(High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal) U.S. consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry recently kicked
Regulations-Federal
Back TO HOMEFortune Smiles on Industry, Better Late Than Never
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) ... Second, we have both retroactive and forward-facing tax credits. For the first time in years, Congress injected some certainty into the market by extending expired tax provision for 2015 and 2016. The Advanced
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Betting on Biogas Growth in 2016
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine/Great Plains Institute) ... In the summer of 2014, the USDA released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. The release of this roadmap marked the first time that federal agencies made a public commitment to coordinate biogas activities and
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to NREL’s High-Octane Mid-Level Ethanol Blend Market Assessment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past month, NREL published a critical assessment on the viability of High-Octane Mid-Level Ethanol Blends and the impact on US energy options. The complete assessment is here. NREL writes: The introduction of more stringent standards for
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Octane’s Liquid Diamonds: The Secret Value of Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is ethanol really worth $3.81 for the octane but costs only $1.39 on the market? How could that be? Math majors around the country are frequently perplexed by this one. If you start with 84-octane RBOB
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
FTC Rule Amends Labeling Requirements for Certain Ethanol Blends
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has published a rule in the Federal Register finalizing amendments to its rule for automotive fuel ratings, certification and posting. The new rule adopts rating, certification and labeling requirements for
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Congressional Delegation Unanimously Calls for Strong Up-Tick in 2017 Renewable Fuel Volumes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the entire Iowa Congressional delegation urged the agency to set the next round of Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels in line with the statute –
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Faced with Cheap Oil Prices, Biofuels Industry Sees No Déjà Vu
(Reuters/Business Times) Ethanol producers may feel less pain from sinking oil prices than in previous tough times, as a government rule ensures a minimum use of the biofuel and recent consolidation gives them both financial strength and output flexibility. Oil prices
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Should the Ethanol Industry Promote E30 Fuel Blend?
by By Mikkel Pates (Grand Forks Herald) ... Brian West, deputy director of the Fuels, Engines and Emissions Research Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., said the issue shouldn't be difficult with owners of flex-fuel vehicles that
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Let's Give Credit Where It's Due
by Kenneth Riffle (Salina Journal) Opinion: ... Ethanol utilized as an oxygenate in blended gasoline helps control carbon monoxide emissions. As an economic driver, ethanol has strengthened rural communities by adding value to agricultural production. If adhered to, the ethanol incentive model
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
How Much Do Iowans Care about Ethanol?
by James Q. Lynch (The Gazette) Not as much as they used to, poll suggests, but results open to debate -- A free-market think tank has made a seven-figure ad buy to alert caucus goers of the environmental impact of corn
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol: Does EPA’s RFS Ruling Meet Congress’s Intent?
by Jonathan Coppess (University of Illinois/AgFax) Today’s article completes the discussion of EPA’s final rule for the RFS. The previous articles in this series provided background on the RFS, a general review of the final rule and questioned EPA’s definition of the
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Production Rises in 2015 as Consumers Seek Cleaner Fuels
(National Biodiesel Board) US consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry kicks off
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
RFA Issues One-Pager to Correct Anti-Ethanol Rhetoric on the Presidential Campaign Trail
(Renewable Fuel Association) In response to the anti-ethanol rhetoric that has been dominating the presidential campaign in the run-up to the Iowa caucuses, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a one-pager to media outlets to correct the misconceptions regarding ethanol
January 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Great Green Fleet: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to the US Navy’s Transition to Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
January 20, 2016 Read Full Article
How a Controversial SECNAV Has Transformed the Navy
(Navy Times) ... The future fleet is poised to operate more on alternative fuels and be less dependent on Middle Eastern oil. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has transformed the services he leads during what has become the longest tenure of a Navy secretary
January 20, 2016 Read Full Article
South Korea Planning To File Charges Against Volkswagen Exec: Report
by Michael Ballaban (Jalopnik) 1st Gear: Criminal Charges Coming Against Volkswagen’s People -- We haven’t seen much by the way of actual, personal, criminal consequences for Volkswagen executives, but the first round of charges coming down the pipe might not be
January 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Upside Down Ethanol-Gas Ratio Appears to Be New Normal
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After a decade of ethanol mostly being priced lower than gasoline, the ethanol/gasoline price ratio has been above 1.0 for the past four months. “The hefty premium of ethanol to gasoline threatens the position
January 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Biofuels Outlook: Abengoa Doubts May Not Affect Biofuels Industry
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Although the cellulosic ethanol industry has had some challenges, there is hope for the year ahead. For some Midwest farmers, cellulosic ethanol's launch in the past two years has allowed them to put their corn
January 19, 2016 Read Full Article
This Couple Is Driving Cross-Country To Return Their Polluting Jetta To VW Headquarters
by David Tracy (Jalopnik) Upset that Volkswagen deceived them into buying a not-so-clean diesel, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari are driving from Colorado to VW’s headquarters in Virginia to return their Jetta SportWagen TDI and drop off 20,000 petitions. ... ... You see,
