect the ethanol market -- The U.S. EPA remains committed to
September 07, 2018 Read Full Article
New Analysis Shows RFS Waiver Price
by Kelly Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA's small refinery waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard could cost the ethanol industry 4.6 billion gallons of domestic demand and close to $20 billion in sales revenue over the next six years, according
September 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Understanding the Emissions Benefits of Higher Ethanol Blends: EPA Modeling Fails to Tell the Whole Story.
by Steve Vander Griend (Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Adding ethanol to gasoline improves it in every way. It lowers carbon, reduces common air pollutants for smog formation, lessens CO2 emissions, reduces sulfur content, and provides clean octane as a replacement
September 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Making America Great Again Starts with the States
by David Vander Griend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative) Dave VanderGriend, president of Urban Air Initiative, doesn't mince words in his column this month, calling out EPA for what he says is collusion with the oil industry. -- ... The 15.8 billion
September 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Americans Still Want Better Fuel Economy, Survey Says
by Eric C. Evarts (Green Car Reports) Just as the Trump administration moves to roll back fuel economy standards, a new survey shows that Americans are dissatisfied with the fuel economy their cars already get. The American Customer Satisfaction Index survey for cars
September 05, 2018 Read Full Article
RFA, Growth Energy Demand Transparency for Small Refinery Exemptions in New Lawsuit
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy today filed a lawsuit in federal district court, alleging that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) have improperly denied agency records requested by RFA, Growth
September 04, 2018 Read Full Article
An Open Letter to EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Consider this a blueprint for restoring the trust EPA has broken with farmers and rural America. 1. Make good on the president’s promises to allow E15 use year-round. Trump has made three or four
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Mandate Is Costing Americans Billions
by Nan Swift (Washington Examiner/National Taxpayers Union) Mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard are displacing much more affordable petroleum fuel with expensive biodiesel. That includes millions of gallons that are imported from overseas. ... The fact is, American biodiesel production is simply not
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Understanding the Debate Over Ethanol and Smog
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) ... To recap, gasoline must meet a specific requirement called the Reid vapor pressure (RVP). If the vapor pressure of gasoline is too high, it evaporates too quickly and contributes more to smog formation. ... Pure ethanol has an
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
US Cellulosic Waiver Credit Likely to Be $1.77 in 2019: Platts Analytics
by Joshua Pedrick (S&P Global/Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency is likely to set the 2019 cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) at $1.77 for each credit, down from $1.96 in 2018, according to S&P Global Platts Analytics. "The most important variable in the
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leaders Consider Push to Label E15 as Unleaded 88
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) ... During the American Coalition for Ethanol conference in Minneapolis, ACE senior vice president Ron Lamberty says stakeholders looked at the pros and cons of a more uniform approach to labeling E15 as Unleaded 88. “Two
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Red Trail President Speaks up for Ethanol Production
by Mikkel Pates (Forum News Service/Bismark Tribune) Now more than ever, farmers who believe in the future of ethanol need to speak up for it, says Gerald Bachmeier, president of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association. Bachmeier, who also serves as
September 03, 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
Motorists Can Make Better Decisions at the Pump: Misconceptions about Gasoline Mean Lost Savings, Dirtier Air
by Jeff Rice (Journal-Advocate) ... Motorists shop almost exclusively according to price, except when the price goes down, and labor under a plethora of misconceptions about additives, octane and ethanol. That can lead to some unwise decisions at the pump. Numerous studies
August 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog -- Ethanol Groups Seek EPA Documents on Small Refinery Waivers
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Two leading ethanol interest groups and one of the nation's largest ethanol producers asked a federal court on Thursday to force two federal agencies to hand over records related to the issuance of small
August 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Nebraska Corn Offers Flex Fuel Infrastructure Grants, Urges EPA to Maintain RFS Committment
(Nebraska Corn Board/KTIC) The Nebraska Corn Board is committed to expanding corn markets for farmers and offering motorists a greater selection of clean-burning, home-grown fuel options. The Board recently allocated funds in its 2018-2019 fiscal year budget to help further develop
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
USDA Stands With Ethanol on Waivers
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Federal Agencies Disagree on Accounting for Small-Refinery Waivers in 2019 -- EPA has made clear it is not considering public comments on small-refinery waivers and how they affect the Renewable Fuel Standard. But a USDA
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
NATSO Alternative Fuels Council Prioritizes Biodiesel Fuel Quality
by Jeff Hove (Biodiesel Magazine/Alternative Fuels Council) Alternative fuels such as biodiesel represent an important growth opportunity for fuel marketers nationwide. But for many fuel retailers, myriad state and federal regulations and incentives for alternative fuels can be complex and overwhelming.
