by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Already, biogas as a renewable fuel is accounting for 90% of all cellulosic RIN production under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Food and paper manufacturers, ethanol & biodiesel plants, cities, landfill operators, and animal feeding operations
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS and RFS2)
Back TO HOMEAdvocating for Ethanol: Walz Visits Janesville Plant
by Philip Weyhe (Janesville Argus) First District Congressman Tim Walz, D-Mankato, stopped by Guardian Energy in Janesville Friday morning with his sights set on highlighting ethanol production as an “all-American” and efficient energy solutions service. After the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Thirty-Six Senators Call for Biodiesel Growth
(National Biodiesel Board) Republicans and Democrats Urge EPA to Strengthen RFS Proposal -- Thirty-six U.S. senators from across the country urged the Obama administration Monday to strengthen biodiesel volumes in a pending Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) proposal from the EPA. “While the
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standards Continue to Work
by Dave Eckhardt (Colorado Corn Growers Association/Pueblo Chieftan) ... Perhaps the EPA has forgotten the RFS is working. It’s helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, ethanol lowered CO2-equivalent GHG emissions from transportation by 39.6 million metric tons — akin to
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Working to Benefit Brazil, America, the World
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brazil and the U.S. have a responsibility to collaboratively build a global biofuels market, writes Leticia Phillips of UNICA, following a visit between Brazilian President and President Obama. In late June, Brazilian President Dilma
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Begins Publishing Annual Data on RIN Sales, RIN Holdings
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In early July, the U.S. EPA released renewable identification number (RIN) sales data aggregated by renewable fuel standard (RFS) party type for the first time. The newly released data is in addition to monthly
July 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Notice of Opportunity To Comment on an Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Attributable to Production and Transport of Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Seed Oil for Use in Biofuel Production
(Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to the production and transport of Gossypium spp. seed oil (“cottonseed oil”) feedstock for use in making biofuels such
July 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Corn Growers Rally for RFS in DC
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Hundreds of corn farmers from across America were in Washington D.C. today (July 15, 2015) to rally for the cuts to corn ethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFs) to be overturned. The Environmental Protection Agency
July 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Efforts Forge Ahead
by Janelle Atyeo (Tri-State Neighbor) South Dakota groups are pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to set higher standards for renewable fuels, highlighting what ethanol has done for the rural economy and for the environment. Rural development coordinator Erin Wilcox testified at
July 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Increasing U.S. Energy Security and Reducing Greenhouse Gases in the Transportation Sector: Electricity vs. Biofuels
(OurEnergyPolicy.org) The question is: How can U.S. policymakers best support energy security and GHG emission reduction, considering the need for both biofuels and low-carbon electric vehicles? What fraction of transport energy can be supplied by each source, and what policy options
July 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Bush in Sioux City: Phase out Renewable Fuel Standard
by Bret Hayworth (The Globe Gazette) Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Monday again asserted a position that could give him trouble with some Iowa voters, as he supports an end to a federal rule that helps the ethanol industry. Asked
July 14, 2015 Read Full Article
US EPA Unveils New Data for RIN Sales
(Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday released, for the first time, data aggregated by the type of organization selling or holding the credits used to demonstrate compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA said the new aggregated data for
July 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry, Farmers Advocate against Loudermilk Amendment
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 2, a group of two dozen biofuel trade groups and companies issued a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to reject an proposals that amend, repeal, defund
July 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Leaders Urge Congress to Reject Legislative Changes to the RFS
(Renewable Energy World) A consortium of biofuel companies sent a letter to members of Congress, urging them to reject proposals that would repeal or “reform” the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The were particularly concerned with the amendment put forth by
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
ACE: Fuel Retailers Counter EPA's Blend Wall Assumptions
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Station owners who offer ethanol blends above 10 percent are gaining increased sales and higher customer counts, contrary to assumptions made by the U.S. EPA in its recent proposal that would reduce the amount
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Missionary Zeal for Ethanol in Roots of NASCAR Sponsor
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg/Seattle Times) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which administers the ethanol program, has proposed a sharp cutback in ethanol mandates that were expanded by Congress in 2007. -- Jeff Broin’s silhouette shines in the glossy hood of the modified
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EDITORIAL: Congress Should Kill Ethanol Mandate
(Las Vegas Review-Journal) ... Although auto manufacturers have longed warned against using gas containing more than 10 percent ethanol, the Environmental Protection Agency — along with misguided renewable-fuel advocates, the big agriculture lobby and their friends in elected office — pushed
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
In Defense of Renewable Fuel Standard
by Barry Blitstein (Oklahoman) ... Calling the Renewable Fuel Standard a farce is an unfair assessment. It’s true that fracking has impacted the domestic energy picture but it’s only temporary. The IEA projects the Middle East as “the major source of
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Makers Race to Expand even with Policy Uncertainty
by Chris Prentice and Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) ... Betting on exports and robust domestic fuel demand, four companies are finalizing expansions and projects that will add 375 million gallons of corn-based ethanol capacity this year. ... Oil refiners have threatened legal action to overhaul