January 18, 2016 Read Full Article
New White Paper Identifies Opportunities for Increased Ethanol Demand: Growing Beyond the RFS Keys on Regulatory Relief
(Ethanol Across America) Despite the effectiveness of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in providing an entry ramp to the fuel market, the potential for corn ethanol to contribute to meeting a range of public policy objectives has only scratched the
January 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Greens: Gas Developers Aren’t Telling Investors of Methane Leaks
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Natural gas developers are providing very restricted information about their methane emissions to investors, according to a report released Monday by a green group. According to an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) analysis, only 18 of 65 major
January 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol, RFS Are Points of Contention in Ag States
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) A pair of volunteers holds up a sign near a rally for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. It says “I’m caucusing for ethanol in 2016.” The message is clear. Ethanol supporters would like to remind farmers
January 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Questioning The Final RFS Rule, Part 2: The Meaning Of The Word 'Supply'
by Jonathan Coppess (Farms.com/Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois) This article looks specifically at EPA's interpretation of the word 'supply' in the waiver provision 'inadequate domestic supply' and what Congress intended it to mean. ... The waiver authority includes when
January 15, 2016 Read Full Article
The Candidates and Media Are Getting the Iowa Ethanol Debate All Wrong
by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post Fact Checker) ... The Fact Checker will explore an important distinction in the rhetoric over the ethanol mandate that has been mischaracterized by politicians, including Cruz, and even members of the media. The premise set
January 15, 2016 Read Full Article
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Files Motion to Intervene in Ethanol Industry Lawsuit
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President Chet Thompson announces the association’s decision to intervene in the lawsuit brought by the ethanol industry against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) use of its general waiver authority
January 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Invisible Disaster of Aliso Canyon Leak May Give Methane Rules Momentum
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) The massive methane spill at the Aliso Canyon storage field has pumped out at least 77,500 metric tons of gas since Oct. 23, and it will be months before the spill can be closed.
January 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Anti-Cruz Campaign Could Backfire on Ethanol, Backer Says
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) The ethanol industry risks losing its long-standing political clout in presidential elections if Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wins the Iowa caucuses despite the industry's attacks on him, says Iowa Rep. Steve King. “If they fall short, then
January 14, 2016 Read Full Article
RFA Comments on DOE’s Innovative “Optima” Program
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) had a call for information on Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Optima). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments stating that the Association agrees that “co-optimization of future
January 14, 2016 Read Full Article
CORRECTED: Cruz Still Favors Slashing Ethanol Mandate Every Year for Five Years
by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) With some hasty blogging — and exacerbated by an Iowan's mistaken assertion about the ethanol mandate, Ted Cruz's shrewd answering, and the ethanol lobby's odd response — I contributed to some confusion about Ted
January 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Opportunities Abroad
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Several U.S. producers, including Genuine Bio-Fuel, Hero BX and the now-defunct Promethean Biofuels, in addition to Miami-based biodiesel exporter and hopeful technology provider Lagosur, sketch out overviews of international developments. ... “Taxation, regulation, cost of production, market
January 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Obama, with No Elections Left to Lose, Drops Mention of Fossil Fuels
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) President Obama's final State of the Union address made no mention of an "all of the above" energy policy, nor of natural gas or fracking, and it only mentioned oil to either criticize it
January 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Defour Group and Transportation Fuel Consulting Post Responses to DOE Request Regarding Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
(Defour Group/Transportation Fuels Consulting) Dean Drake of the Defour Group LLC (D4) and Gary Herwick of Transportation Fuels Consulting (TFC) have submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information about co-optimization of fuels and engines. Their response reflects their
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Economist: Blend Wall Debate Might Help Sluggish Crop Prices
by Nat Williams (The Southern News Services) ...The reasons include the Great Recession and falling gasoline prices, among a few other things. At issue is the federal mandate for ethanol inclusion as a component of motor fuels, according to Scott Irwin.
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Pushmi-Pullyu: How Do Carbon Prices and Fuel Mandates Work Together in Breaking through a Fossil Fuel Monopoly? Or, Do They?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, the set-up of the transition from fossil fuels is as pretty and impractical as Dr. Doolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu. The Digest investigates. -- ... For example, a renewable fuel does not qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Reacts to API Criticism of RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen has spoken out to reject (American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack) Gerard’s claims. “I’m not sure what reality Jack is living in, but it is
January 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump’s Trump Card in Iowa?
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Donald Trump is an unabashed backer of federal support for ethanol, a popular issue in Iowa that could provide the GOP front-runner with an effective closing argument against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) ahead of the Feb.