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Iowa RFA Hosts 10th Annual Biofuels Tour
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently hosted the 10th Annual Biofuels: Science and Sustainability Tour, taking nearly 40 participants representing members of Congress from around the country on a biofuels journey through the state, including visits to an
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
RNG Industry’s Joint Comments to U.S. EPA’s 2019 Biofuel Rule Applaud Proposed Increases in Cellulosic & Advanced Biofuels, Urge Stability
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition), Energy Vision, National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA), Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica), and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) submitted joint comments on August 17 to
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Letter Urges Trump to Direct EPA to Complete RFS Electric Pathway
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Aug. 17, the owners of nearly 60 anaerobic digestion (AD) projects sent a letter to President Trump asking him to tell the U.S. EPA to prioritize the development of an electric pathway under the
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Senators Ask EPA to Increase Biodiesel Volumes
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A bipartisan group of nearly 40 U.S. Senators led by Patty Murray (D-WA), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have sent a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase volume obligations for biomass-based diesel and
August 24, 2018 Read Full Article
AFBF Welcomes Boosts to Biofuels Volumes, but Cautions against Overuse of Small Refinery Waivers
(American Farm Bureau Federation) Though pleased with EPA’s proposal to increase renewable fuel volumes, the American Farm Bureau Federation warned that the agency’s excessive use of small refinery waivers diminishes the likelihood that volume targets will be met. “EPA’s excessive use [of
August 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Reshaped U.S. Climate Policy in One Month: August 2018
by Maxine Joselow and Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) ... First came the rollback of clean car rules, an aggressive effort to unravel former President Obama's program to reduce tailpipe pollution. Then came the Clean Power Plan replacement, another muscular move that dismantles
August 24, 2018 Read Full Article
2019 Proposed RFS Volumes: The Deep-Dive Analysis
by Antoine Schellinger (Biofuels Digest) In what has now become the final RFS2 issued policy under Scott Pruitt, there is no change from the policy established in the proposed and final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO). The use of cellulosic waiver
August 24, 2018 Read Full Article
US Ethanol Industry Razzes 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal: The Why and the Who
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 2019 proposed US Renewable Fuel Standard proposed volumes attracted a major raspberry from the ethanol industry. As the American Coalition for Ethanol noted: “Unfortunately, EPA continues to take actions which undermine the letter and spirit of the
August 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Change of Plans: EPA Hearings
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)EPA will no longer hold public hearings in Washington, D.C., Detroit and Los Angeles on the administration's proposed freeze of Obama-era fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, Bloomberg Environment reports. Instead the EPA
August 23, 2018 Read Full Article
NFU, FUE & UAI Announce Alliance to Pursue Expanded Use Of American-Grown, High-Octane Biofuels
(National Farmers Union) In an effort to expand the market for domestic agriculture products, reduce harmful emissions, and provide consumers with lower cost fuel choices, National Farmers Union, Farmers Union Enterprises and the Urban Air Initiative announced they have formed a
August 22, 2018 Read Full Article
ACE Releases White Paper on the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol during 31st Annual Conference
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announced the official release of a White Paper today (August 17, 2018) entitled “The Case for Properly Valuing the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol,” coinciding with a general session panel
August 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania’s Next Biorefinery: Discussion Held at the Penn State Energy Days Annual Conference, 2018
by Anahita Bharadwaj (Pennsylvania State University for Advanced Biofuels USA) Energy Days, 2018 at The Pennsylvania State University- University Park, brought together leading researchers, government agencies, industries, non-profit organizations and academics in the field of energy to understand the current challenges
August 22, 2018 Read Full Article
NBB Shows Higher 2020 Biodiesel Volumes Are Achievable in Comments on Annual RFS Rule
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB also proposes multiple solutions to accounting for small refinery exempted volumes -- Today, the National Biodiesel Board filed comments on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2019 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020. NBB’s comments respectfully urge the
August 17, 2018 Read Full Article
King Says Farmers Want EPA Action on Ethanol, not $12 Billion Aide Package
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Republican Congressman Steve King today said the best thing the Trump Administration could do to alleviate farmers’ angst about the trade war would be to allow higher percentages of ethanol to be blended into gasoline year-round. “Let the
August 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Earnings Season: as Novozymes, DSM, Amyris, Gevo, Corbion, and Aemetis Report, Who’s up, Who’s down?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s Digest, let’s look at trends driving the industry’s results at scale — and while money is not the measure of all progress, it is the ultimate yardstick and especially for companies that have reached
August 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Has Ethanol Hit Its Peak?