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
O'Malley: EPA Should Back Off Lowering Ethanol Requirement
by Grant Rodgers (Des Moines Register) Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley strongly backed renewable fuel producers on Thursday, calling on the Obama administration to rethink its controversial proposal to lower standards for the amount of ethanol that will be mixed
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol for All, And Then Some
by Robert Rapier (Investing Daily) ... If less fuel is being produced than the mandated level, it drives up the price of the RIN and in theory increases the incentive to produce the fuel (which is the intent of the system). For
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
GOP Bill Would Repeal Federal Ethanol Mandate
By Timothy Cama (The Hill) A new Republican bill introduced Tuesday (June 16, 2015) would completely repeal the federal mandate to blend ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply. Sen. Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) legislation would completely do away with the renewable fuel
July 01, 2015 Read Full Article
As EPA Hands Down New Rules on Renewable Fuel Standard, Critics Say 'Blend Wall' a Fiction Created by Big Oil
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... For the first time since it was conceived a decade ago, the Obama Administration has proposed weakening the RFS -- a blow to the green movement, the biofuels business, and especially the ethanol industry. The reduced
July 01, 2015 Read Full Article
A Look at EPA’s RVO Proposal
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... For the next-generation biofuels industry, this proposed rule represents a solid improvement, especially for those in the advanced and biomass-based diesel pool, as well as those in the cellulosic pool seeking a concrete signal of
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Big Oil’s Mouthpiece Distorts the Facts
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Sofie E. Miller may have left the Charles Koch Institute in 2012, but she clearly continues to do the bidding of her former employer and the rest of the oil industry (“RFS hurts
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable-Fuel Advocates Turn out at KCK Hearing, Give the EPA an Earful on Reducing Ethanol Targets
by Greg Hack and Kasia Kovacs (Kansas City Star) When the Environmental Protection Agency proposed lowering the country’s ethanol-use mandates for this year and next, it set up a public hearing to let people tell it what they thought. On
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Statement by DuPont
(Biofuels Digest) “DuPont believes the proposed 2014 to 2016 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) rule is misguided and is a major step backward. Since the RFS was first enacted, the United States has quickly risen to lead the world in biofuels
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Brian Jennings, EVP, American Coalition for Ethanol
(Biofuels Digest) Thank you, my name is Brian Jennings, and I’m the Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol. I’m pleased to report that more than 100 people representing ACE member companies will testify at today’s hearing, as
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Geoff Cooper, Senior Vice President at the Renewable Fuels Association
(Biofuels Digest) Good morning, my name is Geoff Cooper and I am representing the Renewable Fuels Association. By any measure, the RFS has been a tremendous success. It has stimulated growth in biofuel production, revitalized rural economies, reduced GHG emissions,
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Steve Murphy, GM, POET Biorefining-Laddonia & POET Biorefining – Macon
(Biofuels Digest) Good afternoon, My name is Steve Murphy and I am the General Manager for two POET Biorefining plants. ... I am here to make one and only one point today. What this proposed rule does will harm those who
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Senator Amy Klobuchar: Keynote Address at the DOE Bioenergy 2015 Conference
by Senator Amy Kolbuchar (Biofuels Digest/Bioenergy 2015) I want to spend a moment looking at the badness in our energy policy, with a look back in history. Our first bad moment was after 9/11, we were united and the President
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
FREEDOMWORKS KEY-VOTES RFS AMENDMENT
(Politico Morning Energy/Bay Planning Coalition) The House won’t take any votes on its Interior-EPA appropriations bill until next month, but a conservative group already is urging Republicans to back an amendment to defund the Renewable Fuel Standard. FreedomWorks sent the
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Up with Octane and Down with Aromatics: Continuing Health Risks with Petroleum Fuels and the Need for Engine Efficiency
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) Our country has seen many transitions in travel technologies and fuels. In the first installment I reviewed our transition from 1) barley and oats for our horses and mules to high carbohydrate corn for
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Biofuels Can't Replace Oil
by Jude Clemente (Forbes) ... To be a viable alternative for petroleum, a biofuel should provide a net energy gain, offer clear environmental and economic benefits, and not reduce food supplies and/or increase their costs. ... A vital concept when considering alternatives to
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Public Hearing for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(US Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a public hearing to be held in Kansas City, Kansas on June 25, 2015 for the proposed rule ‘‘Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2014, 2015, and
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The Boon of Reduced Oil Consumption
By Brian Deese and Jason Furman (The Washington Post/senior adviser to President Obama/Council of Economic Advisers) ... A new report this week by the Council of Economic Advisers documents that this drop in consumption is one of the biggest surprises in
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Franken Discusses RFS
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Minnesota Senator Al Franken calls the revised Renewable Fuels Standard an improvement from EPA’s proposal two years ago but still a step backwards for the industry. Franken tells Brownfield he went right to President Obama after
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels a Potential Election-Year Issue for Iowa Voters
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels could be an issue in the race for the White House as indecisive voters in Iowa look for a way to whittle down a crowded field of Republican candidates, trade groups and polling
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Implementing the RFS with a "Push" Strategy: What Happens after 2016?