January 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Facing U.S. Storm, VW Set for Easier Ride in Europe on Emissions Scandal
by Barbara Lewis and Kirstin Ridley (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is unlikely to face U.S.-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and
January 11, 2016 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Groups Kick off Legal Challenge to U.S. Biofuels Standard
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Jan 8 Seven biofuel and agriculture groups have asked a U.S. court to a review the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016, according to a court filing on Friday, kicking off a widely-expected
January 11, 2016 Read Full Article
‘When Ethanol Attacks,’ Starring Ted Cruz
by David Weigel (The Washington Post) (Wednesday, January 6, 2016) 11:45 a.m. ... "Because of this EPA wall, the market is currently dominated by low-level ethanol blends, such as 'E10' (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline)," Cruz writes. "That has prevented
January 08, 2016 Read Full Article
United States Files Complaint Against Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations
(U.S. Department of Justice) The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today filed a civil complaint in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen Group of
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
IFES 2015: The Outlook for Conventional Biofuels Is Brighter than You Think
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) This is a presentation summary from the 2015 Illinois Farm Economics Summit (IFES) which occurred December 14-18, 2015. A complete collection of presentations including PowerPoint Slides (PPT) and printable summaries (PDF) are available here. The EPA released
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Aemetis Shares Jump 52% in One Day
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, investors were pleasantly shocked when shares in Aemetis traded up 52% last Thursday. What exactly is happening? In a release, Aemetis credited five factors for the jump: January 1, 2016: California LCFS re-adopted as of
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels as Seen by OPEC: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Biofuels in the World Oil Outlook
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this year’s World Oil Outlook, OPEC writes: The prospects for first generation biofuels are constrained by factors such as land use changes, excessive water usage, and the impact on food production and prices from
December 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Paper, Wood Products Manufacturers File Biomass Litigation on CPP
(American Forest & Paper Association, American Wood Council/Biomass Magazine) American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman and American Wood Council President and CEO Robert Glowinski have issued the following statements after filing a joint petition for review in the
December 30, 2015 Read Full Article
FTC Finalizes Proposed Labeling Requirements for Ethanol Blends
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has announced final amendments regarding ethanol blends above E10 to its fuel rating rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on pump labels and how octane levels are calculated.
December 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Accounts: Big News for Biodiesel
by David Ripplinger (North Dakota State University) The domestic level of biodiesel use is mandated to increase to 2 billion gallons a year by 2017, double the minimum amount required by the original law. How much biodiesel is that? Domestic biodiesel
December 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Record Production Propels Industry in Face of EPA Rule
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) EPA needs to stop micromanaging the RFS—allow the program to work as intended—and the record-setting ethanol industry will continue to perform for American consumers, writes Bob Dinneeen. -- ... The high came
December 28, 2015 Read Full Article
The 7 Flying Reindeer: Renewable Fuel Myths that Continue to Defy Gravity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, biofuels causing corn planting to skyrocket, low oil prices killing off renewable fuels, the subsidy myth, the emissions myth, the “people won’t buy the fuels” myth, and the Insanity myth. ... In the world
December 23, 2015 Read Full Article
TSCA Reform: Detailed Summary of Key Changes in Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (S. 697) as Compared with S. 697 Passed by Senate EPW in June
(Bergeson & Campbell) This analysis reviews the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (S. 697) as passed by the Senate on December 17, 2015, and compares it to the previous version of S. 697 (identified as
December 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Carson Decries Ethanol Subsidies, Rubio Focuses on Manufacturing
(RadioIowa) Republican candidate Ben Carson says he’d like to see all subsidies for the biofuels industry done away with if he wins the White House. Support for ethanol has become a flash point in the race. On Monday Governor Terry Branstad saying he
December 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Voters Have Given up on Ethanol; Presidential Candidates Are Following Suit
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) ... Now that fuel, corn-based ethanol, finds itself threatened with a defection that was once unthinkable: Iowa voters. The electorate here in the early voting state often defined by its vast expanses of corn has
December 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Cruz Out of Sync on Ethanol with Likely Republican Caucus-Goers in Iowa Poll
by John McCormick (Bloomberg Politics) The poll also shows the parochial nature—and potential for hypocrisy—surrounding federal assistance programs -- Ted Cruz's position on a requirement that's key to corn-based ethanol runs counter to the views of a solid majority of
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Cheap Gas Spurs SUV Sales and Puts U.S. Climate Goals at Risk
by David Shepardson and Paul Lienert (Reuters) Surging demand for trucks and SUVs fueled by cheap gasoline is holding back improvements in U.S. fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, a government report due out on Wednesday is expected to show. The
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Federal Agencies Release Update on National Biogas Activities
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) In support of the Obama Administration's Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap Progress Report today
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Tyner: Decision on RFS Is Statement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Farmers' Advance) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final rules on the volume of biofuels that must be produced from 2014 to 2016 continues the current policy thrust that biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, Purdue University energy