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) More than 15 billion gallons of ethanol flows into the U.S. fuel supply each year, big business for midwestern corn farms and a drag on oil refineries in Texas. But with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now
August 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Uncovering the Plot to Keep Ethanol Down -- How Clean Burning Ethanol Can Make Rural America Great Again
(Urban Air Institute) A paradigm shift is needed in Washington, and it's up to Rural America to push for change. "We need to join together and demand access to cleaner burning ethanol, which will help American farmers and improve the air our
August 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Gets Local Perspective on Ag
by Seth Boyes (Dickinson County News) Steffes Company in Milford played host to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley on Monday Aug. 6. ... "If you're a member of Congress, you can't keep your mouth shut if you think the president's hurting your people,"
August 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Pacific Ethanol Discusses Impact of Trade Barriers, EPA Actions
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pacific Ethanol Inc. released second quarter financial results on Aug. 9, reporting a slight increase in net sales. The company also discussed how current trade barriers and the U.S. EPA’s administration of the Renewable Fuel
August 14, 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
Ad Wars
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Renewable Fuels Association launched a weeklong ad campaign in Iowa on Monday, coinciding with Wheeler's visit to the state's annual fair. The ads hit EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard and push the
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA's RFS Study Timeline
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA wants 14 months to finish up an air quality study of the Renewable Fuel Standard, saying in a court filing Monday that the timeline "is the most expeditious one for the agency to
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Mr. President, Don't Support Any 'Deal' That Undermines the RFS
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Real Clear Energy) ... The ethanol industry wants EPA to remove a regulatory barrier to higher ethanol blends. In exchange, the refining industry wants to sunset the Renewable Fuel Standard. Late in July, President Trump announced in
August 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Hubbell Wants More Support for Farmers Hurt by Trade War
by Rod Boshart (Sioux City Journal) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell called out Gov. Kim Reynolds Saturday for not taking a more-aggressive public stance on behalf of Iowa farmers and rural interests being hurt by President Trump's trade war with China
August 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Farmers Crowd in to Hear Minnesota Governor Candidates
by Don Davis (Forum News Service/Fairbault Daily News) Minnesota’s five major governor candidates bent over backwards to show they are on farmers’ side during the first forum with them all. ... Farmers and agri-business people were eager to hear what they had to
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Frustration Brews in the Ethanol Industry
by Dan Looker (Successful Farming) Lawsuits and EPA petitions are in the works. -- ... “I would say the status quo right now is unacceptable for the industry,” says Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “If he’s (President Donald Trump) supportive
August 10, 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
California Drivers Pay Growing Cost for Climate Program
by David R. Baker (San Francisco Chronicle) A California program to fight climate change may now add more to the cost of gasoline than the state gas-tax increase that many voters want to repeal. The Low Carbon Fuel Standard, designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
On the Rise: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Biogas, Its Markets and Production and Treatment Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up with biogas? The U.S. market has lagged in the development of biogas facilities because of the low cost of electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuels derived from petroleum. The passing of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)
August 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Oil’s Relentless Price Climb Brings Advanced Biofuels Back in Vogue
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For several years now we have seen a significant number of players pivoting from biofuels towards smaller but higher-value markets in chemicals, nutrition, nutraceuticals, pharma, materials, flavorings, fragrances, cosmetics and more. We’ve reported on the proliferation of
August 09, 2018 Read Full Article
To Kill Climate Rule, EPA Wants to Redefine Danger of Soot
by Niina Heikkinen (E&E News) Whether it's in haze-shrouded cities, plumes of car exhaust or even clear skies, fine particle pollution can be found just about everywhere in the United States. ... Exposure to fine particles is linked to premature death and higher