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) .. In our first farmdoc daily article (June 3, 2015) after the release of the (RVO) proposal, we analyzed whether the renewable (ethanol) mandates proposed by the EPA, while lower than statutory levels, were still
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Farmers, Biofuel Industry Calls on Congress to Leave RFS Alone
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 17, Fuels America hosted a press call during which American farmers and representatives of the biofuel industry discussed how legislative changes to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) would threaten America’s security, consumers, climate
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Management Scrutinized at Hearing
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) U.S. EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe fielded dozens of hard questions and endured heavy scrutiny during a June 18 hearing held to discuss the agency’s management of the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). Chairing the hearing
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Washington Finds Unlikely Ally in OPEC as Biofuels Debate Rages
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The lowest oil prices in over six years have fueled a resurgence in U.S. gasoline use in recent months as more Americans take to the road. Demand is expected to climb 1.5 percent this year to nearly
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
NASCAR Fans Support Ethanol, Reach Out to EPA
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) NASCAR fans are serving as an important source for support of ethanol and letting the Obama Administration know their displeasure over the government’s proposal on how much of the green fuel is to be mixed into
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Delegation Asks EPA to Hold Ethanol Hearing in State
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Iowa's congressional delegation asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to hold a hearing in the state about the agency's recent proposal lowering how much ethanol must be blended into the gasoline supply through
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Ricketts: Danish Company's Interest in Nebraska Expansion Cooled after EPA's Ethanol Proposal
by Russell Hubbard (World-Herald) Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said on the last day of his European trade mission that federal rulings on ethanol mandates are obstructing the expansion of a growing Danish company with a substantial Cornhusker State presence. Novozymes, a
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
In Blow to Big Oil, EPA Says Oil Refiners Recover RINs Costs
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil companies ultimately recover their costs of complying with the U.S. biofuels program, according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis that marks the regulator's clearest challenge yet to a key criticism of the policy. The report,
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Buyers Scoop up Brazilian Ethanol Amid RIN Revival
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil traders are rushing to import ethanol from Brazil for the first time this year after U.S. regulators moved to increase use of advanced biofuel, opening a wide spread in the niche biofuel credits market. The premium
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Fuels America Holds Call to Discuss New EPA Memo on RIN Prices
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 11, Fuels America hosted a conference call to discuss a memo from the U.S. EPA that demonstrates the renewable fuel standard (RFS) does not increase—and, in fact, works to decrease—retail gas prices. ... Geoff
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Op-ed: Biofuels Are Cleaner Energy that Should Be Encouraged
by Kent Bushman (Salt Lake Tribune/Utah Farmers Union) ... And the news just keeps getting better, as new technologies are increasing ethanol yields while improving efficiencies and allowing ethanol biorefineries to make better use of natural resources. In fact, over the past
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Renew America’s Renewable Future Releases Coalition List
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, America’s Renewable Future (ARF) has publicly released a diverse coalition of partners that includes Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Corn Growers, Growth Energy, and POET among many others. ARF released the following statement: “We
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Proposed RVO Raises Multiple Questions for Illinois Economists
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s May 29 proposed renewable volume obligations (RVO) is under scrutiny by University of Illinois economists in recent FarmDocDaily posts. Jonathan Coppess examines the argument that EPA appears to be turning the
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Butanol: Symbiotic Partners for a Modern Fuel
by Bill Brandon and Richard Ezike (Biofuels Digest) The debate touting butanol over ethanol as a ‘better’ fuel component has gone on for quite some time in biofuel circles. Those who support butanol point to three key factors: • Butanol has
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Corn Growers Concerned with Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes
(WNAX) National Corn Grower Association members are concerned with the recent volume proposal put out by the Environmental Protection Agency for the Renewable Fuel Standard. NCGA leaders say with their proposal, the EPA has cut 3.75 billion gallons of corn
June 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Time for a Bioenergy Reset?
by Douglas Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s easy now to forget that not too long ago the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush Administrations, joined by supportive Congresses, pursued the goal of ending our reliance on ever-growing imports of oil through
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Is Obama Allowing Big Oil To Kill Biofuels?