December 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Presidential Hopeful Would Eliminate Ethanol Subsidies
by James Q. Lynch (The Gazette/AgriView) Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his energy plan that would terminate federal support for ethanol production, claiming that ending subsidies for all forms of energy would expand the market — and demand —
December 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Grassley Expects Challenges to EPA's RFS Ruling
by Mike Peterson (KMALand) The Environmental Protection Agency faces congressional and legal action following its recent decision on the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2016. That's according to Iowa Senator Charles Grassley, who is among those not happy with the EPA's
December 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama's Climate Change Hypocrisy
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) Some commentators have argued President Barack Obama suffers from a failure of leadership. That was evidenced once again last week when he traveled to Paris to demand the world cut greenhouse gas emissions on the
December 11, 2015 Read Full Article
SDFU Delegates Vote to Take Pro-E30 Challenge
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) The South Dakota Farmers Union celebrated its 100th annual meeting by taking another step forward in history by unanimously passing a resolution that dedicates its members to use a 30 percent ethanol blend in all of
December 11, 2015 Read Full Article
VW Staff Began Working on Cheat in 2005 to Break into U.S. Market
by David Rising and Kerstin Sopke (The Washington Post/Associated Press) A small group of Volkswagen engineers began working as early as 2005 on emissions cheating software after they were unable to find a technical solution to U.S. emissions controls as
December 11, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA’s Contradictory Rule Is a Gut Punch to Advanced Biofuels
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) After a painful and damaging two-year delay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week published Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, the agency finalized a rule riddled with contradictions and
December 10, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Won't Compel Biofuel Market Changes: Update
(Argus Media) The Environmental Protection Agency expects sales of high-ethanol gasoline blends to climb next year but will not use federal mandates to compel retailers to offer the fuels. The distinction, laid out in a lengthy explanation of mandates finalized last
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Eric Branstad: Cruz Oil Stains
by Douglas Burns (Des Moines CityView) Governor’s son rips leading GOP presidential candidate over renewable energy -- Eric Branstad, leader of a fierce grassroots organization backing renewable-energy sources like ethanol, said last Thursday that Ted Cruz is far and away
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA to EPA: New Gasoline Volatility Regulations Needed
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a letter submitted Dec. 8 to the U.S. EPA, the Renewable Fuels Association urged the agency to take immediate administrative action to eliminate an arcane regulatory barrier that is impeding growth in the use
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
RINs Behavior after EPA Rule Shows Ethanol-Biodiesel Relationship
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The release of the U.S. EPA’s final rulemaking for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) was a shock to the RINs market—the renewable identification numbers used by obligated parties to demonstrate compliance. Biodiesel, D4
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Does This Really Make Us More Secure?
by Gary Truitt (1010WCSI) ... Yet, the biggest indication that the President’s comments were flimflam came from within his own administration. Within hours of Mr. Obama’s remarks in Paris, the EPA announced the final rule on the blend levels of ethanol
December 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Fiorina Wants to Earn ‘A’ on Ethanol
by Douglas Burns (Daily Times Herald) Republican presidential candidate tours Coon Rapids POET plant --- ... America’s Renewable Future, a highly visible advocate at presidential campaign events in Iowa, scored Fiorina, a Republican, as “needs work” on the Renewable Fuel Standard,
December 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Michigan Corn Growers Disappointed with New Ethanol Limits
by Andy Balaskovitz (MiBiz) ... “Any reduction in the statutory amount is a roadblock to biofuels like ethanol,” said Jim Zook, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “By failing to set (blend) levels at the statutory amount, it appears the
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Candidates Are Skipping Traditionally Mighty Farm Issues in Iowa
by Scott Canon (Kansas City Star) ... The discussion of ethanol policy puts conservatives in an awkward spot --- ...Yet even in Iowa this year, Grain Belt concerns now draw less attention than in the past. That could mean that expansion
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
The Petrified Forest, or Who Moved my $80 Oil?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Are high prices good for renewable fuels? The hard data actually goes the other way. The Digest investigates. ... What we can see from the following chart is confirmation that fracking and other enhanced oil
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
RINs Gone Wild? (round 2)
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) The EPA released the final rulemaking for 2014-2016 RFS standards on Monday, November 30. This release follows preliminary rulemaking released on May 29 of this year. Figures 1 and 2 are based on
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Abengoa Shuts Down Hugoton, Colwich, St Louis HQ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Kansas, Abengoa has decided to suspend production at its new cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton as well as its corn-based ethanol plant in Colwich as part of the recent financial troubles the company is
December 04, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Rule Recognizes Biogas's Leading Role in the Advanced Biofuel Industry
(American Biogas Council) Rule falls short of recognizing biogas industry's full potential. -- The EPA released its long anticipated final rule for the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the years 2014-2016. The action recognizes the
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA's Final Renewable Fuel Standard Concerns Iowa Lawmakers
by Peter Zampa (KFYR TV) ... The RFS program comes up billions of gallons short of the ethanol consumption requirements laid out under the original RFS plan. "With corn prices being down as they are, with the ag economy in Iowa being in