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Oil's Well?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Poltico's Morning Energy) Does the world have enough oil to go around if 2.5 million barrels of Iranian petroleum is put behind a wall of U.S. sanctions? That's the questions oil traders are trying to answer after
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Montauk Energy Strikes Biogas Deal with US Dairy Farm
by Lisa Steyn (Buisness Live) Government incentives spur the JSE-listed firm to transform cow manure into natural gas at dairy farm in California -- JSE-listed Montauk Energy has struck a deal with a dairy farm in California where it will for the
August 03, 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
EPA Opens Door to Conversation about High Octane Fuels
(Urban Air Initiative) After being one of the first to embrace and encourage high octane fuels as a solution for reducing emissions and improving air quality, the Urban Air Initiative is relieved to finally see octane included in the latest EPA
August 02, 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
Unwinding the Perverse Arithmetic of Scott Pruitt’s Small Refinery Exemptions to the RFS
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists/Biofuels Digest) ... Here, we untangle the opaque way (former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott) Pruitt rigged the system for his fossil fuel friends and what this means for the ongoing RFS rulemaking. Pruitt pulling strings
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
RFA Welcomes Inclusion of High Octane Fuels in 2021-2026 CAFE/GHG Proposal
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today welcomed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) request for public comments on how high octane fuels could facilitate engine efficiency improvements and reduced emissions under 2021-2026 fuel economy and tailpipe GHG standards
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
The Safer and Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Proposed Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 COMMENTS DUE: EXTENDED to October 26, 2018
(Environmental Protection Agency) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) propose to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establish new standards,
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Administration to Freeze Fuel Efficiency Requirements
by Brady Dennis, Michael Laris and Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) The Trump administration on Thursday announced plans to freeze fuel efficiency requirements for the nation’s cars and trucks through 2026 — a massive regulatory rollback likely to spur a legal battle with California
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
Daily on Energy: Democrats ‘Pleased’ to Hear from Trump’s New EPA Pick: EPA’S Wheeler Promises ‘50-State Solution’ for New Auto Rules
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler confirmed to senators Wednesday that the Trump administration this week will release a proposal to weaken Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. Wheeler, in his first testimony before Congress since replacing Scott
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
USDA Provides Aid for Farmers, Biofuel Groups Call for RVP Relief
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced it will authorize up to $12 billion in aid to assist farmers who have been impacted by retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. The ethanol industry also called on the Trump
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on RINs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 25, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing that aimed to educate members of the subcommittee on renewable identification numbers (RINs) and the role RINs play
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
NBB Files Opening Brief Challenging 2018 Renewable Fuel Standards
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB brief is the first to challenge EPA’s accounting for small refinery “hardship” exemptions in the annual RFS volumes -- On Friday July 27, 2018, the National Biodiesel Board filed an opening brief in its lawsuit objecting to EPA’s
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Court to Hear RFS Refinery Waivers Case
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Appeals Court to Hear Whether EPA Followed Law Prior to Granting Exemptions -- The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver will hear a Renewable Fuels Standard lawsuit challenging EPA's issuance of small refinery waivers,
July 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Says Very Close to 12-Month Waiver for Ethanol in Gasoline
by Roberta Rampton and Lisa Lambert (Reuters) President Donald Trump on Thursday said his administration is very close to granting a waiver that would allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol year-round. “I’m very close, I have to tell you, to
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Higher Blends of Ethanol Should Be Available Year-Round
by Anthony Bush (Marion Star) ... Most urgently, (Agriculture) Secretary (Sonny) Perdue must follow the president’s directive to work with the Environmental Protection Agency to end harmful sales regulations on higher ethanol blends like E15 and above. These regulations restrict the