by Ronnie Shows (The Daily Caller) As the first legislator to introduce a biofuels bill in the Mississippi State House, I am deeply concerned that the Obama administration is making a huge mistake when it comes to determining the United
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Expansion in U.S. Ethanol on Hold after Blending Targets Slashed
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Expansion in the U.S. ethanol industry, stuck in neutral for more than a year as the government debated biofuel blending requirements, is now likely to come to a screeching halt. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel RIN Prices React Wildly to US EPA's RFS Proposals
(Platts) ... In immediate reaction, market participants viewed the proposed obligations as bearish for corn-based ethanol (D6) RINs and bullish for biomass-based diesel (D4) RINs. Advanced biofuel (D5) RINs were expected to also track biomass-based diesel RINs higher, sources said. Moments
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Slashes Biofuels Targets for 2014, 2015, 2016 under Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “EPA continues to assert authority under the general waiver provision to reduce biofuel volumes based on available infrastructure,” says BIO. “This is a point that will have to be litigated. It goes against Congressional intent.” In
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Adherence to “Blend Wall” Damages Advanced Fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) regrets that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in releasing renewable fuel volumes for 2014, 2015 and 2016, artificially caps renewable fuels at under 10 percent of the U.S.
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Makers Say EPA Waivers Siphon Away Their Buyers
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg Business) Companies that make fuel from corn stalks or landfill gas say a federal program designed to help them has a loophole that is discouraging buyers. ... In addition, producers have been pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to close
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Peterson: RFS Announcement a Setback for Rural America; Grassley: EPA, Administration Fail Consumers on Biofuels
(Office of Congressman Collin Peterson) House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today said the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) released today by the EPA will set back production of domestic renewable fuels and hurts the rural economy. Peterson’s statement is
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
25x'25 Expresses Disappointment with RFS Blending Proposals; Calls on the President to Ensure Standard Maintained to 'Letter of the Law'
(25 x '25) EPA's proposed biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, which were issued today, are, for the most, part a major disappointment and could, if not revised, make the
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Clinton: Invest in Rural Clean Energy
by Hilary Clinton (The Gazette) ... Domestic renewable fuel production has expanded by more than 350 percent over the past decade with enough supply in the market today to fuel more than 30 million cars. And today U.S. biofuels companies not
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Follow the Money
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After a period of incredible profitability, leaders in the ethanol industry are better positioned for thinner margins. In an industry ruled by volatility, it’s important for producers to position themselves to take advantage of favorable
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Decision May Signal Big Oil’s Influence in White House | Commentary
by Anne Weismann (Roll Call/ Campaign for Accountability) On June 1, the Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to release its new plan for implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard. ... When the number finally comes out, the American people might find out
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Launches New Ad Campaign
(National Biodiesel Board) America’s advanced biofuel, biodiesel, is an alternative energy success story. It’s powering vehicles from coast to coast and replacing more than 1 billion gallons of petroleum every year. And to celebrate biodiesel’s benefits that touch cities and
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Santorum Talks Ethanol and Helping Working Families
by Linh Ta (Des Moines Register) ... One of the things that's helped rural small towns and farmers, particularly in Iowa, is the Renewable Fuel Standard, (former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick) Santorum said. By using ethanol to create independent energy and stable prices,
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Op-ed: Tell EPA to Support Biofuels
by B. Gunner Greene (Lafayette Journal & Courier) ... You might call biofuels in Indiana a growing industry. Of course, as many farmers and business owners already know, the EPA has a tendency to insert itself into successful enterprises. At best
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules which Impede Advanced Biofuels Development
(American Council on Renewable Energy) ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules -- Industry leaders and ACORE members take up issues with co-location requirements under the RFS which impede advanced biofuels development. Today, the American Council On Renewable
May 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Corn Ethanol Yields Continue to Improve
(US DOE Energy Information Administration) In 2014, U.S. fuel ethanol production reached 14.3 billion gallons of ethanol fuel, the highest level ever. The growth in U.S. fuel ethanol production has outpaced growth in corn consumed as feedstock—as the industry has
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Senators Show Support for Biodiesel Industry
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Joining Sen. Heitkamp were Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Al Franken (D-MN), as well as biodiesel producers, who also stressed how the uncertainty caused by EPA’s misguided
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Obama Administration Must Uphold Commitment to Biodiesel
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Specifically, the Energy Independence and Security Act was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush because they all understood that our addiction to
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Thrive, Survive, Jive or Take Five: Who Is Weathering the $50 Oil Storm in Biofuels, and How?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Survive -- First-Gen ethanol producers. So-so. Corn prices have fallen, and though margins have been compressed and gone negative in some cases, balance sheets remain strong and the margin outlook is improving and positive
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Refiners Hamstrung by Chaos in RFS-Credit Market
Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing) ... Refiners aren't buying cellulosic fuel credits through the renewable fuel standard program for what the company produces. And so Quad County has received as much as $600,000 less than expected for its wares -- a shortfall
May 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Is EPA's Biofuel Policy Eroding the Industry?