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Group Hits Cruz in Iowa
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) An Iowa-based ethanol group is running advertisements against Sen. Ted Cruz, just as the GOP presidential hopeful's campaign is gaining steam in the Hawkeye State. The ads from America’s Renewable Future criticize Cruz’s position against the
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
RFS Rule Undercuts U.S. Commitment to Reducing GHGs
(25 x '25) It was with some ironic bemusement that biofuel advocates read the headlines from the mainstream media that said the Obama administration “raised’ the biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule announced this week by
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
The 2016 US Outlook for Ethanol and Biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “In the old days, ethanol was a political commodity,” Informa Economics Senior VP Scott Richman told the crowd assembled at the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference in Vancouver this week, organized by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. “Now, it’s
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Diverse Parties Say Federal Biotech Rules Confusing
by Pat Rizzuto (BNA) The federal approach to regulating bioengineered products is a confusing labyrinth, according to companies, trade associations, advocacy groups and scientists. Companies must follow a maze to identify which agencies may have jurisdiction over a bioengineered product and
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Ethanol Makers Are Actually Relieved With New EPA Cuts
by Robert Hackett (Fortune) ... Farmers and ethanol companies welcomed the change, according to the Wall Street Journal, since the cuts laid out earlier this year were originally more severe. But they were still dissatisfied that the requirement did not meet
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Jeb Bush Responds to New Ethanol Mandate
by Jason Nobel (Des Moines Register) Jeb Bush faulted the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to provide “clarity” with the updated ethanol mandate released on Monday, but was generally supportive of the levels prescribed. The Republican presidential candidate has targeted 2022
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Will Congressional Opposition to RFS Rule Lead to Reform?
by Tiffany Stecker (E&E/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) The ink on U.S. EPA’s final rule for the renewable fuel standard is barely dry, but long-standing foes in Congress are already aiming to block the biofuels program. Yesterday, Rep. Bill Flores (R-Texas), who spearheaded
December 01, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama Dials Back Ethanol Fuel Standard
by Tim Devaney (The Hill) The Obama administration set new standards Monday for ethanol levels in fuel, enraging competing industries that had battled for months to influence the contentious regulations. The final renewable fuel standard (RFS) unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency
December 01, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Bumps up US Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes for 2015-2016, in Final Ruling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program today for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to
December 01, 2015 Read Full Article
2015: A Missed Opportunity for Biofuels
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) To say that 2015 was an overall disappointment for the biofuels industry would be an understatement. With the price of oil hovering from the high $30s to the mid-$50s all year long, the
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Producers Applaud EPA’s Final Rule, Continue Push for RFS Reform
(Advanced Biofuels Association) In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of final renewable volume obligations for 2014 through 2016 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) has issued the following statement attributable to Michael
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Improves Final RVOs
(Growth Energy) Final rule breaks through so-called blend wall -- Growth Energy and its members are pleased to see that the President and the Environmental Protection Agency have recognized the need to move the renewable fuel industry past the so-called blend
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA: EPA’s Final RFS Rule Puts Future of Biofuels & Climate Policy in Hands of Oil Industry
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that refiners have to meet in blending biofuels with gasoline. The agency increased the blending
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Finalizes Increases in Renewable Fuel Levels
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program today for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to 2017.
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Association Welcomes Renewable Fuels Announcement
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the Obama administration Monday for reducing America’s dependence on high-carbon fossil fuels by raising biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “This decision means we will displace billions of gallons of
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama Set to Issue Ethanol Fuel Mandate
by Devin Henry (The Hill) ... Pro-ethanol forces say concern over the “blend wall” is overblown and that cars manufactured today are certified to run on higher-blend fuels. In their ads — in Washington and around the country — they say
November 27, 2015 Read Full Article
It’s In the Plan: EPA Offers Clues on Woody Biomass Utilization
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Over the past several months, biomass stakeholders have expressed frustration at the administration’s failure to label the use of biomass feedstocks as carbon neutral. The pellet industry and biomass advocates argue, that so long as
November 27, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Expected to Nudge Higher Biofuels Mandates: Sources
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is widely expected to increase requirements for biofuels use through 2016 due to higher total fuel demand, when it publishes a final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule in the coming
November 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Review Raises Alarm in Maine over Potential Increase of Ethanol in Gasoline
by Whit Richardson (Portland Press Herald) Critics say the change would cost drivers, farmers, fuel sellers and small-engine equipment owners. ... But that report is clearly politically motivated to sway the EPA’s decision and its conclusions are unreliable, said Jonathan
November 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Banks: Ethanol Is a Bad Deal for Vt.