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Inside the Draft Auto Rule Rollback
by Alex Guillén (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration is expected to formally roll back vehicle fuel economy and emissions requirements later this week, and a draft version of the EPA-NHTSA rule posted Friday evening by The New York Times offers
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Extra Administration Analysis Delays Fuel Economy Rules
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Fuel economy rules from EPA and the Department of Transportation that were widely expected this week will be delayed, as the feds are adding analysis to give them better odds of surviving an inevitable
July 26, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Hasn’t Told the Whole Story of the Benefits of Biofuels
by Byron Dorgan (Arent Fox LLP/National Biodiesel Board/The Hill) ... A recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report released to Congress on the environmental and resource conservation impacts of biofuel production deliberately misses the mark because of what it excludes. The EPA authors note that
July 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Fischer Joins Acting EPA Administrator to Announce Approved Fuel Pathway for Sorghum Oil
(Office of Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)) U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement today after participating in an event at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to announce an approved fuel pathway for grain
July 24, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Issues Notice of Data Availability on Grain Sorghum
(National Sorghum Producers) On May 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of data availability (NODA) concerning renewable fuels produced from grain sorghum under the RFS program. EPA’s analysis shows grain sorghum, when used to make ethanol at
July 24, 2018 Read Full Article
With Friends Like This... ... EPA's Proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support Rule
by Doug Sombke (Ethanol Producer Magazine/South Dakota Farmers Union) South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke discusses how the EPA's proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support rule would hurt both the ethanol and agriculture industries -- ... There is no precedent for the
July 23, 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
Ethanol Industry, Aurora Co-Op Continue to Expand in Nebraska
by Robert Pore (Kearney Hub) ... Aurora Cooperative is opening its new A-Stop 24 pump site just north of Grant on Highway 61. Friday’s ceremony was attended by Gov. Pete Ricketts, area chamber members and Nebraska corn and ethanol board representatives. The
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Sen. Ernst Questions CEQ Nominee on RFS and Year-Round E15
by AJ Taylor (KIOW) Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) stressed the importance of biofuels to rural communities and the need to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on the nomination of Mary Bridget Neumayr
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
When Does Environmental Regulation Stimulate Technological Innovation?
by David M. Hart (Information Technology and Innovation Foundation) There’s no magic bullet to ensure firms will respond to environmental regulation by innovating. But a literature review shows certain conditions that will raise that likelihood, pointing the way to some important
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Help Or Hinder? Federal Agencies At Odds Over Biofuels
by Madelyn Beck (Harvest Public Media/KUNC) ... That’s because for the last few years, the EPA and the Department of Energy have been at odds, with taxpayer money creating a new biofuel industry that may not have the room to grow
July 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Report: Clean Car Rules Coming Soon
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)Mark your calendars, readers. An EPA official told E&E News that the Trump administration will propose its plans for weakening Obama-era clean car standards next week. The plan will provide several options for public comment,
July 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Did Trump’s Renewable Fuels Policy Really Cost Corn Growers $3.65 Billion in 2017?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, new evidence has appeared that a Trump Administration shift on US low carbon fuel policy may have cost US corn growers an estimated $3.65 billion. The mechanism? A secretive effort by Administration officials installed at
July 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at the BIO World Congress: Dinneen Steps Down at RFA, Cooper Succeeds; EPA Hearings in DC; Organic Solar Cells; Lygos rockin’; Biomaterials Advance; Iffy News for Algae Tech.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... News spread like wildfire at the 2018 BIO World Congress in Philadelphia that Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen will transition into the role of RFA’s Senior Strategic Advisor, and Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper
July 19, 2018 Read Full Article
California Is Cutting Greenhouse Gases, but Not from Cars. Can That Change?
