(Tennessee Corn Promotion Board/Press Newswire) Last week President Biden announced that E15 will be sold this summer in an effort to reduce gasoline prices. E15 is a plant-based fuel made from corn. Often marketed as Unleaded 88, E15 is a renewable
Regulations-Federal
Back TO HOMESecy. Vilsack: E15 Won’t Inflate Food Prices, 'There’s Plenty of Corn Here'
by Jenna Hoffman (Farm Journal/AgWeb) Vilsack says concerns over inflated food costs due to increased E15 consumption can be put to rest — any grocery price hike is not coming from E15 because “there’s plenty of corn here.” -- Corn chatter
April 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Grassley Doesn't Mince Words as Food Versus Fuel Debate Ramps Back up
by Mark Dorenkamp (Browfield Ag News) U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley is dismissing the food versus fuel debate that seems to be reemerging after the Biden administration announced it will allow summertime sales of E15. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield without ethanol farmers
April 15, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes to Approve Canola Oil Fuel Pathways under RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on April 12 published a proposed rule approve Renewable Fuel Standard pathways for renewable diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produced from canola/rapeseed oil via a hydrotreating process. EPA’s
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Discusses RFS Plans in FY 2023 Budget Request Justification
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on April 5 released its fiscal year (FY) 2023 congressional budget justification, outlining the agency’s plans for the $11.88 billion in agency funding requested by President Biden in his FY 2023 budget request on
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Testimony of the Diesel Technology Forum before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 12, 2022
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... Reducing Emissions should be more than just Setting New Engine Standards, but also Implementing More Immediate Term Solutions Like Use Of Renewable Fuels And Accelerating The Turnover Of The Legacy Fleet The most substantial opportunities to
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden to Announce Plan to Ease Gas Prices as Inflationary Pressures Persist
by Jeff Stein and Evan Halper (Washington Post) The EPA plans to issue a national, emergency waiver to allow use of blended biofuels over the summer hours after report is expected to show inflation keeps surging -- The White House
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
With Biden Visiting a Central Iowa Ethanol Plant, Producers Hope He'll Suspend Summer E15 Sales Ban
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) President Joe Biden is expected to announce in a Tuesday visit to central Iowa that his administration will suspend a ban on summer sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. The White House said Biden will speak Tuesday
April 11, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Campaign Amplifies Push for Year-Round E15
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new campaign by the Renewable Fuels Association encourages consumers to call on their elected officials for immediate action to allow the continued sale of E15—the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon fuel available at the pump—throughout the summer. Due to a
April 11, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Denies 36 Refinery Biofuel Waivers; Gives Most of Them Some Relief
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has denied 36 petitions from oil refiners seeking exemptions to the nation's biofuel blending laws for the 2018 compliance year, but will provide 31 of those refineries with another avenue to seek
April 08, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Webinar on New Chemical Risk Management Actions for Biofuels
(Bergeson & Campbell) On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on “New Chemical Risk Management Actions under TSCA.” As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
It’s Time to Harness Full Range of Economic, National and Energy Security, Public Health and Environmental Solutions Renewable Fuels Can Provide
(Solutions from the Land) ... Unfortunately, he has ignored a widely available, less expensive source of clean transportation fuel – biofuels, like ethanol – that could help ease those prices and supply concerns. Russian oil represents only 2 percent of all U.S.
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Thune, Klobuchar Urge EPA to Update Biofuel Emissions Modeling
(KLGR) Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab’s
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
E15 Sales Reach Record Levels in 2021; Future Growth Threatened by Summertime Restrictions
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol, hit a record 814 million gallons in 2021, according to a new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association. The 2021 volume represented a 62 percent increase over the prior year
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Republicans Pounce over Biden Rural Energy Policy
by Marc Heller (E&E News) House Agriculture Committee lawmakers pressed the administration to expand ethanol use in response to high gasoline prices. -- House Agriculture Committee Republicans yesterday bashed the Biden administration’s energy policies, saying the White House focus on long-term
April 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits Comments to EPA on Biofuels’ Role in Reducing Emissions from Aviation Sector
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the agency’s particulate matter (PM) emissions standards and test procedures for jet engines, and the role biofuels play in reducing PM and greenhouse gas emissions in mobile sources including
April 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Researchers Evaluate the Impact of the Renewable Fuels Standard on Biofuel Production
by Madelyn Ostendorf (Successful Farming) In a first-of-its kind study, researchers at Purdue University have illustrated the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on the production of biofuels. Over the past 15 years, production and consumption of biofuels have increased in