by David Banks ( American Council for Capital Formation/Times Argus) Not a single gallon of fuel ethanol is produced in Vermont, and almost none of the corn harvested in the state is used for commercial purposes, according to USDA data. ... The
November 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae: 2015, the Year in Review
by Matt Carr (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Low oil prices, company mergers or evolving business strategies may be easily spun by the skeptics as reasons to fret, but in the case of our industry they are almost all illustrations of
November 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Oil and Biofuels Lobby White House on Renewable Fuel Standard Ahead of Nov. 30 Deadline
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In the lead-up to the administration’s release of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), it’s been a veritable who’s who of renewable fuels and petrochemical refiners visiting the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
November 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Pelosi to Obama: Boost U.S. Biofuels Program ahead of Paris Talks
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and three other lawmakers are pressing President Barack Obama not to back-peddle on the country's biofuels program just days ahead of global climate change talks in Paris. The Democratic Representatives -
November 20, 2015 Read Full Article
GHG Emissions Reductions Due to the RFS2
by Susan Boland and Stefan Unnasch (Life Cycle Associates) The RFS2 has resulted in aggregate GHG emissions reductions from the use of biofuels, which exceed the original projections from the final Rule. The RFS2 has resulted in significant GHG reductions, with
November 20, 2015 Read Full Article
What a Weakened RFS Program Means for the State of Iowa and this Country
by Joe Hrdlicka (Biofuels Digest/Iowa Biotechnology Association) Iowa’s investment in biofuels, driven by the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), has brought the state new business and job opportunities. Iowa is home to three of the first-in-the-nation cellulosic biofuel refineries that
November 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Play All Our Cards on Climate, Including Biodiesel
by former Sen. Byron Dorgan (The Hill) ... Like a smart poker player, we have to capitalize on the good cards we have. One of those is biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from recycled cooking grease, plant oils, and animal fats that
November 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Rubio's Sugar Support Draws Corn, Soybean Questions
by Mackenzie Ryan (Des Moines Register) ... After Republican rival Ted Cruz took aim at sugar subsidies during last week's GOP debate, Iowa agriculture and biofuel leaders began questioning how Rubio’s support for that industry compares with his stance on renewable fuels made from corn
November 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Proponents Speaking up as EPA Decision Draws Near
(Ohio's Country Journal) National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling has urged President Obama to reverse the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed cuts in the Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume obligation and adhere to the statute of the law itself. ... “Contrary to
November 18, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Issues Cellulosic Waiver Credit Price at $1.33
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued Cellulosic Waiver Credit Price Calculation for 2016 as laid out by EPA must reduce the required volume of cellulosic biofuel for that year to the projected volume,
November 18, 2015 Read Full Article
What Facts Are Really Facts?
by Matt Reese (Ohio's Country Journal) ... The heated debate over the RFS really ramped up in recent weeks with dueling ad campaigns in Ohio and Washington, D.C. highlighting very different sets of facts pertaining to ethanol’s impact on the
November 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Federal Ethanol Mandate Imposes $42 Billion Fuel Tax on California
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) San Francisco billionaire Tom Steyer and other national political figures have sold out California’s economy by supporting the federal government’s corn ethanol mandate. The mandate has already imposed $13.1 billion in higher fuel costs on Golden
November 17, 2015 Read Full Article
The Truth about Ethanol
by John Sedbrook (The Hill) The American Enterprise Institute’s Mark Perry wrote in these pages, in no uncertain terms, that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and fuel ethanol is a “failure.” While one may wonder what motivations lie behind such a
November 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Should the U.S. End the Ethanol Mandate?
by Margo Oge & Robert Bryce (The Wall Street Journal/Governors' Biofuel Coalition) ... Robert Bryce, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, says the ethanol mandate is bad for consumers and the environment. Margo T. Oge, a former
November 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Sit on the RINs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The US Environmental Protection Agency has discovered the following way of interpreting Energy Independence and Security Act. To wit, if the transportation fuels supply chain — controlled by guess whom — does not build renewable
November 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association Formally Opposes EPA RFS Proposal
(UNICA/Green Car Congress) Breaking with its past support of EPA’s RFS implementation decisions, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) is formally opposing EPA’s proposal—due to be released in about two weeks—to reduce RFS volume targets for 2014, 2015, 2016 (earlier
November 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Fuels America Launches TV Campaign to Counter Anti-RFS Letter
(Fuels America/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuels America is announcing a significant television campaign today calling out Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) for signing on to a Congressional letter that was authored by oil industry lobbyists. The first phase of the campaign includes 250
November 13, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA Urges Secretary of State Kerry to Promote the Success of the RFS at COP21
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a letter this week to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to promote the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at the upcoming Paris climate talks, known as
November 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Is Obama Doing Inhofe's Dirty Work on Biofuels?