by David R. Baker (San Francisco Chronicle) ... Emissions from transportation — cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships — keep rising. And since transportation accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector, that must change if the state hopes
July 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Admin Moves to Throw out RFS Waivers Suit
by Amanda Reilly (E&E News) The Trump administration on Friday asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit over EPA's decision to exempt refiners from annual renewable fuel requirements. Government lawyers raised procedural arguments against the suit in the U.S.
July 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Prior to Take-off: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Jet Fuels and Certification
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Before renewable jet fuel production comes renewable jet fuel certification. What is involved? FAA and CAAFI stalwart Mark Rumizen presented on the process, the steps, the milestones and more at ABLC 2018 in Washington DC. READ MORE
July 17, 2018 Read Full Article
A Plan to Reallocate Waived Biofuels
(Red River Farm Network) The ethanol industry will continue to pursue a fix for the damages brought on from EPA’s issuing of small refinery waivers. Ahead of a public hearing Wednesday, Renewable Fuels Association Executive Vice-President Geoff Cooper says there
July 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Not Happy with EPA RFS Reply
(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) The Environmental Protection Agency finally replied to a letter that Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and 11 other senators sent in April inquiring about waivers to the Renewable Fuel Standard, but Grassley was
July 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association Releases 2018 Half Year Report
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) released its 2018 Half Year Report to its producer and vendor members at a networking event in Prior Lake yesterday. The report gave members an overview of Minnesota's ethanol industry in the first
July 12, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Scraps Detailed Plan to Force U.S. Refiners to Blend More Biofuels
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ditched a detailed plan that would have forced refiners to blend more biofuels into their gasoline and diesel in 2019 to compensate for volumes likely to be exempted under the agency’s small
July 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Growth Energy: American Drivers Pass 5 Billion Miles on E15
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy announced today that American drivers have logged 5 billion miles on E15. The latest milestone was reached in the midst of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restrictions on the sale E15 fuel across most of the country. During
July 11, 2018 Read Full Article
California Regulator Sees 'Window' for Deal on Fuel Economy Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California is ready to work with major automakers on revisions to greenhouse gas emission vehicle rules through 2025 and sees a “window” for a deal in the coming months, the state’s top clean air regulator told Reuters
July 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Brett Kavanaugh Could Be Good for Ethanol
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court could be good news for the ethanol industry and clean energy programs where adherence to the law is often challenged. Trump said Kavanaugh, in his twelve years as
July 10, 2018 Read Full Article
The 'Octane Olive Branch' Is Full of Thorns
by Doug Durante (The Hill/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) With a final rule on fuel economy likely to come out in the near future, a considerable amount of attention has centered on higher octane fuels as a pathway to increased efficiency in
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Pruitt Departure Allows for ‘Reset’ between Trump and Ethanol
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) ... The EPA also jettisoned a plan to incorporate an additional 1.5 billion gallons of biofuel requirements in last week’s proposal to make up for the potential waivers granted to small refineries. The agency said that it
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Creative Debt and Equity: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Structures for Bioeconomy Project Finance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
In a Q&A with The Washington Post on Friday, Wheeler Showed He Differs from Pruitt
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) In a Q&A with The Washington Post on Friday, (EPA Acting Administrator Scott) Wheeler showed he differs from Pruitt in at least one major way. He said he considers an endangerment finding that is the agency's
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard: Program Unlikely to Meet Production or Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Renewable Fuel Standard aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector through 2022. It requires that transportation fuels (such as gasoline and diesel) sold in the U.S. contain annually increasing amounts
July 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Scott Pruitt Steps down as EPA Head after Ethics, Management Scandals
by Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) Scott Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general who relentlessly pursued President Trump’s promises of deregulation at the Environmental Protection Agency, resigned Thursday after controversies over his lavish spending, ethical lapses and management decisions eroded
July 05, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Schedules Hearing on Proposed RFS Rule for July 18 COMMENT DEADLINE August 17, 2018
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced it will hold a public hearing in Ypsilanti, Michigan, July 18 to gather public input on its proposed rule to set 2019 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel
July 03, 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
