by Matt Roberts (Terrain) Many worry that electrified vehicles, fuel economy standards, and improving battery technology will make the internal combustion engine (ICE) obsolete, illegal, or both, with wildly varying estimates of the timeline. Many of these forecasts overlook the
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS and RFS2)
Back TO HOMETrade Group Seeks 7-Billion Gallon Advanced Biofuel Mandate
(FERN's Ag Insider/Successful Farming) The EPA should increase the advanced biofuels share of the fuel market by 1 billion gallons a year to reflect the land rush into renewable diesel production, said the trade group Clean Fuels America Alliance on
November 16, 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
Deadline For EPA Biofuel Proposed Rule Extended by Two Weeks
(GrainNet) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Growth Energy agreed under their consent decree to delay by two weeks the issuance of the proposed 2023 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA is now required
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Sends Letter to Treasury on Action to Slash Aviation Emissions
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on implementation of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In her letter, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls on regulators to
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
GAO Hammers EPA on RFS Waiver Methods
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) GAO Report: EPA Unable to Prove Small Refiners Pass RFS Costs to Consumers -- Not all small refineries are able to pass costs to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard on to consumers at the
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Ag Intervene in RFS Lawsuit Ethanol, Ag Groups Rally behind EPA on Rejection of 69 Small-Refinery Exemptions
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The major biofuels interest groups and National Farmers Union are trying to intervene in a lawsuit challenging EPA's recent decision to reject 69 pending applications for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to
November 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Advancing Policy In Parallel
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Drive Clean Initiative and Next Generation Fuels Act are simultaneously finding support in the ethanol industry. Both aim to usher in higher blends of ethanol, but via different mechanisms. One effort rides on
November 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Ag, States Challenge EPA Action on EVs: Ag Groups, States Say EPA, California Used Back Door to Spread Electric Vehicle Use
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Agriculture, fuel interests and several states see EPA's March 2022 decision to reinstate California's legal authority to implement a zero-emissions vehicle sales mandate and greenhouse gas emissions standards as a back-door way to move the
October 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Capturing a Larger Share in a Shrinking Pool: The Ethanol Survival Guide
by Jim Seurer and Doug Sombke (Glacial Lakes Energy and South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) ... For the first time since the enactment of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the statutory volumes established in the authorizing legislation now give way to EPA
October 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Senators Urge EPA to Expand RFS Blending Volumes
by Rachel Schutte (Farm Progress) Bipartisan letter comes as the agency prepares to issue the ‘set’ rule in coming weeks. -- As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to issue its “set” rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a bipartisan group of
October 20, 2022 Read Full Article
The Road Ahead for the RFS
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Starting now, the U.S. EPA—with input from other agencies—will have new guideposts and increased interpretive authority for determining the annual renewable volume obligations of the RFS. -- Starting in 2023, the Renewable Fuel Standard’s
October 19, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Forest Service Awards Cooperative Agreement to Strategic Biofuels to Develop a Renewable Fuel Standard Compliance Tracking System
(Strategic Biofuels/Business Wire) Standardized requirements will be instrumental for environmental credits enabling commercialization of forestry waste-derived renewable fuels -- Today (October 12, 2022), the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded Strategic Biofuels a cooperative agreement under
October 13, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Efficient Producer Pathway for Nebraska Plant
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA in September approved an efficient producer pathway for Green Plains Inc.’s 116 MMgy ethanol plant located in Central City, Nebraska. The approval allows the facility to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs) for
October 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Electric-Vehicle Charging to Get Biofuel Credits under EPA Plan
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) EV plan part of draft proposal to set biofuel-blending quotas; Change would mark major expansion of Renewable Fuel Standard -- Charging electric vehicles using some forms of renewable power would qualify for credits under Environmental Protection
October 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Summary: Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation 2022 Congressional Tours
(Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation) In 2022 Clean Fuels Foundation hosted or supported three Congressional Tours. The first was in New York City, second in Iowa, and the third in California. Between the three tours the Foundation was able to show almost
October 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Guidance on Qualifying an Analytical Method for Determining the Cellulosic Converted Fraction of Corn Kernel Fiber Co-Processed with Starch
(Environmental Protection Agency) This document provides updated guidance on qualifying an analytical method for determining the cellulosic converted fraction of corn kernel fiber co-processed with starch in order to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements in 40 CFR 80.1450(b)(1)(xiii)(B)(3). 1 Public confidence in
September 30, 2022 Read Full Article
Report: Design of RFS Limits Incentives for E85
(Agricultural & Applied Economics Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The nested design of the Renewable Fuel Standard is limiting incentives for blenders to sell higher blends of ethanol (E85) and has instead resulted in increasing blending of biodiesel to comply with the RFS.