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... "That's the biggest risk we face -- not acting," Obama said. "Today, we're continuing to lead by example. Because ultimately, if we're going to prevent large parts of this earth from becoming not only inhospitable but
November 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Ad by Americans for Energy Security & Innovation: Obama Is a Hypocrite
(Americans for Energy Security & Innovation) President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency is gutting the successful Renewable Fuel Standard that has created jobs and cut our dependence on foreign oil. WATCH AD READ MORE and MORE (Connectivity)
November 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Biorefinery Assistance Program Changes Now in Effect
by John Kirkwood (Faegre Baker Daniels LLP/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few changes have been implemented in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, writes John Kirkwood. ... In June, an interim final rule was published in the
November 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Anti-Ethanol Group Expands National Ad Buy
by Devin Henry (The Hill) A group opposing the federal ethanol mandate has extended its advertising campaign against the rule into several corn-growing states. The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF), a D.C.-based free market group, is hitting the airwaves
November 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Don’t Weaken the RFS
by Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (R-N.J.) (The Hill) ... The RFS is Congress’s answer to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. The RFS is the most successful law on the books
November 10, 2015 Read Full Article
A High Price to Pay: The Hidden Costs of Corn-Ethanol Mandates on New England
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) ... How have the RFS and federal corn consumption mandates impacted non-corn states, and the small businesses struggling to stay competitive in the global economy? According to a new study commissioned by the Center for
November 10, 2015 Read Full Article
ARF Releases Candidate Midterm Report Card
(America's Renewable Future) Today, America’s Renewable Future (ARF) released a midterm report card placing 2016 presidential candidates into three categories—good, needs work, and bad—based on their support of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The midterm report card will serve
November 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Oil Lobby Had Hand in House Lawmakers’ Anti-Ethanol Note to EPA
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) An odd-bedfellows group of lawmakers — led by an oil-industry ally from Texas and a progressive Vermonter — raised a familiar-sounding concern about ethanol in a letter this week to EPA chief Gina McCarthy. Their argument that the Environmental
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA Sees Positives And Negatives From CBO Report
(WNAX) A Congressional Budget Office report released this summer and shared at a Congressional Committee hearing last week looked at what might happen if the RFS were repealed. Renewable Fuel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says the report debunks
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Boston-Area TV Ad Campaign Urges Federal Action on Corn Ethanol Mandate
by Shannon Young (MassLive) A Washington D.C.-based group launched a television ad campaign in Boston this week that takes aim at the federal corn ethanol mandates and calls on congressional lawmakers to end them. The 30-second ad, sponsored by American Council
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Groups Pressure EPA On Biofuels Mandate
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Supporters and opponents of biofuel mandates are ramping up pressure on EPA in hopes of influencing a rule, due on Nov. 30, on how much corn ethanol and advanced biofuel will be blended
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Strong RFS Support Offers Low-Risk Opportunity for Democrats to Connect with Voters They Need to Retake Majority
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Although relatively obscure by Washington standards, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) carries a unique level of importance and visibility in many rural states. The fact that the RFS invariably becomes a priority campaign issue for
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Will the Renewable Fuel Standard Impact the 2016 Elections?
by Jonathan H Harsch (Agri-Pulse) The escalating battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) added another front Thursday. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson warned President Obama that lowering the RFS volume requirements could result in Democrats losing otherwise winnable congressional
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
New CRS Report: How Corn Ethanol Mandates Have Hurt Ohio’s Environment and Economy
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) Washington-imposed mandates that have forced increasing volumes of corn ethanol to be added to Ohio’s and our nation’s fuel supply have produced an additional 1.92 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in Ohio alone since 2005,
November 06, 2015 Read Full Article
184 Lawmakers Want EPA to Reduce 2016 Biofuel Mandate
by Kyle Feldscher (Washington Examiner) Almost 200 House members want the Environmental Protection Agency to halt its plan to increase the amount of biofuels required in gasoline next year. The 184 lawmakers from both parties sent a letter to EPA Administrator
November 06, 2015 Read Full Article
House Science Committee Hearing Exposes Fundamental Flaws in RFS Opponents Attacks
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (November 3, 2015), the House Science, Space and Technology committee held a joint hearing of the subcommittees on Environment and Oversight titled “Renewable Fuel Standard: A Ten Year Review of Costs and Benefits.” Renewable Fuels Association
November 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama's Climate Plan Is a 'Fantasy Document'
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... "If you add them up, we are way, way, way short to what we committed to in Paris," said David Bookbinder, former counsel for environmental group Sierra Club and a leading figure on environmental
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Payne Leads House Members in Calling on EPA to Protect Biofuels Volume Requirement
(Office if Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.) As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes proposed rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and 15 of his House colleagues urged the agency not to
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
How Gas-Guzzling Americans Are Aiding the Call for More Biofuels
by Mario Parker (BloombergBusiness) Obama administration may increase biofuel consumption targets; U.S. gasoline demand this year to reach highest since 2007 -- More demand means more gasoline being blended. And more blending means more ethanol potentially getting added to the mix.