Ethanol Helps Fourth of July Travelers Declare Independence from High Gas Prices
by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association) A record number of travelers will take to America’s highways and byways this Fourth of July holiday, and ethanol will be lowering the price they pay for gasoline while simultaneously strengthening our nation’s energy
July 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Ask EPA to Approve RFS Pathway for Biomass Power
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan delegation of California lawmakers are urging the U.S. EPA to resolve any issues that prevent biomass and waste-to-energy pathways from receiving the same level of support as other forms of energy under the
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
RFA Chief Knocks EPA Over Failure to Address Illegal Cut in 2016 RVO
by Jeff Barber (Opisnet) PA's failure to include in its proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) an estimated 500 million gal of renewable fuels that a federal appeals court last year said the agency illegally excluded from its 2016 biofuel targets
June 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Statement on EPA’s Proposed 2019 RFS Biofuels Levels
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) ... “As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I also have concerns that EPA may be ignoring or abusing the Administrative Procedure Act as they continue to grant waivers in secret and refuse to respond
June 28, 2018 Read Full Article
“To-mah-toe, To-may-toe…”: Consequences of Valorizing Biobased Carbon over Biobased Matter
by Michael A. Fatigati (Biofuels Digest) ... We now find it necessary to throttle back our drawdown of the fossil carbon account to preserve our climate and through reasoned and sensible policies and regulation moving us towards use of non-fossil or “living”
June 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Octane Overconfidence
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (W)hy oil refiners wouldn't use ethanol as a source of octane, under a high-octane fuel standard, without an RFS or RINs. -- ... Ethanol is the best and cheapest source
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Zero to 10 Million in 5 years
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Slow to start and with fewer gallons than targeted through the Renewable Fuel Standard, cellulosic ethanol is showing signs of steady growth. -- Cellulosic ethanol production has been gaining momentum in the past five years,
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Confirms 33 Small Refinery Waiver Applications
(Argus Media) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was considering applications to waive 2017 federal fuel blending requirements from 33 refiners this month, up from the 29 it confirmed in April, the agency said today (June 26, 2018). Applications increased as EPA faced
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Not Oil, Should Be Focus of EPA
by Dale Christensen (Argus Leader) The new EPA Director, E. Scott Pruitt is reworking the EPA. It appears their new mission is to rewrite all the rules to benefit the Oil Industry! The old rule of order was to help create a
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Releases Proposed 2019 RFS RVOs, Fails to Address Waivers COMMENT DEADLINE: August 17, 2018
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 26, the U.S. EPA released a proposed rule that aims to require 19.88 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply in 2019, up from 19.29 billion gallons in
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Provides Value to Everyone in the Chain
by John Duff (Delta Farm Press) ... Regardless of policy, ethanol presents a value proposition to all involved. Ethanol gives farmers access to more markets and greater global market liquidity. In a world where 74% of the variance in the price
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
EXCLUSIVE-Trump's EPA Ignored Energy Department Calls to Limit Biofuel Waivers
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency has consistently ignored recommendations from the Department of Energy to reject or limit waivers to oil refiners seeking exemptions from nation's biofuels law, according to five sources familiar with
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
BoatUS Conducting Ethanol, Summertime Refueling Survey
(Boating Industry/Boating Owners Association of The United States) With the start of the boating season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) wants to hear from boaters about their experiences with ethanol fuels in an online survey. The short, 13-question survey is an
June 26, 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
Barrasso Statement on Forthcoming Biofuel Mandate for 2019
(Office of Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)) U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), issued the following statement on the forthcoming biofuel mandate for 2019. “I will carefully examine EPA’s proposed rule, especially its impact
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Discussion Needs to Be Based on Facts
by David Kessel (Marin Independent Journal) ... Discussions on energy use and production are important, but need to be based on factual information, not made up red herrings. • The articles state the intent was to increase renewable fuels. Not mentioned
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Drain the Swamp: Fire Pruitt at EPA
(The Courier) ... Yet (Iowa Senator Joni) Ernst’s recent attack against Pruitt at a Washington energy forum was triggered over Pruitt’s “lies” about the Renewable Fuel Standard: not expanding year-round sales for the 15 percent corn-based ethanol fuel blend, while
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
The White House Continues to Drive The Outlook for Biofuels Producers
by Tristan R. Brown (Seeking Alpha) Three major policy developments by the White House have had a large impact on U.S. biofuel producers over the past week. The EPA was initially reported to be on the verge of effectively reducing the U.S.