September 29, 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
Environmental Group Asks Court to Vacate EPA Biofuels Rule
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) The Center for Biological Diversity called on a federal appeals court Tuesday to vacate EPA's final rule setting renewable fuel volumes for 2020, 2021 and 2022, arguing the agency failed to comply with the Endangered Species
September 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report 9-27-22 What the Set Means for Ethanol Producers and Farmers
(Renewable Fuels Association) When Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) that authorized the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), annual volume requirements were specified through the year 2022 for renewable fuels. But that does not mean this year
September 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Leaders Set Priorities for 2023 and Beyond: The Industry Is Calling for Strong RFS Volumes
by Cassidy Walter (Successful Farming) Today (September 22, 2022) a coalition of leaders from America’s biofuels industry sent a united call to EPA for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2023 and beyond, to advance biofuels’ efforts toward net-zero emissions. “We
September 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Design of the Renewable Fuel Standard Implicated in Leading to the Ethanol Blend Wall
(Agricultural and Applied Economics Association/CISION) The nested design of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is limiting incentives for blenders to sell higher blends of ethanol (E85) and has instead resulted in increasing blending of biodiesel to comply with the RFS. The
September 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Delta Air Lines Readies Refinery to Process Biofuels
by Laura Sanicola and Laila Kearney (Reuters) Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) plans to start receiving shipments of renewable fuel feedstocks at its Trainer, Pennsylvania, refinery as part of a strategy that could reduce its environmental liabilities by hundreds of millions of dollars,
September 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Measuring Up Corn Fiber Ethanol
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol made from corn fiber has a low carbon intensity and the potential to generate D3 RINs, but navigating the regulatory landscape to capture its fullest value can be complex. -- Producing corn fiber
September 19, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA: 1 New SRE Petition Filed, 4 SRE Petitions Now Pending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 15 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that one new SRE petition was filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard during the past month. According to the agency, four
September 16, 2022 Read Full Article
US Biofuel Industry Hopes Their Voices Are Heard as EPA Eyes Final Rules on E15, RFS
by Jasmin Melvin (S&P Global) E15 solution for Midwest states coming: Regan; Biofuel group pushes for nationwide action; Lays out industry priorities for next RFS rulemaking -- A promise by US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to lift a summertime ban on
September 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels, EPA Agree to Pause Litigation on Separated Food Waste Recordkeeping
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Following discussions with Clean Fuels members, EPA hopes to resolve dispute without litigation -- Today (September 8, 2022), Clean Fuels Alliance America and the U.S. Department of Justice filed a joint motion with the U.S. Court of
September 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Gas Prices Causing Drivers to Opt for Ethanol at the Pump
by Mark Magnuson (Iowa AgriBusiness Radio Network) 2022 has been a year of high prices at the fuel pump. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says that has led to drivers taking note of what ethanol fuel blends have to
September 13, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Clean Octane Key to EPA Particulate Rule
by Doug Duarante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Coalition Urges Administrator to Address Mobile Sources -- In a detailed letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) called on the agency to use its existing
September 13, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA, Growth Energy Slam Inaccurate Reuters Report on Ethanol GHGs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are slamming a Reuters article published on Sept. 8 that recycles highly misleading claims about the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of U.S. ethanol plants. The Reuters article, in part, cites the
September 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Alder Fuels and Enviva Partner to Further Scale and Commercialize Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply Chains
(Alder Fuels/Enviva/Business Wire) Partnership aims to accelerate the decarbonization of aviation and to scale access to renewable fuels to power the clean energy transition -- Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), the world’s leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass, and Alder Fuels,
September 07, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA and Ethanol at the Farm Progress Show
by Cindy Zimmerman (AgWired) Ethanol was in the spotlight at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa this week and the Renewable Fuels Association was there to promote the high octane benefits of the fuel and the role of biofuels and farming in combating climate change. RFA
September 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report from Farm Progress Show
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.Com) Ethanol was in the spotlight at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa this week and the Renewable Fuels Association was there to promote the high octane benefits of the fuel and the role of biofuels and farming in combating climate