by John Siciliano (The Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency's attempts to get its flagship renewable fuel program back on track is coming at a price for the biofuel industry it has sought to support. In the nearly two years that the EPA
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Joule, Audi Confirm Revolutionary Sunflow Fuel Meets US, EU Specs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, news arrives from Joule that the company’s CO2-recycled ethanol meets US and European fuel specifications. No one is dying of surprise that they would do so, but getting Joule fuels registered for commercial
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
ACE Power by People Advertisement Urges President to Keep RFS on Track
(American Coalition for Ethanol) ACE ad highlights how RFS is an example of policy done right. Capitalizing on President Barack Obama’s visit to Watertown, South Dakota, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) placed a full page advertisement in the May
May 08, 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
Help #getbiodieselbackontrack
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel fans, we need your help. Producers of America's first advanced biofuel to reach full commercial distribution have been left in limbo since rumors surfaced in 2013 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was planning to scale
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Strengthening The RFS For Next-Gen Biofuels
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) There has been a great deal of conversation around the speech I recently gave at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. I would like to further explain some of the key
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Scott Walker's Stance on Ethanol Prompts Concerns
by Jason Stein (Journal Sentinel) As likely presidential candidate Scott Walker has shifted his position on a federal ethanol mandate, some of the fuel's skeptics at home in Wisconsin are wary. At an Iowa roundup for White House hopefuls in March, the
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Estimating Chilled Investment for Advanced Biofuels Due to RFS Uncertainty: $13.7 Billion Shortfall in Investment During Delays in Rulemaking
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The advanced biofuel industry has invested billions of dollars since 2009 to build first-of-a-kind demonstration and commercial-scale biorefineries around the world, even during a global economic recession. Cellulosic biofuels have reached commercial status, though not at the
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
It’s Time for EPA to Get the RFS Back on Track
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... A new white paper by Harvard economist James Stock – a former member of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisors – acknowledges as much. Unfortunately, the paper’s faulty analysis of the RFS
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Poll: Over Six in 10 Voters Support the RFS
(Morning Consult) Morning Consult conducted a national poll on behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The survey of 2,047 registered voters took place from April 5-7, 2015. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of ±
April 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Alter RVO Process, Definition for Cellulosic Biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Jeff Flake, R, Ariz., has introduced legislation that aims to amend the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to require the cellulosic requirement to be based on actual production and alter the statutory definition of
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Ups Biofuels Presence at Policy Forum
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Over the past year, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) increased its work with the biofuels sector of renewable energy, upped its presence and activity at biofuels-related conferences and events, and got into
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
As EPA Finalizes Rule, Klobuchar, Grassley, Durbin, Thune, Franken, and Kirk Lead Bipartisan Group of 37 Senators in Calling for a Strong Renewable Fuel Standard
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) The Environmental Protection Agency is working to finalize the proposed rule on biofuels volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard; the latest proposal would create uncertainty for biodiesel producers and undermine job creation. In a
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
"Repeal the RFS – All of It," Koch Companies Writes to Senators
by Philip Ellender (Koch Companies Public Sector) On behalf of Koch companies, I am writing to urge you to oppose S. 577, a bill introduced by Senators Feinstein and Toomey that seeks to reform, not repeal, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard(RFS)
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
The Renewable Fuel Standard: A Path Forward
by James H. Stock* (Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy) America’s renewable fuels policy is at a crossroads. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is derided by some as an inefficient program that is driving up costs for fuel suppliers and
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Setting The Table For The Big Score
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ ICM Inc./Urban Air Initiative) The RFS is important and worthy of support, writes David VanderGriend. However, it should not be viewed as what defines the value of biofuels, a value which can only be
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Report: 2,000 People in East Kansas Employed in Biofuels
by Megan Hart (CJ Online) More than 2,000 people are employed in the biofuel industry in the Congressional district including Topeka, according to a report from Fuels America. The group is made up of major players in the ethanol industry and advocates
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Nebraska Corn Representatives Tell Ethanol’s Story on Capitol Hill
(NebraskaCorn.org) Ethanol advocates from across the nation came together in Washington, DC in late March as part of a “Biofuels Beltway March” to share their ethanol stories and communicate the widespread grassroots support for American Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
ARF Challenges Confirmed Candidates
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The America’s Renewable Future campaign is challenging the two confirmed Republican presidential candidates to take a stand for renewable fuels. In a letter to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who has been forthcoming about his opposition to the
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA to Finalize 2014, 2015 and 2016 RFS Rules by November
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted a notice to its website announcing that the volume requirements for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 renewable fuel standard (RFS), along with the 2017 volume requirement for biomass-based diesel, will