April 05, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Three States Ask for Waiver to Allow E15 Sales to Continue Come June 1
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Attorneys general in Iowa, Kansas and the governor of Minnesota asked the EPA for a waiver to allow E15 sales to continue in their states when those sales are set to end starting on June
April 05, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE to EPA: Adopt GREET Model and Recognize Ethanol’s Low Carbon Value
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board
April 04, 2022 Read Full Article
USDOT Announces New Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2024-2026
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Standards to require fleet average of 49 mpg by 2026, save consumers money, and advance U.S. energy independence -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced new, landmark fuel economy standards which
April 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden to Invoke Defense Production Act for Electric Vehicle Battery Materials
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) President Biden is set to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) as early as this week to step up production of minerals used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries, a source familiar the plans confirmed to The Hill. Biden is set to
March 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Calls for E15 Action Face Unwritten Deadlines
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Biden administration is fielding a steady stream of requests for emergency action to allow for summertime sales of E15, but those calls are coming up against the realities of the fuel supply chain as demonstrated
March 30, 2022 Read Full Article
With SEC Proposed Rule Change, Fleet Advantage Certifies Truck Fleets’ GHG Output
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Fleet Advantage, a truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and life cycle cost management (LCCM) company, has released a program to help corporate truck fleets certify their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) output, which was recently mandated
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
The Rise of Renewable Diesel & Biodiesel
by Nicolas Bulver (Renewable Energy Group/Union Pacific Track Record) What is causing the increased demand for renewable diesel and biodiesel and what is the impact on supply chains? Can waste products become fuel? The answer is yes if you’re talking about
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
ICE Expands its U.S. Renewable Fuels Markets With the Launch of Renewable Volume Obligation Futures
(Intercontinental Exchange/Business Wire) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology, and market infrastructure, today announced the launch of two Renewable Volume Obligation futures contracts, expanding ICE’s U.S. renewable fuels futures markets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
NHTSA Applies CAFE Penalty Hike for Cars through Model Year 2019
by Alex Guillén (Politico) The Biden administration has issued a final rule applying a major hike in penalties for automakers who fall short of fuel economy standards back through model year 2019 vehicles. The decision is expected to lead to hundreds of millions in
March 28, 2022 Read Full Article
2021 California E85 Sales Shatter Previous Record; Momentum Continues in 2022
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sales of E85 flex fuel in California surged to a new record in 2021, jumping 55 percent over 2020 levels and nearly doubling since 2018, according to new data released by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Last year, California
March 28, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA's Snyder: E15 Work Underway EPA Ag Adviser Tells Ethanol Producers Agency Working with States to Restore E15
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With the start of the summer driving season fast approaching and year-round E15 sales no longer an option, EPA's Rod Snyder said on Thursday the agency continues to work to restore those sales. Snyder, who is
March 25, 2022 Read Full Article
EIA Projects U.S. Renewable Diesel Supply to Surpass Biodiesel in AEO2022
by Estella Shi, Will Sommer, Andrew Smiddy (U.S. Energy Information Administration) In our Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) Reference case, which reflects current laws and regulations, we project that renewable diesel supply (domestic production and net imports) will exceed biodiesel supply in the near
March 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Integrated Approach for Biofuel Premanufacture Notices
(Environmental Protection Agency) Reviewing New Chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) -- The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention’s (OCSPP) New Chemicals Division (NCD) has implemented a robust, consistent, and efficient process to assess the risk and apply
March 23, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Training on Updated Process to Bring Biofuels to Market
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA in holding webinars on March 23 and April 6 related to its January 2022 announcement that the agency is launching a new initiative under the Toxic Substances Control Act that aims to streamline the
March 23, 2022 Read Full Article
45 years of AgriNews: From ‘Gasohol’ to over 15 Billion Gallons
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) ... AgriNews is celebrating its anniversary by reviewing some of the top agricultural issues over the past 45 years. ... Ethanol has been used as an energy source for nearly 200 years, but when the oil
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Comments on “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard”
by F. Taheripour, S. Mueller, H. Kwon, M. Khanna, I. Emery, K. Copenhaver, M. Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) The Systems Assessment Center and its collaborators provide a detailed technical review of a recently published article “Environmental Outcomes of the US
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Will the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Be a Victim of Its Own Success?