September 02, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Expected to Announce 3 Years of Biofuel Blending Mandates in Nov -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration is expected to announce a rule this year that would detail annual biofuel blending mandates for the refining industry for a three-year period instead of just for one, three sources familiar
September 02, 2022 Read Full Article
‘Cow Power’ Goes Dark as Manure-to-Electricity Fizzles
by Marc Heller (E&E News/Climatewire) After almost two decades making power from manure, Jon Patterson is done. The electric generator he installed on his dairy farm in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region in the late 2000s sits idle while he
August 31, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Sets Alternative RIN Retirement Schedule for Small Refineries
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Aug. 29 issued a final rule creating an optional alternative renewable identification number (RIN) retirement schedule for small refineries under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2020. The agency action
August 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Speaking Up for Biofuels
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Year-round E15 and the RFS 'set' are top priorities for Growth Energy heading into it its annual D.C. fly-in this September. 2023 is the first year required volumes of renewable fuel are not
August 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Poised to Overtake Biodiesel
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Renewable diesel production is expected to overtake biodiesel production in the United States in October, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. “We’re seeing continued growth on the renewable diesel side and stagnation to slight shrinkage on
August 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Small Refiners Seek to Scrap EPA’s ‘Compressed’ RFS Compliance Rule
(Inside EPA) Small refiners suing EPA over its modified compliance regime for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) say the agency has unlawfully and “extremely” compressed the timetable for them to supply EPA with compliance credits under the guise of a
August 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Waiver Credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(Environmental Protection Agency) For any calendar year for which the projected volume of cellulosic biofuel production is less than the applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel set forth in Clean Air Act (CAA) section 211(o)(2)(B)(III), EPA must reduce the required volume of
August 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Less than $3/G, No Subsidy, No Kidding: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to T2C Energy Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Perhaps the most startling and under-appreciated story of the year. A heavy-duty transport fuel, made using abundant, fungible and affordable biomethane, validated at $2.91 per gallon by the DOE’s top due diligence team, and that’s
August 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Comstock Cellulosic Ethanol Technology Ready for Commercial Deployment
(Comstock Mining/Globe Newswire) Targets First Generation Corn Ethanol Facilities For Commercialization -- Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced that it is marketing its cellulosic ethanol production technology for construction of commercial scale facilities, with a focus on
August 19, 2022 Read Full Article
20 Refiners Appeal RFS Waiver Denials
by Todd Neeley (DNT Progressive Farmer) Refining Companies Line Up to Challenge Biden Administration on Denial of RFS Exemptions -- Though the ethanol industry has celebrated the Biden administration's rejection of all pending small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard, legal
August 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Refiners File Wave of Fresh Suits over RFS Waiver Denials
(Inside EPA) Refiners have filed a fresh wave of lawsuits against EPA over its denial en masse of their requests for economic hardship waivers from compliance with renewable fuel standard (RFS) biofuel blending mandates, following an earlier series of suits filed by
August 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Sets Expectations for Landmark EPA Proposal
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy celebrated the 17th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard, signed into law on Aug. 8, 2005, by outlining the biofuel sector’s top priorities for the U.S. EPA’s fast-approaching update to the program. Under a consent decree agreement reached with
August 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Group Urges CARB to Limit Biobased Diesel from Lipids under California LCFS
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The International Council on Clean Transportation suggests setting a cap on lipids “would prevent California’s [biobased diesel] market shifting from one that is primarily waste oil-based to one increasingly reliant on food-based fuels with
August 09, 2022 Read Full Article
National Energy Solution: Pt 1: Methane, Methanogens, Methanotrophs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week we reported that T2C Energy in partnership with the US Department of Energy had developed at pilot-scale a technology that makes drop-in transportation fuel for $2.91 a gallon, excluding any help from carbon prices
August 08, 2022 Read Full Article
14th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum --- September 7-9, 2022 --- Chicago, IL
After seeing record in-person attendance at last year’s Forum, the 14th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum returns to Chicago in September! That means you will again have the chance to experience the same unsurpassed regulatory and marketplace conversations that
August 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy to EPA: Alternative RIN Retirement Schedule Backtracks Effort to Strengthen RFS
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to EPA’s proposed alternative RIN retirement schedule for small refineries. In its proposal, EPA gives all small refineries, whether they submitted a small refinery exemption (SRE) or not,
August 03, 2022 Read Full Article
7th Circuit Transfers RFS Waiver Case to D.C.
