by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Dec. 13 published the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by federal agencies related to the Renewable
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Back TO HOMEClimate-Smart Farming Proposal Heads to White House Review
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Climatewire) An important element of a forthcoming clean energy tax credit is advancing as the Biden administration runs against the clock. -- A key part of the Biden administration’s plan to connect biofuel policy to climate-smart farming
December 11, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Submits Rule on Biofuel Feedstocks
(Agri-Pulse) USDA has submitted an interim final rule relating to the type of climate-smart agriculture crops used for biofuels. The rule, entitled “Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used for Biofuel Feedstocks,” was submitted Friday (December 6, 2024). No additional details
December 10, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes Partial Waiver of 2024 Cellulosic RVO, Updates to RFS Biogas Provisions Public Comment DEADLINE January 21, 2025 Virtual Public Hearing December 20, 2024
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Dec. 5 issued a proposed rule to partially waive the compliance year 2024 renewable volume obligation (RVO) for cellulosic biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The rulemaking also proposes to extend
December 06, 2024 Read Full Article
OMB Reviews Proposed Rule for Partial Cellulosic RVO Waiver, RFS Deadline Extension
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 12 delivered a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget pertaining to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The title of the proposal indicates the rule would waive a
November 14, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Faces Lawsuit on RFS Volumes Delay
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA Delay on 2026 RFS Volumes Release Could Draw Legal Action by Ethanol Group -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has until next week to release a proposed rulemaking for 2026 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes or
August 29, 2024 Read Full Article
AFBF: Clean Fuel Tax Credits Out of Reach for Many Farmers
(American Farm Bureau Federation/Morning AgClips) Shortcomings in recent provisions could put the benefits out of reach for many farmers in the U.S. -- Sustainable aviation fuel and clean fuel production tax credits have the potential to benefit farmers while lowering America’s carbon
July 18, 2024 Read Full Article
OMB Regulatory Agenda Outlines Upcoming RFS, HBIIP And CO2 Pipeline Rulemakings
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on July 5 published its 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by various federal agencies related to the Renewable
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
PHMSA Delivers Proposed Rule on Carbon Pipeline Safety to White House OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Feb. 2 delivered a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget focused on improving the safety of carbon dioxide
February 05, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final Midwest E15 Rule to White House OMB
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Dec. 18 delivered its final rule to allow year-round E15 sales in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB reviews marks
December 20, 2023 Read Full Article
States Oppose EPA's E15 March Proposal: Iowa, Nebraska Ask Court to Require EPA to Finalize E15 Rule Before March
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The states of Iowa and Nebraska asked a federal court on Wednesday to require EPA to "promptly" finalize a rule to allow permanent, year-round E15 sales in eight states, rejecting the agency's proposed plan to
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks Lawmakers for Seeking Swift White House Action on Year-Round E15
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association is applauding a bipartisan group of 22 lawmakers from both the House and Senate, who asked the White House today (December 14, 2023) to swiftly finalize regulations that would allow year-round sales of lower-carbon
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Signals Intent to Issue Rulemaking on HBIIP
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service in mid-2024 is expected propose a rule to codify the policies and procedures for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, according to information released by the White House Office of
December 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Admin Floats Idea of Adding Climate Impacts to Fines, Penalties
by Jean Chemnick (Politico Pro Climatewire) The proposal comes from a White House directive highlighting the social cost of greenhouse gases. -- Breaking the law soon could get more expensive for companies and people who violate U.S. environmental regulations. That’s based on a
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Rejects GM's Warning that US Emissions Rules Will Be Costly
by David Shepardson (Reuters) General Motors (GM.N) warned the Biden administration's planned changes to vehicle emissions rules could cost the auto industry hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties by 2031, which the Biden administration said on Thursday was wrong. GM executive David Strickland
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
FAA Seeks Comments Related to FAST-SAF Grant Program DEADLINE July 24, 2023
by Erin Voegele (SAF Magazine) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has opened a public comment period regarding its intention to request Office of Management and Budget approval for a new information collection related to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
June 29, 2023 Read Full Article
OMB Regulatory Agenda Outlines Upcoming CCS-Related Rulemakings
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on June 13 published its Spring 2023 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which shows several rulemakings related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) are underway by federal
June 15, 2023 Read Full Article
US EPA Recommends Delaying Electric Vehicles Biofuel Program -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters)The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended delaying a scheme that would give electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers tradable credits under a federal biofuel program, in a final rule that the White House will now