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Better Biofuels Ahead: The Road to Low-Carbon Fuels
by Emily Cassidy (Environmental Working Group) Biofuels produced from switchgrass and post-harvest corn waste could significantly reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change, according to an analysis by EWG and University of California biofuels experts. EWG’s analysis found that the life
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Automobile Fuel Economy Standards in a Lower-Oil-Price World: A CFR Discussion Paper
by Varun Sivaram and Michael A. Levi (Council on Foreign Relations) Corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, which require automakers to achieve government-mandated targets for the efficiency of the vehicles they sell each year, can reduce U.S. reliance on oil,
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Says Volkswagen Cheated a 2nd Time on Pollution Tests
by Matthew Daly and Tom Krisher (Associated Press/Washington Post) ... The Environmental Protection Agency, along with the California Air Resources Board, said Volkswagen installed software on thousands of Audi, Porsche and VW cars with six-cylinder diesel engines that allowed them to emit
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Poll: 80% of Voters Support a US Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, 80 percent of US registered voters support a renewable fuel standard today and just 10 percent oppose. The remaining 9 percent are unsure. Moore Information conducted an online survey of registered voters nationwide on
November 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Fuels America: How Did the Oil Industry Suddenly Become Obama Administration Climate Policy Advisors?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Fuels America will launch a seven-figure TV and digital ad campaign Friday morning depicting President Obama’s choice of who to listen to when it comes to the Renewable Fuel Standard: his own experts
November 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Opinions Sought on National Forest Service Biofuels, Forest Restoration Projects
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies (BANR research member David Jackson, PhD of the University of Idaho seeks participants for a survey of "a broad cross-section of the American public" to evaluate interest in woody biomass
November 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Chief Economist Office Examines Ethanol’s Complex Impact
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA's Office of the Chief Economist just released a comprehensive report on ethanol. The 87-page report, “U.S. Ethanol: An Examination of Policy, Production, Use, Distribution, and Market Interactions,” examines the complex interaction of
October 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups Debate Fate of Renewable Fuel Standard
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Agreeing to respectfully disagree was one of very few assenting points reached by association heads representing the biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuel groups during a candid debate about the renewable fuel standard (RFS), policy amendments
October 30, 2015 Read Full Article
DuPont Celebrates the Opening of the World’s Largest Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
(DuPont/PR Web) DuPont celebrated the opening of its cellulosic biofuel facility in Nevada, Iowa, with a ceremony including Iowa Gov. Terry Brandstad and many other dignitaries. This biorefinery is the world’s largest cellulosic ethanol plant, with the capacity to produce
October 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol from Corn Stalks: A Cure for Climate Change?
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) ... "This is one of the core technologies that we need to cut oil use and reduce emissions from transportation," said Jeremy Martin, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "It would be great if we
October 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Answers for Your Questions about Low Oil Prices and Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest looks at security and energy security --- ... This week, the head of Russian state intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov,warned of a potential “invasion of Central Asia”by Taliban or ISIS forces. And, the US and
October 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Are White House Insiders With Connections to Big Oil Undermining the President's Climate Change Agenda?
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... (H)e must explain his decision to gut the Renewable Fuel Standard and hand Big Oil a decisive political victory. One lingering question is, did high-level White House staffers with close ties to oil companies
October 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Soapbox: Obama’s EPA Needs to More Aggressively Support Biodiesel
by Lisa Mortenson (Community Fuels/Sacramento Bee) California took a major step forward in the fight against climate change recently by adopting an aggressive new low carbon fuel standard that will sharply reduce carbon pollution from our state’s famously car-crazy culture. It’s
October 28, 2015 Read Full Article
President Obama Is Turning His Back on the Renewable Fuel Standard
by former Senator Jim Talent (The Gazette) I’m old enough to remember when energy first became a national security issue during the original energy crisis in the early 1970s. That was the first time America realized that we were dependent
October 27, 2015 Read Full Article
ACE Members Pressure EPA, White House; Promote Octane Benefits of Ethanol
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/A,merican Coalition for Ethanol) ACE members will keep working to help the EPA get the RFS on track will also continuing to work on other strategies to increase ethanol use, writes Brian Jennings. -- ...
October 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Volkswagen’s Woes Could Affect Ethanol Plants
by James L. Pray (Ethanol Producer Magazine/BrownWinick Law Firm) ... Diesel-powered Volkswagen cars and ethanol plants share more than their common tie to the auto industry. Both must meet rigorous emission standards: For Volkswagen cars, it is the exhaust from the
October 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama’s Carbon Emission Hypocrisy
by former Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) (The Hill) On November 30, President Obama will join leaders from 196 nations in Paris for the COP 21 United Nations Conference on Climate Change. Ironically, that same day, his Environmental Protection Agency could
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA's RFS Proposal Risks Ending America's Rural Renaissance
by Jonathan H Harsch (Agri-Pulse) When President George W. Bush signed the law creating the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2005 to support biofuels production, he explained that “Using ethanol and biodiesel will leave our air cleaner. And every time we use
October 23, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA OIG Plans to Look at RFS Lifecycle Impacts Should Be Good for Biofuels
(25 x '25) The announcement by EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) that it will begin preliminary research on lifecycle impacts of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) should be good news for the biofuels industry, providing the agency’s investigators