(Inside EPA) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit has granted EPA’s request to transfer a refiner’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s denial of a renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance waiver to the D.C. Circuit, in what may be
July 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy and EPA Reach Agreement on Delayed 2023 Biofuel Requirements
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a consent decree agreement to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that requires EPA to propose the 2023 renewable fuel volume requirements no later than November
July 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Exploding Acreage
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. -- Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives
July 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s Damaging Renewable Fuels Standard
(Center for Biological Diversity) The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel volume requirements for corn ethanol and other biofuels for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Earlier this
July 21, 2022 Read Full Article
AD Biogas To RNG Update
(BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the final Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2020, 2021 and 2022 in early June. ... Biogas generated by anaerobic digestion qualifies as either a cellulosic biofuel (D3) or a
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Carinata Fuel Pathway for REG’s Geismar Facility
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on June 30 approved a Renewable Fuel Standard fuel pathway filed by Renewable Energy Group Inc. that will allow the company’s biorefinery in Geismar, Louisiana, to generate D4 biomass-based diesel renewable identification numbers
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earnings season calls, and one of the bioeconomy’s most dynamic and innovative public companies has an updated presentation out — all the markets, technologies, sources of revenues, trends, lines of business — biogas/RNG, advanced fuels,
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Are Urging EPA to Get RFS Back on Track
by Currey McCullough (RFD TV) Just this morning (July 19, 2022) on a call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said he and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar are sending a letter urging the EPA to increase volumes of biodiesel
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
The Cure for High Prices
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... At gas stations across the country, the cure for high prices isn’t more high prices—it’s ethanol. Refiners and blenders can lower gas prices for consumers simply by adding more ethanol, which
July 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Biobased Diesel by the Numbers
by John Campbell (Biobased Diesel Daily/Ocean Park) Renewable diesel and biodiesel production capacity may soon exceed domestic feedstock availability and demand, but this doesn’t mean a crisis is looming. While electric vehicles (EVs) make headlines, the renewable fuels industry offers a
July 18, 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
Oil Refiners, Unions Press U.S. EPA on Biofuel Blending Costs -Sources
by Laila Kearney and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Oil refining company and labor union representatives pressed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at a virtual meeting last week to lower costs of the nation's biofuel blending program when it resets the policy
July 11, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Fights Push to Sever Biodiesel Case from Stayed 2020 RFS Litigation
(Inside EPA) EPA is fighting a push from biodiesel makers to split their case challenging EPA’s recordkeeping rules for biofuel made from food waste from wider litigation over the 2020 renewable fuel standard (RFS), as the biodiesel sector seeks to
July 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Whatever Happened to Cellulosic Ethanol?
by David Kramer (Physics Today) Technological immaturity, falling oil prices, overoptimistic investors, and regulatory uncertainty are blamed for the failure of a promising biofuel technology to perform as hoped. -- Despite a decade and a half of big US federal investments
July 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Final Volume Standards for 2020, 2021, and 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA finalized a package of actions setting biofuel volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for years 2020, 2021, and 2022, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. Final Volume
July 05, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Pathways Expand to Include Greasezilla® Advanced Biofuel as RIN-Qualified Feedstock
(Greasezilla) The pathway increases the value of Greasezilla® ABF to the biofuels market. -- Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla®, announces that the Brown Grease Advanced Biofuel offtake produced by Greasezilla systems is now a qualified feedstock for RIN credits under
July 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Meeting the Methane Pledge: The U.S. Can Do More on Agriculture
by Ben Lilliston (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) When the United States and European Union signed the Global Methane Pledge in September 2021, it shined a bright light on the urgent need to slash emissions of this potent, short-lived greenhouse
June 30, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Challenges EPA’s Decision to Excuse Refineries from Biofuel Obligations
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy filed petitions for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to excuse certain refineries from their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a
June 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Writes to President Biden and Outlines Industry’s Beneficial Impact on Fuel Prices
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Clean fuel industry has maintained production and extended fuel supplies, lowering diesel prices by 4% -- Today (June 22, 2022), Clean Fuels Alliance America wrote to President Joe Biden, administration officials, and congressional leaders to say that
June 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Leans on Tesla for Guidance in Renewable Fuel Policy Reform
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The administration's early and extensive outreach reflects that expanding the scope of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to make it a tool for electrifying the nation's automobile fleet is one of Biden's
June 23, 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
Why is E85 Almost $2 Cheaper Than Other Blends of Gasoline?