May 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Executive Order 14081 Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy-Request for Information; National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative-Measuring the Bioeconomy Public Comment DEADLINE: June 12, 2023
(Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President) The Chief Statistician of the United States (CSOTUS) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was charged
May 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Delays Bid to Grant Electric Carmakers Renewable Fuel Credits
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Detroit News) The Biden administration has dropped, for now, a plan that would have awarded automakers such as Tesla Inc. credits for using renewable natural gas to power electric vehicles. That proposal was excluded from drafted regulation setting
May 21, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final RFS ‘Set’ Rule to White House OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has delivered its final rule to set 2023, 2024 and 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final stage
May 18, 2023 Read Full Article
8 State Requests for Year-Round E15 Reviewed by US Budget Office
by Jim Wiesemeyer (AgWeb) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Friday completed its review of eight states requests to remove the volatility waiver provided under law for ethanol blends—the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver of 1 pound per square inch
February 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Seeks Immediate Action on Year-Round E15
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded a bipartisan group of 31 U.S. Senators and House Representatives for urging the Biden administration to quickly approve a petition from Midwest governors to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. “We thank
February 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Details Policy Needs Biofuels Industry Champions Carbon Pipelines under State Legislative Challenges
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, isn't holding out much hope for new legislation for biofuels in the new Congress. "If the last few weeks are any indication, we're in
February 09, 2023 Read Full Article
White House Starts Review of EPA’s Passenger Vehicle Emissions Plan
(Inside EPA) The White House has begun reviewing EPA’s draft proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards for passenger vehicles and some larger trucks, offering the latest indication that the agency is on track to release the plan by the end of March
January 25, 2023 Read Full Article
OMB Agenda Confirms Timelines for RFS, E15, Biopreferred Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales
January 05, 2023 Read Full Article
Lobbying Ramps up over State-Specific Waivers for Year-Round E15 Sales
(Inside EPA) Biofuels groups, refiners and others are ramping up their competing advocacy over EPA’s upcoming proposal that will likely authorize select Midwestern states to sell 15 percent ethanol (E15) fuel year-round, a move that biofuel producers have long sought,
January 03, 2023 Read Full Article
White House Reviewing Governors E15 Volatility Petition
By Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The White House Office of Management and Budget is now officially reviewing the request from nine Midwest governors to eliminate the 1-psi RVP waiver for E10 in their states and allow year-round sales of E15, according to
December 08, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Completes Review of Canola Oil RFS Approval
(Inside EPA) EPA is poised to finalize its approval of canola oil as a feedstock for the manufacture of “advanced” low-carbon fuels qualified to earn credit under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), after the White House Office of Management and
November 18, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule to Set 2023 RFS RVOs to the OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 9 delivered its proposed rule to set Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations for 2023 and beyond to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final
November 15, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final Rule on Canola Oil RFS Fuel Pathways to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 19 delivered a final rule to create canola oil fuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard for renewable diesel, jet fuel naphtha, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and heating oil to
September 29, 2022 Read Full Article
OMB’s Spring Regulatory Agenda Includes Timelines for RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has indicated it will release proposed rules related to the 2023 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligation (RVO) and state requests to allow summer E15 sales within the next several months. The
July 15, 2022 Read Full Article
OMB’s Spring Regulatory Agenda Includes Timelines for RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has indicated it will release proposed rules related to the 2023 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligation (RVO) and state requests to allow summer E15 sales within the next several months. The
June 22, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Should Move Beyond E15, Boost Biofuel’s Economic, Environmental, National Security and Public Health Benefits
(Solutions from the Land) ... Reports out of Washington indicate that EPA submitted to the White House late last month its proposal on biofuel mandates, calling for a retroactive reduction for years 2020 and 2021, then boosting it back up for
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Rule Could Alter RIN Retirement Schedule for Small Refineries
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. EPA on May 17 submitted a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that aims to create an alternative renewable identification number (RIN) retirement schedule for small refineries under the
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Sends Small Refinery RFS Compliance ‘Alternative’ for OMB Review
(Inside EPA) EPA has sent for White House review a draft proposal that appears aimed at implementing its novel renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance “alternative” for small refiners that saw their 2018 hardship waivers from RFS mandates retroactively scrapped, a
May 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Analysis: White House Weighs Inflation vs. Farmers in New Biofuel Mandates
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The White House is expected to announce in coming weeks the amount of biofuels like corn-based ethanol that U.S. refiners must blend into their fuel this year, a decision that will force it to