by Roxby Hartley (EcoEngineers) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS) continues to be the largest regional carbon credit market. It’s been successful in driving carbon reduction across the state. CA-LCFS credit prices hovered around $200 per metric ton (MT) of CO2e
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Ohio Soybean Association Joins Federal Petition in Support of Domestic Biofuels
(Ohio Soybean Association/Highland County Press) At a time of growing consensus on the need for greater reliance on domestic fuel sources, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) joined other state soybean associations in support of a petition to include biofuels in
March 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuel for Airplane Use Has Untapped Potential, Says National Corn Growers
by Ashley Davenport (Hoosier Ag Today) ... “We have the Next Generation Fuel Bill, which would bring energy security to our fuel situation with higher gas prices,” says Matt Frostic, a Michigan farmer and at-large member of NCGA. “It allows higher compression
March 18, 2022 Read Full Article
SEC Plans to Force Public Companies to Disclose Greenhouse Gas Emissions Public Comment DEADLINE: June 17, 2022
by Douglas MacMillan and Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) From Coca-Cola to Tesla, companies report emissions in widely different ways. A new federal rule is expected to standardize climate disclosures, putting the U.S. on closer footing with other countries. -- The
March 17, 2022 Read Full Article
A Left Turn to Ban Drilling
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) House progressives are planning to request Biden use emergency measures to ban future fossil fuel drilling on federal lands and deploy the Defense Production Act to ramp up clean energy generation, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel reports. The
March 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Commodity Group Leaders Push for Expanded Use of Biofuels
by Daniel Grant (Farm Week Now) While the U.S. scrambles to fill the void in the oil market created by the ban of Russian imports, commodity group leaders believe the solution is closer to home than Venezuela or Saudi Arabia. “If ever
March 15, 2022 Read Full Article
High-Octane Solutions to the New Energy Crisis
by C. Boyden Gray (Boyden Gray & Associates/Real Clear Politics) ... Currently, the EPA regulates fuels and automobiles separately, instead of as a single system. Automakers have the technological know-how to make much more efficient car engines, but regulatory barriers prevent
March 14, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA to Disclose CBI Related to SRE Petitions to GAO
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on March 10 issued a notice to all obligated parties under the Renewable Fuel Standard that the agency will disclose certain confidential business information (CBI) related to small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions
March 13, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Restores California’s Right to Set Stricter Car Regs
by Anne C. Mulkern (E&E News) EPA today officially restored California’s ability to set its own rules for vehicle tailpipe emissions and to require automakers to sell an increasing number of clean cars. The Biden administration granted the nation’s most populous state
March 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Disclosure of Information Claimed as, or Determined by EPA To Be, Confidential Business Information (CBI) in Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Small Refinery Exemption Petitions and Certain RFS Compliance Reports
( Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of disclosure to all obligated parties under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program that have petitioned for a small refinery exemption (SRE) or that have submitted any
March 10, 2022 Read Full Article
World Events Underscore the Need to Expand Renewable Fuel Production
(Solutions from the Land) ... The news of increased fuel costs comes as the Biden administration is considering a relaxation of federal requirements calling on blenders to mix specific amounts of ethanol or biodiesel when producing the nation’s petroleum-based fuel supply. To
March 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Grassley and Ernst Call on Biden to Unleash Iowa Biofuel Immediately as Gas Prices Hit Record High, U.S. Bans Russian Oil
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Iowa senators introduce bipartisan legislation to open up the use of clean, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now to replace banned Russian oil -- As gas prices hit all-time record highs, Sens. Chuck Grassley
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Can Help Reduce Toxic Gasoline Aromatics
by Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States contains toxic chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons—mainly mixtures of BTEX chemicals, which stands for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—that increase octane. Higher octane levels prevent engines from prematurely
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
BREAKING: Biden, UK Ban Russian Oil and Gas Imports
by James Arkin (Law360) The United States and United Kingdom will ban imports of Russian oil and gas, the countries announced Tuesday in the latest round of sanctions to target Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden said the move
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Proposed Rule and Related Materials for Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards
(Environmental Protection Agency) On March 3, 2022, EPA Administrator Regan signed a proposed rule that would set new, more stringent standards to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. The proposed standards would significantly reduce
March 07, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Senator Capito Joins Forces with Colleagues in Letter to EPA Administrator Regan Regarding EPA’s SRE Denials under RFS
by Lynn L. Bergeson (Bergeson & Campbel Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) On January 27, 2022, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and 14 of her colleagues submitted a letter to the
March 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Studying whether Biofuel Waiver Could Ease Food Inflation -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is studying whether waiving biofuel blending mandates could help offset a surge in prices for key food ingredients like corn and soy oil following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, two sources familiar
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Under Pressure to Revise Estimates, EPA Mulls Lifecycle Biofuel GHGs
(Inside EPA) As EPA comes under growing pressure to increase its estimates of how much greenhouse gas emissions biofuels save over their lifetime, the agency is holding consultations that could result in changes that may boost programs encouraging biofuels use
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Webinar on TSCA Requirements and PMN Process for Biofuels
(Bergeson & Campbell) On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the premanufacture notice (PMN) process for biofuels. As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item,
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Versus Oil in Global Crisis: Biofuels Backers, POET Executive Point to Advantages Ethanol Offers in Conflict, Climate
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) With oil reaching its highest price in nearly 11 years and OPEC nations opting not to increase production, the biofuels industry is clamoring for attention in the U.S. and calling on the Biden administration to
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Farm & Biofuel Leaders Call for Swift Action to Unleash Lower-Cost Biofuels