April 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Answers for Your Questions about Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals, Bioproducts and Sustainable Agriculture.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amazing questions get asked at ABLC — and except for attendees, you generally don’t hear them, or the answers. Let’s change that. With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of
April 09, 2015 Read Full Article
6 Factions Rand Paul Must Court in Iowa, Activists Say
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) For Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to make inroads in Iowa, here are the factions he'll need to tend closely, according to Iowa political strategists and activists. 1. LIBERTY MOVEMENT: ... 2. CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES: ... 3. LIBERTARIANS:
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Residue or Residon’t: Untapped Fuel Yields from the US Corn Production System
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Why not use the materials we don’t need, to produce the fuels we do need? ... (R)educe, re-use, recycle. Use what’s already there. And there’s nothing more powerful in the Imperial Department of Re-Use than sustainable agricultural
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Continues to Evolve as Usage Levels off
by Loretta Sorensen (Midwest Producer) ... Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek said there is some slowing of ethanol production on the eastern and western edges of the cornbelt. But ethanol industry leaders are responding to market conditions by implementing new technology
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Sen. Kaine Visits Hopewell Ethanol Plant
by Shelby Mertens (Progress-Index) U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine made a stop at the Vireol Bio Energy LLC plant in Hopewell on Monday for the first leg of his five-day spring break tour of Virginia. Kaine said he has been hoping to visit
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Industry Seeks to Reverse Argentina Import Decision
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is calling for the EPA to stay its recent decision to streamline Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pending public review and comment. In a petition filed
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
National Farmers Union Concerned over Omission of RFS from GHG Reduction Plan
(National Farmers Union/Ethanol Producer Magazine) National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson recently expressed concern over the exclusion of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) in President Obama’s formal submission of a plan to the United Nations to cut United States greenhouse
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Study Shows: Big Oil Is Chicken Little over Ethanol
by Ryan Koopmans (Des Moines Register) ... For the last decade, Big Oil has been running nervously through the halls of the U.S. Capitol and the EPA, screaming — to anyone who will listen — that the Renewable Fuel Standard is
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Is Getting a Big Boost from Corn, for Now
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Cellulosic fuels offer economic, environmental, and national security benefits, but scaling-up the technology has proven difficult and costly. Companies with an extensive background in the corn ethanol industry are cracking the cellulosic code, with projects that
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Rand Paul Finds Way to Champion Iowa Ethanol
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) It looks like presidential hopeful Rand Paul has found a clever way to champion ethanol, with an issue that's in harmony with his keep-government-out-of-the-marketplace mentality. Paul, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky, has teamed
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Plowing Prairies for Grains: Biofuel Crops Replace Grasslands Nationwide, U.S. Study Shows
(Science Daily/University of Wisconsin-Madison) Clearing grasslands to make way for biofuels may seem counterproductive, but researchers show that crops, including the corn and soy commonly used for biofuels, expanded onto 7 million acres of new land in the U.S. over
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
The Urban Air Initiative's Comments On EPA’s Proposal to Update the Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone Docket ID#: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699
(The Urban Air Initiative) UAI appreciates this opportunity to comment on EPA’s proposal to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground level ozone, as set forth on November 25, 2014. As summarized here and developed more fully
April 02, 2015 Read Full Article
End the Ethanol Mandate: Our View
(USA Today) ... Apart from Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, they all supported the mandate, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, the latest conservative darling, who arrived at his pro-ethanol position thanks to a 180 degree reverse back flip that would
March 31, 2015 Read Full Article
API, AFPM Sue EPA over RFS Delays
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 18, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and American Petroleum Institute filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia against the U.S. EPA regarding delays in finalizing
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Group of Lawmakers Continues to Seek Ways to Block Biofuels, Through Any Means Possible
(Energy and Environmental Study Institute) On March 23, a letter signed by 18 members of Congress to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture asked the subcommittee to include “language to limit continued government support for corn ethanol,” primarily by limiting
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Our Federal Policy on the Use of Ethanol
(New York Times) To the Editor: Re “End the Ethanol Rip-Off,” by Robert Bryce (Op-Ed, March 10): The notion that the Renewable Fuel Standard is somehow a hidden tax is a strange assessment for a policy that is reducing costs
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Debate Could Come to a Head in Washington This Year
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol and oil industries have dug in for what could be a pivotal year for the future of the renewable fuel mandate in Washington, with the victor poised to add jobs and reap millions
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Call for Comments Raises Questions over Biofuel Standards Delay
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request on Tuesday for comments from cellulosic biofuels makers raised speculation among industry analysts of further delays in the release of government-mandated renewable fuels volumes. The agency, which oversees the Renewable