May 17, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Input from Small Businesses on Potential Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles for Model Years 2027 and Later DEADLINE: May 31, 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This Panel will focus on the agency’s development of a rule that
May 16, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Sends Biofuel Blending Mandate Rule to White House for Final Review
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sent a rule on U.S. biofuel blending mandates to the White House for final review, according to a notice posted by the Office of Management and Budget. The oil and biofuel industries,
May 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Reps Question Lack of Biofuels in Budget
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Representatives from Iowa questioned Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young Tuesday on the lack of biofuels in the $6 trillion White House budget unveiled this week. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) both pressed Young
March 31, 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
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
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
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
USDA Doles out $633M in Power, Biofuel Funds
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Department of Agriculture plans to distribute some $633 million in loans and grants aimed at bolstering rural power infrastructure and making higher blends of biofuels more available to consumers. All told, the funding will be split among 791
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Bill Targets Retroactive Changes to RVOs
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of Midwestern lawmakers is taking aim at the potential for EPA to retroactively lower biofuel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced the Defend
November 24, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final Vehicle Emissions Standards Rule to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 11 submitted its final rule to revise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for model year (MY) 2023 and later light-duty vehicles to the White House Office of Management and Budget.
November 12, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Schedules Additional Meetings on RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has now scheduled 16 meetings with interested parties to discuss a proposed rule to set renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, up from
September 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Vilsack: Biofuels $700M Still on Way -- Secretary of Agriculture Says USDA Biofuels Aid in Hands of OMB
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) About $700 million designed to help biofuels producers is still on the way three months after the USDA made the announcement to help producers hurt by the COVID-19 economic shutdown. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Schedules 12 Meetings Related to Review of RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has scheduled 12 meetings with interested parties to discuss a proposed rule to set renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The U.S EPA on Aug.
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
To Undo the Damage of Trump Rollbacks, Biden Needs to Set Car Standards Stronger than Obama’s
(American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)) The Biden administration can soon undo the damage of President Trump’s clean car rollback, but only by setting more stringent standards to make up for lost progress. In the face of recent climate change-related extreme
July 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Agriculture and Ethanol Groups Echo Automakers Call for Higher-Octane Gasoline Standard in Fuel Economy Rule
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Dozens of agricultural, ethanol, automotive, and manufacturing organizations are calling for higher octane in gasoline to help automakers increase vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. In a letter to President Joe Biden, signed by a range
July 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Blocked By EPA, Biofuels Group Asks OMB For Octane Limit In Vehicle Rule
by Stuart Parker (Inside EPA/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) A coalition of biofuels and farm groups, led by former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), is poised to press White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officials to include a high-octane standard
July 13, 2021 Read Full Article
White House OMB Reveals Expected Timelines of 2 RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Updates Timelines for 2021 RFS, E15 Label Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Information released by the White House Office of Management and budget indicates the a proposed rule to set 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard could be released soon. A rulemaking is
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Misses Statutory Deadline to Set 2021 RFS RVOs
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has missed its Nov. 30 statutory deadline to set the 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel. While the delay was
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Climate 21 Project Memos
(Climate 21 Project) The Climate 21 Project taps the expertise of more than 150 experts with high-level government experience, including nine former cabinet appointees, to deliver actionable advice for a rapid-start, whole-of-government climate response coordinated by the White House and accountable to the
November 13, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final Fuels Regulatory Streamlining Rule to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released a proposed rule on April 13 that aims to streamline and modernize the agency’s existing fuels regulations. In the rulemaking, the EPA said it is proposing “some slight modifications to
September 22, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA’s Wheeler Says He Has Questions about SRE Gap Waiver Applications
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose Splitting 500-Million-Gal RFS Remand in 2021, 2022: Sources
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS/Governors Biofuels Coalition)EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose Splitting 500-Million-Gal RFS Remand in 2021, 2022: Sources
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS) EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the U.S.