(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s top biofuel and farm advocates called on President Biden to swiftly expand access to plentiful, lower-cost biofuels as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushes fuel prices closer to record levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soon expected to finalize biofuel
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
States, Green Groups Challenge EPA's Aviation GHG Standard
by Juan Carlos Rodriguez (Law360) States and green groups are urging the D.C. Circuit to order the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen Trump-era aviation greenhouse gas emissions standards that have been maintained by the Biden administration. California and 11 other states,
March 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Clear Evidence of How Higher Ethanol Blends Lower Gasoline Prices
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Pictures worth 1000 words show the prices on March 1 at a Sheetz in Virginia. Compare the E10 Regular to E15 Unleaded 88 and E85 FlexFuel. Compare those to the price of E0 --
March 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Rival Fuel-Makers Unite In Opposing Biden’s Electric-Car Push
by Joel Rosenblatt (Bloomberg) Renewable fuel producers join Valero unit in court challenge; EPA rule governs release of carbon dioxide from car tailpipes -- The gasoline industry and alternative fuel makers, frequent foes, put aside their differences for court challenges to
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Texas Leads 14-State Fight On Biden Vehicle Emissions Regs
by Clark Mindock (Law360) A Texas-led group of states is slamming the Biden administration's push to strengthen greenhouse gas standards for auto emissions, telling the D.C. Circuit on Monday it must intervene and stop a purported federal war on fossil fuels. The
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Sees ‘Most’ Biofuels Facing TSCA Scrutiny, but End Use Exempted
(Inside EPA) EPA officials say they expect “most” biofuels will meet regulatory criteria requiring review and likely regulation under TSCA, though any such limits are likely to end once the substance is incorporated into the fuel supply because it presents
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producer Not Optimistic about E15 "Policy Failure" Getting Fixed before Summer
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield America had the one-pound waiver approved by the prior administration, “And then, we have a change in the Supreme Court level that doesn’t
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
The Vital Missing Link in the U.S. Sanctions against Russia
by Suriya Jayanti (Time Magazine) ... If this is what we have to work with, let us at least make it truly hurt by including embargoes of Russian energy, too. ... Oil prices have insulated Russia from sanctions hits, at least
February 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Feinstein, Toomey Call on EPW to Take up Ethanol Bill
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Bipartisan Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) pressed the leadership of the Environment and Public Works Committee on Thursday to consider legislation, S. 2385, to end the corn ethanol mandate in the
February 25, 2022 Read Full Article
The End Of SREs?
by Michael H. Levin (BioCycle Magazine) EPA’s "proposed adjudication" of 65 pending small-refiner exemption requests could deny virtually all such requests — now and in the future. -- ... In June 2021, the Supreme Court (reviewing a Tenth Circuit decision) ruled
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA’s Cooper: Ethanol Has Historic Opportunity to Cut Carbon, Lower Fuel Prices
(Renewable Fuels Association) In his annual State of the Industry Address, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said that, while the U.S. ethanol industry has a long history of capitalizing on unique opportunities, the global quest to achieve net-zero carbon
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy, EPA Reach Settlement on Deadline for Issuing 2021, 2022 RVO
(Growth Energy) Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will file a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to finalize the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Stabenow and Klobuchar Lead Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Strengthen Federal Support for U.S. Biobased Economy
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) Today, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking the administration to take a meaningful step
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Seeds of New Biofuel Plan?
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Geoff Cooper, head of the Renewable Fuels Association, said Tuesday that the trade group heard from EPA that it’s aiming to propose a rule for the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard by late
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Takes Aim at ‘Draconian’ Hemp Regulations in Maine
by Julia Bayly (Bangor Daily News) ... The 2018 farm bill may have legalized hemp production, but it’s going to take language in the 2023 farm bill to remove lingering red tape regulating the crop. Those regulations stem from laws governing production of marijuana
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
ABFA Calls on EPA to Recognize Advance Biofuels in RVO Proposal
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), the leading voice of energy innovators working to decarbonize transportation fuel, released comments calling on the U.S. EPA to restore regulatory certainty in their proposed renewable volume obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. ABFA's comments
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Experts to Peer Review of Third RFS Triennial Report
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is seeking nominations for scientific experts to serve on an external expert panel to peer review the agency’s third triennial report to congress on biofuels and the environment. The agency is required to
February 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Court Ruling on Social Cost of Carbon Upends Biden’s Climate Plans
by Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) A recent court ruling that bars the Biden administration from accounting for the real-world costs of climate change has created temporary chaos at federal agencies, upending everything from planned oil and gas lease sales to infrastructure
February 22, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE Corrects Misrepresentations of RFS Environmental Outcomes
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, the American Coalition of Ethanol said a report released recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences by Tyler Lark and others brought to life several misrepresentations of the environmental outcomes
February 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol: Saving Drivers Money at the Pump
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Gasoline prices are high—up 50% in 2021 and rising further this year, with California prices reaching record levels—but what’s worse is that they might go even higher, given the distinct possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and
February 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Auto Rule Targeted after Climate Injunction
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The fallout has started arriving following last week's court order blocking the Biden administration from using its social cost of carbon metric in rulemakings. The conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute on Tuesday sent a letter asking EPA
February 16, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA to Expand Calif. Clean Car Authority — and the Nation’s
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) The Biden administration is preparing to reinstate California’s authority to set auto emissions rules that are more stringent than federal standards, taking a major step toward cutting transportation-related climate pollution and continuing to chip away at
February 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Has Been a ‘Resounding Success,’ RFA Tells Senate EPW Committee