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
'Renewable Super Premium' Offers Boost to Biofuel Producers, Auto Industry
(25 x '25) A group of DOE National Laboratory representatives have been in Washington this week making presentations to promote the benefits of what they call “Renewable Super Premium” (RSP) fuels. The researchers have found that ethanol fuel blends of
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Senator Cruz's Legislation Promotes Big Oil, Denies Consumer Choice
(Growth Energy) In response to S. 791, the American Energy Renaissance Act, legislation that was introduced last week by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), which would seek to further our addiction to fossil fuels and eliminate consumer choice by repealing the
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Another Successful ACE Fly-in
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The seventh annual American Coalition for Ethanol Fly-in, which included an appearance by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), was another success for the organization, according to Executive Vice President Brian Jennings. “We do this because we know lawmakers and
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
New Analysis: Giving Consumers Access to Renewable Fuel Yields Environmental Benefits
(Fuels America) A new analysis produced by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s principal research economist Dr. Stefen Mueller found that giving consumers more access to cleaner fuel options like E15 would provide significant environmental benefits. E15 is a cleaner
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
House Members Seek to End Ethanol Mandate
(TruckingInfo) A bi-partisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced legislation that would end the ethanol mandate, following a similar measure introduced in the U.S. Senate in late February. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced the bill while visiting
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
The Iowa Caucuses Have a Winner: Ethanol
by Thomas Pyle (The Wall Street Journal) Presidential hopefuls love the law mandating biofuel use, but there are encouraging signs in Washington that the business handout is losing favor. ... At the Iowa Agriculture Summit earlier this month, most of the prospective Republican
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Diversifying Products Creates New Opportunities
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The “Waste to Biogas and Clean Fuels Finance and Investment” summit provided a myriad of opportunities to get the latest intelligence on biogas and the clean fuel industry as well as on the financing
March 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Community Leaders Meet: Persistent and Dogged in the Throes of a Tough Slog
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Every year, the annual Washington, DC gathering of leaders in the advanced biofuels world at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference sports a different "vibe." In the early days of the late 2000's, the atmosphere
March 16, 2015 Read Full Article
How Obama's EPA Is Making Life Difficult for Clinton
by Jerry Hagstrom (National Journal) The biggest takeaways from the GOP-dominated Iowa Ag Summit here this weekend may be the opportunity that the Renewable Fuel Standard offers Hillary Clinton to address income inequality and the danger that the Obama administration's dithering
March 13, 2015 Read Full Article
RFS Roundup: Advanced Cellulosic Industry Group Breaks with Industry on RFS
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On March 11, at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams broke with the “Don’t Mess with the RFS” mantra that has been the collective industry response to
March 13, 2015 Read Full Article
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Split over Federal Biofuels Mandate
by Seth McLaughlin (The Washington Times) Free market conservatism collided with farm-state jockeying this weekend in Iowa, where several GOP presidential hopefuls said they support the federal fuel mandate that has boosted Iowa’s all-important corn market — arguably at the expense
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Agriculture Summit Splits GOP 2016 Field on Subsidies, Immigration
by Philip Rucker and Dan Balz (The Washington Post) A day-long forum on agriculture here, where likely Republican presidential candidates courted Iowa’s farming industry, revealed sharp policy differences among the contenders, from immigration to energy subsidies. The nine White House aspirants
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Risk Iowans’ Ire on Ethanol
by Beth Reinhard (The Wall Street Journal) Several Backed Sunset of Subsidies and Many Oppose Renewable-Fuel Standard For decades, presidential candidates have bowed to Iowa’s corn-based ethanol industry while campaigning in a state where corn is king. But several of the likely
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Critical to Energy Security | Commentary
by Hank Naughton (Roll Call) ... However, the one downside of cheap fuel at the pump is that it lulls people into forgetting our over-reliance on oil creates a serious national security concern for America and our allies. In the United States, we
March 05, 2015 Read Full Article
The Cellulosic-RIN Revolution
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Expanded cellulosic fuel pathways have led to a surge of biogas-based fuel credits, and producers are taking advantage of a significant boost to project economics. Traditionally, the biogas project end market has been the sale of
March 03, 2015 Read Full Article
The Food Waste Debacle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week there was a Fast Food industry fly-in to DC — arguing for a repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard on the grounds of food price impact. ... It just happens that major report on
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Increases Ethanol Support
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) Speaking to the ethanol lobbying group, Growth Energy, Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Thursday announced more USDA support for bioenergy research and farmer production of biomass but also praised efforts by the biofuel industry itself
March 01, 2015 Read Full Article
The Renewable Fuels Standard Is Antiquated, But Don't Abandon It
by Loren Steffy (Forbes) It’s time to start building a smarter energy policy. It’s decades past time, actually, ... The Renewable Fuels Standard is a good place to start. ... The RFS was also touted an important step in reducing greenhouse gasses
March 01, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Industry Criticizes Toomey, Feinstein RFS Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 26, Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015. The bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., aims to alter the