June 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Quotas to Get Small Lift Under Draft of EPA Plan
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) The Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a plan to slightly lift biofuel-blending targets next year, while so far skirting potentially controversial decisions about exempting refineries from U.S. mandates to use plant-based fuels, according to three
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule to Set 2021 RFS RVOs to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has delivered its proposed rule to set 2021 renewable volume requirements (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard and the 2022 RVO for biomass-based diesel to the White House Office of Management and
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Carper Asks EPA IG to Open Investigation into Process Irregularities and Potential Illegalities Associated with the SAFE Vehicles and Secret Science Rules
(Office of U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE)) U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General (IG) to open an investigation into potentially unlawful efforts and
March 17, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule to Streamline Fuel Regulations to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Jan. 27 submitted a proposed rule to streamline fuels regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final step before a proposed rule is released
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Plan to Gut Obama’s Auto Mileage Rules Is Getting Dialed Back
by Ryan Beene and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Revised proposal will require modest annual efficiency gains; Draft rule is under review by White House budget office -- ... A draft of the final rule, now undergoing a final White House
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Auto Rollback Goes to OMB Review
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA and NHTSA on Tuesday sent their new auto emissions and fuel efficiency rules to the Office of Management and Budget for review, EPA confirmed to ME. This is the second half of the
January 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Governors Ask Trump to Take Executive Actions on Biofuels
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) First and foremost, the group asked Trump to expedite any new rulemaking process aimed at the waivers issue. ... As part of the biofuels announcement last week, the Trump administration also directed EPA and USDA to
October 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Set to Discuss Biofuels Thursday with USDA, EPA: Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) President Donald Trump, faced with mounting anger in the farm belt over policies that allowed oil refineries to use less corn-based ethanol, is set to meet with cabinet members on Thursday to discuss ways to
August 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Moves to Finalize Weakening of Car Efficiency Standards: The White Houes’s Rule Would Cost the Economy $400 Billion by Midcentury, According to a New Analysis from Energy Innovation.
(GreenTechMedia) An analysis published Wednesday by clean energy advocacy group Energy Innovation found that if the administration does eliminate California’s waiver, costs from the rule change would total $400 billion in 2018 dollars by 2050. By 2035, Energy Innovation projects that
August 08, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA’s Final SAFE Vehicles Rule under OMB Review
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA submitted its final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks to the White House Office of Management and Budget on Aug. 2. OMB review
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
RFS Reset Plan from EPA Still Not Coming Soon
(DTN Progressive Farmer Washington Insider) The notice of proposed rulemaking for the reset of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is still a ways off as there are now additional meetings scheduled on the topic at the Office of Management and Budget
July 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Suspends Obama-Era Fuel Efficiency Penalties
by Jessica Campisi (The Hill) The Trump administration announced late Friday that it will formally suspend an Obama-era regulation that penalized automakers that didn’t meet fuel-efficiency requirements, Reuters reports. After Congress ordered federal agencies to adjust existing penalties in 2015, the National Highway
July 15, 2019 Read Full Article
US EPA Readies Proposal for 2020-21 Biofuel Mandate
by Meghan Gordon (S&P Global Platts) EPA says on track to release final volumes on time; Trump to tour Iowa ethanol plant Tuesday; Warren criticizes small refinery waivers -- The US Environmental Protection Agency is close to releasing its proposal for how much biofuel
June 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Report: RNG Production to Keep up with Rapidly Growing Demand for Renewable Fuels
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) A new report authored by Washington, D.C.-based Bates White Economic Consulting forecasts that demand for renewable natural gas (RNG, or biomethane) fuel in the U.S. transportation sector will continue growing rapidly over the next five years
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Sends RFS Reset Plan to OMB For Review
(DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA has sent its proposed plan for a reset of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), one of the final stages before the plan will be released. There are no indications regarding
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Proposes Hike in Biofuel Mandate to 20.04 Billion Gallons in 2020: Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed increasing the volume of biofuels refiners must blend into their fuel annually to 20.04 billion gallons in 2020, from 19.92 billion gallons in 2019, according to two sources
May 10, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule with 2020 RVOs, ‘Other Changes’ to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has delivered a proposed rule to set 2020 renewable blending obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The proposed rule also includes the