(Renewable Fuels Association) Enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007, the Renewable Fuels Standard has been a “resounding success” by any measure, the Renewable Fuels Association told the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in testimony submitted today ahead of a hearing
February 16, 2022 Read Full Article
The Next Big Step for Algae and Sustainable Aviation Fuels
by Rebecca White, Lieve Laurens, Nate Kommers (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Diges) Among the dozens of policy innovations that Congress must consider in climate change legislation is a tool that could help trigger the next stage in decarbonizing one of the most
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
ABFA: Data Suggests a Gulf between RFS Proposal and Available Feedstocks, Production Capacity
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) released comments it submitted to U.S. EPA on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule. The comments support a higher standard for the advanced biofuel (D5) pool, referencing data on available
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Setting the Record Straight on the Environmental Outcomes of the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A new report published today (February 14, 2022) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Oil Sector Splits on EPA Proposal to Deny Small Refinery RFS Waivers
(Inside EPA) Oil sector groups are divided over EPA’s proposal to deny all remaining requests from small refiners for compliance waivers from the renewable fuel standard (RFS), with smaller refiners arguing the plan is illogical and unlawful, while bigger firms
February 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Behind the Hot Year for Biofuels M&A: 2021 Review and Outlook
by Bruce Comer, Frank Kim and Zak Putlak (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) As ethanol producers pursued mergers and acquisitions, and renewable diesel firms built and expanded plants, the biofuels industry increasingly focused on securing feedstocks. Producers seeking to consolidate, optimize or sell
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Emily Skor
“During a time of high gasoline prices, it is more important than ever that higher blends of biofuels be made available to consumers year-round. ... By removing remaining regulatory hurdles and providing greater access to E15, you can help keep
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Comstock Urges U.S. EPA to Expand Renewable Fuel Incentives for Biointermediates
(Comstock Mining) Technologies Enable Dramatic Reduction in Carbon Intensity for America’s Decarbonization Portfolio -- Comstock Mining Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced its submission of comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) calling for enhanced regulations governing
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Alternative Racing Fuel Study and Demonstration Project Set For 2022
(Fossil Free Racing) Fossil Free Racing, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was founded to become the testbed for an alternative racing fuel that promises to reduce the carbon footprint of race cars by 90% while lowering fuel costs and increasing performance. Motorsports competition
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Joe Biden Faces Fight to Block Oil and Gas Drilling in Gulf of Mexico
by Brendan Cole (Newsweek) The administration of President Joe Biden faces an escalating battle over fossil fuel production in the U.S. after the American Petroleum Institute (API) said it would challenge a January court decision to annul a massive sale of oil
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Biofuel Mandates -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) A U.S. Senate committee is expected to hold a hearing around the nation's biofuel blending laws next week, as the Biden administration works to finalize controversial proposals around blending requirements and exemptions for oil
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Fuel the Crush: Renewable Diesel Pumps Up Soybean Demand
by Sara Schafer (AgWeb) ... “The administration is committed to making this happen, and so I think there is a much larger appetite to get this industry off the ground now than there even was six months or a year
February 10, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Supports EPA Proposal to Deny Small Refinery Exemption Petitions
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today expressed strong support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions, noting that such an action would “restore confidence” in the Renewable Fuel Standard program. EPA’s proposal also would
February 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Carbon Dioxide Pipelines Planned for Minnesota Fall into Regulatory Black Hole
by Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) ... Right now, the CO2 pipelines don't require approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). But the PUC in December opened a proceeding on whether it should change state regulations to deem CO2 pipelines
February 07, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Supports EPA’s Proposed 2022 RFS Volumes, Urges Agency to Abandon Retroactive Cut to 2020 Volume
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (February 4, 2022) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized
February 07, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Proposed Rule on Canola Oil Pathways for Renewable Diesel, Jet Fuel Sent for Review
(AgWeb/Pro Farmers) EPA has forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review a proposed rule regarding canola oil pathways for renewable diesel, jet fuel, naptha and liquid propane gas under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Under the proposed
February 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Comment Periods on RFS RVO, SRE Rules to Close Feb. 4, Feb. 7
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Members of the biofuel industry who wish to comment on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2020, 2021 and 2022 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) have less than a week to do
February 02, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks Bipartisan Group of Senators for Standing Up for the RFS Public Comment DEADLINE February 4, 2022
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of 14 senators for urging EPA to swiftly issue final regulations that restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard and put the program back on track. In a letter to
February 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Gevo Begins Startup of Its Renewable Natural Gas Project in Northwest Iowa on Schedule
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce today that it has begun the process of bringing its wholly owned dairy manure-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) project online. Located in northwest Iowa, the project is known as Gevo NW
February 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Gov. Kim Reynolds Renews Effort to Require Higher Ethanol Blends at Iowa Pumps
by Stephen Gruber-Miller (Des Moines Register) ... Fuel retailers like gas stations would be required to offer gasoline with 15% ethanol, known as E15, beginning in 2026. That would greatly expand the availability of E15, which is currently available in
January 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Extension of Compliance and Attest Engagement Reporting Deadlines
(Environmental Protection Agency) Final rule. SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing modifications of certain compliance dates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. First, EPA is extending the RFS compliance reporting deadline and the associated attest engagement reporting deadline
January 31, 2022 Read Full Article
The Race to Reduce GHGs, Dependence on Petroleum, and Provide True Environmental Justice: Where Will the Reductions Come From?
Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... With 270 million light duty vehicles registered in the U.S., less than 2% are electric. Without a doubt they are trending upwards and will begin to penetrate the market in greater numbers. But,
January 28, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Amends Program Offering $700M in COVID-19 Aid for Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its program offering $700 million in COVID-19 aid to biofuel producers by allowing production to meet marketing obligations or fulfill or maintain essential markets to be included in
January 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Reflections from The Hill
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... I (Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association CEO and President) also think the industry understands that we have a vision for the future of ethanol production that’s progressive and exciting. Too many people are
January 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Top U.S. Oil States Vie for Carbon Capture Oversight to Speed up Permits
by Liz Hampton (Reuters) ...The rules governing the carbon-injection wells for most states require federal approval with the first permits taking around six years to win a green light. Oil states, including Texas and Louisiana, want to take over permit reviews
January 27, 2022 Read Full Article
California Missing Opportunity to Better Advance State’s Climate Goals
(Solutions from the Land) California is known for pursuing aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and the effort to stem climate change that can achieve those goals. But state leaders were taken aback by research now showing the state is unlikely
January 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Year-Round E15: There’s More than One Way to Peel a Banana
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Recognizing this, the governors of seven Midwest states sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in early November seeking guidance from the agency on how best to pursue a specific—and
January 27, 2022 Read Full Article
IRFA Summit Focuses on Policy, Future Market Opportunities
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, provided an overview of political and regulatory issues impacting the biofuels sector, stressing that Iowa’s biofuel industry is “fed up but fired up.” The industry
January 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Ag Group Wants Mandatory Use of Biofuels at All Iowa Pumps
by TOM (KIWA Radio) The head of Iowa’s largest agricultural organization is urging state lawmakers to reconsider a measure which would mandate the use of renewable fuels in Iowa that are produced in-state. Iowa Farm Bureau president Brent Johnson says the Iowa
January 25, 2022 Read Full Article
US EPA Looks to Get New Biofuel Feedstocks to Market Quicker with Streamlined Review
by Jasmin Melvin (S&P Global Platts) More than 30 biofuels-related reviews pending before agency; Would amount to nearly 800 million gal/year of advanced biofuels -- The US Environmental Protection Agency Jan. 21 announced plans to streamline reviews of new chemicals that could
January 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Announces 2022 Policy Priorities
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor outlined the top federal priorities of the U.S. biofuel industry, highlighting critical steps policymakers must take to achieve the nation’s energy and climate goals. “If we want to decarbonize the transportation sector, we
January 21, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA: 2 Additional SRE Petitions Filed, 69 Now Pending Public Comment DEADLINE: February 7, 2022
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Jan. 20, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2020. A total of 69
January 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Vilsack Says the Future for Biofuels Remains Bright
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the important role biofuels and biobased manufacturing play in the rural economy and highlighted the agency’s efforts to support those industries during a Jan. 20 hearing held by the House
January 21, 2022 Read Full Article
When Energy Policy and Sustainability Clash
by Guil Signorini (Ohio's Country Journal) ... The Brazilian fuel sector is just as clean. Nearly all fuel stations sell ethanol, gasoline, and diesel. Most passenger cars and motorcycles are equipped with flex-fuel engines that can take gasoline, ethanol, or any
January 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Companies Worry U.S. SEC Climate Rule May Require Broad Emissions Disclosures
by Katanga Johnson (Reuters) As the U.S. securities regulator wraps up a draft of a landmark new climate change rule, environmental campaigners and activist investors want it to require companies to disclose not only their own greenhouse gas emissions but those
January 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Animal, Vegetable or Mineral (Oil)? Exploring the Potential Impacts of New Renewable Diesel Capacity on Oil and Fat Markets in the United States
by Chris Malins and Cato Sandford (International Council on Clean Transportation) This report provides an overview of the U.S. renewable diesel market and explores the potential market and environmental impacts of increased renewable diesel capacity. The United States currently supports renewable diesel
January 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Decarbonization Is a Team Sport
(Diesel Technology Forum) A robust renewable fuels policy that recognizes today’s value and the future potential for expanded use of renewable fuels is no less important than writing a large $7.5 billion check for investments in infrastructure to boost electric
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Exclusive-Biden Weighing Cuts to 2022 Ethanol Blending Mandate Proposal- Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Biden administration is considering lowering the 2022 ethanol blending mandate below the proposed 15 billion gallons amid backlash from the oil refining lobby and unions arguing the shrinking U.S. ethanol industry can
January 13, 2022 Read Full Article
E15 Battle Isn't Over Yet
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) called on Congress to pass the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 2339 (117)) to allow year-round sales of fuel with higher blends of ethanol after the Supreme Court declined
January 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Explainer-What Is at Stake for the U.S. Biofuel Blending Law in 2022 and Beyond