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Not Pleased with Rekindled RFS Reform Act
(Farm Futures) Bill to eliminate corn-based ethanol requirement of the Renewable Fuel Standard doesn't receive warm welcome from ethanol and ag groups. Calling it a "huge step backward" for energy independence, the National Corn Growers on Wednesday (February 4) made it
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Toomey, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Repeal Ethanol Mandate
(Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are working to repeal a law that drives up the cost of everything from gasoline to groceries. The Toomey-Feinstein Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, introduced today,
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
ADM Cuts Biodiesel Output as Industry Hit by Weak Margins
by Rod Nickel and Chris Prentice (Reuters) Archer Daniels Midland , one of the world's top biofuels producers, has slowed North American biodiesel output, the latest sign the industry is battling uncertainty over U.S. renewable fuel policy while the oil
February 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Uncertainty in RFS Sends the US Ethanol Industry to Overseas Markets: A Report from the National Ethanol Conference, "Going Global"
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
February 26, 2015 Read Full Article
A CORN-acopia of Energy Options Coming
by Jason Spiess (Fargo Business Examiner) Recently I sat down with Tom Lilja, executive director, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, to chew the fat on a variety of corn-themed energy and agriculture topics. ... "I think a lot of people just
February 25, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Propose Biofuels Standards This Spring -official
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to offer a proposal for Renewable Fuels Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 this spring, and will use actual production levels to determine last year's mandated volumes, an official said on
February 23, 2015 Read Full Article
'Unrealistic' Goals for Cellulosic Fuels Render US RFS Road Map 'Obsolete'
by Tim Worledge (Platts) "Unrealistic" expectations around the contribution of cellulosic biofuels to the energy mix are rendering the existing US Renewable Fuel Standard road map "obsolete," Jeremy Martin of the Union of Concerned Scientists told delegates at the National Ethanol
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Chief Lays out Plans for Ethanol's Future
(Farm Futures) RFA President Bob Dinneen lists supporting better rail service and creating a level playing field for cellulosic biofuels in 10-point agenda to expand renewables industry Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen discussed a 10-point plan for the
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
US EPA to Base 2014 RFS on Actual Output; Blend Wall to Factor in 2015/2016 Rule
by Herman Wang (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to base its 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard on actual biofuels production, an agency official said Thursday at an ethanol conference, reiterating its pledge to issue the 2014, 2015 and 2016 mandates
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Dear EPA, Please Fix Biofuels in 2015
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) Say what you want about renewable fuels, but the policies jointly enacted by Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 and 2008 were wildly successful in creating globally competitive ethanol and biodiesel industries. Since
February 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Moran Talks Renewable Fuels, ACA, Change of Power
by Scott Aust (Garden City Telegram) As part of his Kansas listening tour, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., stopped in Garden City Monday afternoon to visit with officials of the Conestoga Energy Partner’s Bonanza BioEnergy plant. CEO Tom Willis stressed
February 17, 2015 Read Full Article
The Outlook for Renewable Fuels: The Top 10 issues for 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here’s our most recent update, focusing on 10 key issues (though not ranked in order of importance): 1. Oil price volatility — will it stabilize? 2. RIN price volatility — will the rollercoaster end? 3. Ethanol blend wall
February 13, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Names 10 More Efficient Corn Ethanol Producers
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ten more corn ethanol plants were approved through the U.S. EPA’s efficient producer petition process (EP3) at the end of January, bringing the total to 19. The first round of nine approvals were announced in
February 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Strong Biodiesel RFS
(National Biodiesel Board) A bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators wrote to the EPA Monday calling for the agency to quickly approve strong biodiesel volumes under the RFS for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Highlighting biodiesel’s track record as the only EPA-designated
February 10, 2015 Read Full Article
The Big Move: The Leap from First-Gen to Next-Gen Biofuels Companies, How Does It Happen?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the biofuels industry move from its roots in first-gen corn starch or cane sugar fermentation towards diversified products, more capacity and distribution, and new inputs like cellulosics? How are the economics now — and
February 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Fuel Summit Reflects on Lack of RFS, Options for Expansion
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) Government uncertainty and low oil prices pose the biggest challenges to the ethanol and biodiesel markets in 2015, according to speakers at last week’s Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. ... The 10 percent ethanol blend known as
February 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Will Low Oil Prices Be the Downfall of Cellulosic Biofuels?
by Wally Tyner (The Conversation/Purdue University) ... One challenge to commercializing biofuel made from non-food sources — called cellulosic biofuels — has been cost. Unlike ethanol made from corn, cellulosic biofuels are made from the inedible parts of plants or organic materials,
February 08, 2015 Read Full Article
House Bills Aim to Alter, Eliminate the RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 4, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced the introduction of two bills that aim to alter the renewable fuel standard (RFS), including the RFS Elimination Act and the RFS Reform Act. Reps. Peter Welch,
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
“Wrong-Way Obama” Scores One for the Oilcos with Renewable Fuels Policy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eight years after then-Senator Obama co-sponsored a bill in Congress calling for a 60 billion gallon biofuels target, President Obama’s EPA slashes the Renewable Fuel Standard targets to wimpy levels, despite ample production capacity, bumper