May 08, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Input on E15 Information Collection Request Extension DEADLINE: May 17, 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of a proposed extension of an existing information collection request (ICR) related to E15 it plans to submit to the Office of Management and Budget. A
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
All in on Ethanol?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA sent its rule that would allow the year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol fuel to the White House for review on Monday, a step that makes it more likely the agency will release
March 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive: White House Delays New Farm Aid Payments on China Trade Hopes - Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The White House is delaying additional payments from a $12 billion aid package for farmers stung by President Donald Trump’s trade war with China because it expects Beijing to resume buying U.S. soybeans, three sources
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
OMB Releases Estimated Timelines for EPA’s E15 Rule, 2 RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Trump Administration has released estimated timelines for the development of three U.S. EPA rulemakings that pertain to the Renewable Fuel Standard and year-round E15 sales, including one that includes a “reset” of statutory blending targets. The
October 25, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Needs to Reallocate Gallons from RFS Waivers
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) : Incoming RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper addresses the small refiner exemptions issued by the U.S. EPA last year, and how they affect the ethanol market -- The U.S. EPA remains committed to
September 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Extra Administration Analysis Delays Fuel Economy Rules
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Fuel economy rules from EPA and the Department of Transportation that were widely expected this week will be delayed, as the feds are adding analysis to give them better odds of surviving an inevitable
July 26, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Scraps Detailed Plan to Force U.S. Refiners to Blend More Biofuels
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ditched a detailed plan that would have forced refiners to blend more biofuels into their gasoline and diesel in 2019 to compensate for volumes likely to be exempted under the agency’s small
July 12, 2018 Read Full Article
US EPA Close to Releasing 2019-20 Biofuel Mandate Volumes
(Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency is close to releasing its proposal for how much biofuel refiners must blend into the US transportation fuel supply next year, a spokeswoman said Friday. The policy will include 2019 blending requirements for ethanol and advanced
June 19, 2018 Read Full Article
White House to Meet Automakers, California on Fuel Efficiency Rule
by David Shepardson (Reuters) White House officials will have a new round of meetings with an automakers trade group and California’s “clean air” agency next week before unveiling a proposal to reverse rules aimed at increasing fuel efficiency, participants said on
June 15, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Set To Give Oil Another Victory At Ethanol’s Expense
(Urban Air Initiative) A proposed rule to make ethanol blends above 15% illegal in anything other than flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) is a potential death blow to the ethanol industry according to the Urban Air Initiative. This coincidently comes at a
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Said to Mull Ways to Boost Biofuel Market Transparency
Mario Parker and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) The Environmental Protection Agency plans to ask for advice on whether -- and how -- to boost the transparency of an opaque $9 billion market in biofuel compliance credits amid allegations of manipulation, said
May 16, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Sends 2019-20 US Biofuel Mandate Proposal to White House
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has sent its proposal for the federal biofuel mandate's 2019 ethanol volumes and 2020 biodiesel volumes to the White House, according to Office of Management and Budget records. The notice did not contain
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
GAO to Look at Social Cost of Carbon
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) An independent government watchdog has agreed to examine how the Trump administration uses the social cost of carbon, the metric used to calculate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. READ MORE WATCHDOG AGENCY TO STUDY TRUMP CHANGES
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
US EPA Sends Final RFS Volumes to White House for Review
by Brian Scheid (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency has sent for review the final renewable fuel volume standards for 2018 and biomass based diesel volume for 2019, making it likely that the agency will release the volumes by the statutory
November 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump’s Bait-And-Switch On The Renewable Fuel Standard
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... “Now it is time for action,” Monte Shaw, IRFA executive director, said following Trump’s Iowa appearance. “President Trump’s EPA needs to release the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2018. That proposal needs to maintain ethanol levels
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Pruitt’s EPA Undermines Cellulosic Biofuels and Transparency in Government
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) As the New York Times recently reported, the EPA Administrator Pruitt has been conducting much of his work to undermine the EPA’s mission in secret. The recent proposed rule implementing the Renewable Fuels Standard
August 31, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Changed Course on Cellulosic RFS Documents: EPA Originally Sought Increase in Cellulosic Volumes
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency originally proposed a much higher cellulosic ethanol number in its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal sent to the Office of Management and Budget in June, interagency review documents posted
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
RFS Proposal Sent to White House