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The U.S. biofuel blending program known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could see its most transformative year yet in 2022, as the Biden Administration must make decisions to reset statutes that mandate U.S. renewable fuel
January 11, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Supreme Court Leaves in Place Limits on Higher-Ethanol Fuel Blend
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned away an industry group's bid to revive a decision made by the Environmental Protection Agency under former President Donald Trump to allow expanded sales of gasoline that has a higher
January 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Important to Iowa
(The Messenger) Keeping industry strong is a top priority -- The evolving renewable fuels industries – ethanol and biodiesel – are important contributors to our state’s prosperity. A recent study conducted by ABF Economics, based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, concludes that
January 10, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA’s Cooper to Testify before House Ag Committee
(Renewable Fuels Association) Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper will testify at a House Agriculture Committee hearing on January 12 on the “Implications of Electric Vehicle Investments for Agriculture and Rural America.” “I look forward to participating in this timely and important
January 06, 2022 Read Full Article
UGI and Vertimass Enter Agreement to Produce Renewable Fuels in the U.S. and Europe
(UGI Corporation) UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI) announced today that it has entered into a 15-year agreement with California-based technology developer, Vertimass, to utilize their catalytic technology to produce renewable fuels from renewable-ethanol in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement centers on the development of production facilities using Vertimass’
January 06, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Gets It Right for American Advanced Biofuels Public Comment DEADLINE: February 4, 2022
by Douglas L. Faulkner and Michael McAdams (Leatherstocking LLC /“The Cleantech Conservative” and Advanced BioFuels Association/Biofuels Digest) ... The Agency has now moved to approve bio-intermediates, so that manufacturers could earn compliance credits for upgrading feedstocks such as woods and municipal
January 06, 2022 Read Full Article
A Rebuttal to DeCicco: Use Locally Produced Renewable Energy
(Owatonna People's Press/Renewable Fuels Association) The author claims that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was enacted in the wake of 9/11. That is not true. The RFS was enacted after the petroleum industry was unsuccessful in getting Congress to protect the
January 05, 2022 Read Full Article
Complete Global Guide: The Digest’s Biofuels Mandates Around the World 2022
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 65 countries have targets or mandates--how much, where, when and what? READ MORE Commodities 2022: European biofuel mandates to structurally shift ethanol demand higher in the year (S&P Global Platts) European Biofuel Mandates to Structurally Shift Ethanol
January 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Regulatory and Policy Analysis of Production, Development and Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in the United States
Ekrem Korkut and Lara B. Fowler (Frontiers in Energy Research) The United States, spurred in part by international developments, is expanding its law and policy to incentivize the use of sustainable aviation fuels. While the U.S. has agreed to participate
January 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Top 10 Predictions for the Advanced Bioeconomy in 2022
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2022? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2021 gives
January 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Largest Biofuel Producer Eyes E15 as National Standard
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) The world’s largest biofuel producer wants to make 15-percent blended ethanol fuel the national standard in the U.S. Doug Berven is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs with POET. “It’s so much better for the consumer,
December 31, 2021 Read Full Article
Viewpoint: RD, Fuel Demand Weigh on California LCFS
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) New low-carbon fuel supplies will add pressure in 2022 on California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits already trading near three-year lows. California this year recorded some of the nation's largest drops in transportation fuel demand compared
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Editorial: Conflicting Passions Burn Brightly over Biofuels Production Mandate
by Josh Sosland (World Grain/Milling & Baking News) ... Lost in the back and forth over the RVOs are the global forces driving strong prices for US edible oils. Viewed alone, the supply/demand balance for US soybean oil would not
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Supreme Court Consider E15 Case during Jan. 7 Conference
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Produce Magazine) The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider whether it will review a July 2, 2021, decision handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that vacated a U.S. EPA rule
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Kind Says Momentum Is Building for Defend the Blend Act
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) A Wisconsin Congressman remains optimistic about legislation that would require the EPA to stay on track with setting biofuel blending requirements. Representative Ron Kind tells Brownfield the Defend the Blend Act simply requires the EPA administrator
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Having a Government-Funding Moment
by Angely Mercado (Popular Science) ... Just this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a plan to provide more than $100 million for basic research and tech development to produce biofuels, biomaterials, and bioproducts. Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from renewable sources,
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
National Farmers Union (NFU) Pleased U.S. Environmental Protectional Agency (EPA) Includes Renewables Pathway for Canola in Regulatory Agenda
(National Farmers Union) EPA has announced their regulatory agenda for Fall 2021, which included designation of renewable diesel fuels derived from canola oil as “advanced biofuels” under the RFS program. “NFU has long advocated for increased use of biofuels due to
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Workshop on Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling --- February 28-March 1, 2022 --- ONLINE Public Comments DEADLINE: April 1, 2022

EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 - March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
In Defense of the Ethanol Requirement in Gasoline ‘Unprofitable Refineries Whine because Biofuels Take away Market Share,’ Writes Sen. Chuck Grassley
(Wall Street Journal) As an avid reader of the Journal, I feel compelled to respond to the editorial board following last week’s release of renewable volume requirements by the Environmental Protection Agency (“Biden Raises the Ethanol Gas Tax,” Review &
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Reverses Trump Effort to Quash California Vehicle Emissions Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a reversal of a rule issued under then-U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to pre-empt California's vehicle emissions regulations. The Department of Transportation said it was issuing final rules rescinding the Trump
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA’s Final Vehicle Emissions Rule Fails to Address Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Dec. 20 issued a final rule setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for model year (MY) 2023-2026 passenger cars and light trucks. Despite calls from the renewable fuels industry and several
December 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Agriculture Equipment Industry Faces Global Challenges by Advancing Technology and Practices that Boost Productivity while Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Diesel Technology Forum) America’s farms are greener and more productive than before while exploring new fuels and technologies for the future -- The global agriculture engine and equipment industry is rapidly evolving to face numerous challenges including feeding a growing population,
December 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Ambitious 'Biofuel America' Plan Faces Overhaul in 2022
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) During the ethanol boom of the early 2000s, Congress set an ambitious target of quadrupling the amount of renewable fuel mixed into gasoline for America’s cars and pickup trucks. But while corn ethanol has lived up
December 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Usage Expected to Stay Strong
by Martha Blum (AgriNews) ... “I’m very confident biofuels will play an important role in our global energy future, but I expect it to be a bumpy ride,” said Scott Irwin, Laurence J. Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing in the Department
December 17, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA: 2 Additional SRE Petitions Filed, 67 Now Pending Public Comment DEADLINE: February 7, 2022
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 16, reporting that two additional SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2021. A total of 67
December 17, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Analyses of 2022 Automobile Models: More E15 Approvals, but Fewer FFVs
(Renewable Fuels Association) Environmentally conscious and budget-savvy consumers who are in the market for a new car, SUV, or pickup will find both good news and bad news as they peruse auto dealer lots and showrooms this holiday season. The good news?
December 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden to Toughen Auto Emissions Limits to Counter Climate Change
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg Quint) The Biden administration is preparing to impose more stringent limits on car and truck emissions in an effort to clamp down on a top U.S. source of the greenhouse gases fueling climate change. The standards,
December 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Feinstein Urges EPA to Update Feedstock Eligibility under RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., on Dec. 7 sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging the agency to revise the Renewable Fuel Standard to allow biomass harvested from federal land as part of wildfire mitigation
December 15, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Reveals Expected Timeline for Post-2022 RFS Rule, Other Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to publish a proposed rule setting Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023 and beyond next spring. A variety of other rulemakings impacting biofuel producers are
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Report: E15 Ready to Fuel 98 Percent of U.S. Miles Traveled
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers and supporters, released a new report showcasing nearly universal compatibility with fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol (E15) among vehicles on the road today. The report was prepared by Air Improvement Resource, Inc. (AIR), a leading
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Sees Little Renewable Diesel Benefit for Soybean Oil
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Analysts generally concur that the burgeoning renewable diesel industry will result in exploding demand for soybean oil through 2030. But there is one notable exception. The United States Department of Agriculture is forecasting static soybean oil demand from
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
The Biden Administration's Regulatory To-Do List
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Office of Management and Budget revealed the administration’s key regulatory goals for 2022 on Friday under its Unified Agenda. The laundry list of action items include further rollbacks of Trump-era actions and other self-imposed
December 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Proposal to Deny Petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions Public Comment DEADLINE: February 7, 2022
(Environmental Protection Agency) On December 7, 2021, EPA proposed to deny more than 60 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions from small refineries seeking exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for one or more compliance years between 2016 and
December 10, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Wants SCOTUS to Stay Out of E15 Case
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA doesn't want the Supreme Court to wade into the ongoing fight over the year-round sale of 15-percent ethanol blends in gasoline. The agency submitted a brief to the high court this week in the
December 10, 2021 Read Full Article
D.C. Circuit Remands Trump RFS Waivers, Allowing EPA to Scrap Them
(Inside EPA) A federal appeals court has granted EPA’s request for remand without vacatur of dozens of Trump-era approvals of renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance waivers for small refiners, opening a path for EPA to scrap them, only a day