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
House Members Demand Answers from EPA on RFS, Waivers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 20, 12 democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Agriculture asked the U.S. EPA to provide additional information regarding its failed implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose 19.88 bln Gallon Biofuels Mandate, up 3 pct - Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will propose setting a 19.88-billion-gallon biofuels blending mandate in 2019 under the Renewable Fuel Standard, up about 3 percent from 2018, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The proposal will include
June 22, 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
Growth Energy: Prime the Pump Success Driving Ethanol Demand
(Growth Energy) More than 2,800 retail sites will offer E15 by 2021, generating approximately 350 million new ethanol gallons annually, according to a one-pager released today by Growth Energy. The report touts the immense success of E15 and the accomplishments of
June 21, 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
Ethanol Industry Goes Global as Gasoline Price Rally Deteriorates Demand
by Suzanne Danforth and Jim Venhof (Genscape) U.S. domestic ethanol demand suffered this spring relative to 2017, despite consistently favorable blending values and increasing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements. The decline, following a period of historically low ethanol prices this winter, forced
June 20, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Decision on Isobutanol Blasts Gevo Stock into Stratosphere Monday
by Ben Miller (Denver Business Journal) Gevo applauded an EPA decision on isobutanol, a fuel that's made from renewable resources like corn. Gevo shares soared 262 percent in Monday trading. READ MORE EPA decision on isobutanol buoys Gevo stock Monday (9News.com) Gevo shares
June 19, 2018 Read Full Article
US EPA Close to Releasing 2019-20 Biofuel Mandate Volumes
(Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency is close to releasing its proposal for how much biofuel refiners must blend into the US transportation fuel supply next year, a spokeswoman said Friday. The policy will include 2019 blending requirements for ethanol and advanced
June 19, 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
GAO to Look into Trump's Reduction of Carbon Social Costs
by Miranda Green (The Hill) A government watchdog has agreed to review the Trump administration's method for calculating the social cost of carbon, including examining the decision to drop the rate as first determined during the Obama's administration. The Government Accountability Office
June 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Everyone's Favorite Acronym: The Renewable Fuel Standard
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Renewable Fuel Standard will be the subject of a subcommittee hearing this week in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On Friday the Environment subcommittee will have a hearing focused on advanced biofuels under
June 18, 2018 Read Full Article
White House to Meet Automakers, California on Fuel Efficiency Rule
by David Shepardson (Reuters) White House officials will have a new round of meetings with an automakers trade group and California’s “clean air” agency next week before unveiling a proposal to reverse rules aimed at increasing fuel efficiency, participants said on
June 15, 2018 Read Full Article
NMMA Provides Update on EPA Bio-Isobutanol Approval
(National Marine Manufacturers Association) Earlier this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt approved the registration of bio-isobutanol as a fuel additive. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has been a leading voice in the effort to secure approval for bio-isobutanol, raising it
June 15, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Chief Hints He Could Order More Ethanol in Fuel
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) A week after the White House suspended its bid to reform the nation’s biofuels policy to aid oil refiners, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday dangled a tantalizing prospect to Midwest corn farmers, saying
June 14, 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
Pruitt Heads out on Ethanol Visit
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to travel to Kansas this morning, where he'll stop by East Kansas Agri-Energy's ethanol plant in Garnett. The trip comes a week after the White House quashed the release