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The 2018 proposed renewable volume obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard were sent to the Office of Management and Budget at the White House late Thursday, according to the OMB website. The White House
May 12, 2017 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Comment On Revision To Information Collection For The Advanced Biofuel Payment Program
(Biobased and Renewable Products Update/Federal Register) On April 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service published in the Federal Register a notice that it is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Taps Mulvaney for OMB
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday formally selected fierce fiscal conservative Rep. Mick Mulvaney to lead the Office of Management and Budget, POLITICO's Ben Weyl reports . That would also put him in charge of overseeing
December 19, 2016 Read Full Article
White House OMB Reviews 2017 RFS Rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Oct. 19, the U.S. EPA delivered its proposed rule to set renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume standards for 2017 and biobased diesel standards for 2018 to the White House Office of Management and
October 21, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Brings Biofuel Production Changes To White House
by Kali Hays (Law360) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday sent some proposed changes to its Renewable Fuel Standard program to the White House for review, as the agency looks to promote the production of renewable fuels by removing
May 12, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Submits 2017 RFS Rule to White House OMB for Review
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA delivered the proposed rule for the 2017 renewable fuel standard (RFS) to the White House Office of Management and Budget on April 15. OMB review marks a final step before the
April 19, 2016 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
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
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
Biotechnology: OSTP Seeks Comment on Clarifying Current Roles and Responsibilities Described in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, PC) On October 6, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit relevant data and information, including case studies that may assist in the development of
October 07, 2015 Read Full Article
NM Lawmakers Call on Administration to Curb Natural Gas Waste Causing Methane Hot Spot Over San Juan Basin
(Office of Senator Tom Udall (D-NM)) In a letter this week to Office of Management and Budget (OPM) Director Shaun Donovan, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham called for
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: White House Directs EPA, FDA, and USDA to Update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) With little fanfare or advanced notice to the general public, on July 2, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Trade Representative, and
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
OMB Weighs in on Biomass Language Included in Appropriations Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has published a statement of administration policy that details its opposition to several components of an appropriations bill pending the in the U.S. House of Representatives,
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Sends Ethanol Proposals for Final Review
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Obama administration is conducting the last step in its review of proposed annual ethanol blending mandates for three separate years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the proposal, which has not been revealed publicly,
May 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Congressional Budget Office Says RFS Could Result in $6.00 per Gallon Credits for Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the Congressional Budget Office look at biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard? How does $3.00-$6.00 advanced biofuels RINs? A $0.26 per gallon hike in gasoline prices? A $1.27 drop in the price of E85
October 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Governors urging Obama Administration on RFS: Protect Consumer Choice, Jobs, and Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, chairman and vice chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, sent a letter urging the Obama Administration to ensure the development of domestically produced renewable fuels by amending
October 02, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA's Final 2014 RVO Delivered to the OMB; Industry Reacts
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has finalized its 2014 renewable volume obligation (RVO) rule for the renewable fuels standard (RFS) and submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on Friday, Aug.
August 26, 2014 Read Full Article
RFS Update from EPA at ACE Meeting
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Environmental Protection Agency official Paul Machiele visited the American Coalition for Ethanol conference this week in Minneapolis to discuss various issues, including plans for the 2014 volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Machiele, who is director for
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Obama’s Delay on Renewable Fuel Puts Producers in Bind
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Iowa Governor Makes Case to Washington on Ethanol Requirements
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad made an aggressive push last week to defend the country’s ethanol policy during three calls with members of the Obama administration as the White House considers making changes to the
November 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Businesses Flock to White House ahead of Biofuel Rule
by Julian Hattem (The Hill Reg Watch) Officials at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have been busy meeting with chemical and energy companies in recent days, ahead of the expected release of new biofuel standards. This week, the
October 28, 2013 Read Full Article
The USDA Loan Guarantee Program and the Congressional Deficit-Reducing Drive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...At risk in that budget process is the entire funding for the Section 9003 loan guarantee program – in the omnibus spending bill proposed in December by the outgoing Congress, zeroing out 9003 is exactly