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) ... E85 is priced significantly less than other blends of fuel across the country, even $2 below at some locations. “We’re talking about a 30% to 40% discount in many cases,” says Geoff Cooper of Renewable Fuels Association
June 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Miller-Meeks, Hinson, Ernst Support New Industry Producing Carbon-Negative Cellulosic Biofuels
(Ripon Advance News Service) U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) joined U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and their Iowa Republican colleagues in urging the Biden administration to address two ongoing rulemaking processes that could end production of bio-oil,
June 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Senators Ask GAO if SRE Denials Require Congressional Review
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.; Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.V.; and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., are asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office to determine whether the U.S. EPA’s June 3 denial of 69 small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable
June 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Big Oil Built the Blend Wall
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ... In case you’ve forgotten, refiners use the term “blend wall” to refer to what they view as the upper limit of feasible ethanol use in the United States, which they peg at 10 percent
June 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Rule Change Lets Nevada Company Turn Trash into Airplane Fuel
by Gary Martin (Las Vegas Review-Journal) A Nevada plant can begin turning tons of garbage into a synthetic oil that can be refined into fuel for airplanes after an Environmental Protection Agency rule change. After five years, the EPA finalized the rule
June 08, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Opens Comment Period on Proposed Consent Decree for 2023 RVOs DEADLINE: June 22, 2022
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on May 23 opened a 30-day public comment period on a proposed consent decree related to a legal challenge filed against the agency by Growth Energy that would require the EPA to issue
June 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Meeting 2030 SAF Targets in the US and Europe Needs Rapid Action on Capacity and Feedstocks, Says Report
by Tony Harrington (GreenAir Online) A new market report by SkyNRG, the Amsterdam-based global provider of sustainable aviation fuels, predicts that both the US and Europe will fall short of their 2030 SAF targets unless production capacity is increased and fuel feedstock
June 07, 2022 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Jim Lane
"The annual RVO announce is becoming a brake on the decarbonization of US transportation instead of the accelerator it was intended by Congress to be." -- Jim Lane, publisher of Biofuels Digest, regarding the setting of renewable fuel volumes that
June 07, 2022 Read Full Article
June 2022 Denial of Petitions for RFS Small Refinery Exemptions
(Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA announced the denial of 69 petitions from small refineries seeking small refinery exemptions (SREs) from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for one or more of the compliance years between 2016 and 2021. Consistent
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
June 2022 Alternative RFS Compliance Demonstration Approach for Certain Small Refineries
(Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA announced the denial of 69 petitions for small refinery exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. This denial action included a subset of three SRE petitions for the 2016 and 2017
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Proposed Alternative RIN Retirement Schedule for Small Refineries
(Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA proposed to provide an alternative RIN retirement schedule for small refineries that would provide them with additional time and a broader range of RINs to comply with their 2020 RFS obligations. EPA is
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Final Volume Standards for 2020, 2021, and 2022
(Environmental Protection Agency) On June 3, 2022, EPA finalized a package of actions setting biofuel volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for years 2020, 2021, and 2022, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. Final Volume Requirements
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Environmental Group Urges Biden to Wean Nation's Biofuel Program off Liquid Fuels
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration should rely less on liquid fuels like ethanol and focus more on cleaner technology like electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced biofuels when it reshapes the nation's renewable fuel program, environmental group Evergreen Action said
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
A Closer Look at the Carbon Credit Markets
(EcoEngineers) Experts from EcoEngineers presented to Stifel, a multinational independent investment bank and financial services company, and its stakeholders on April 25, 2022. EcoEngineers President Brad Pleima, P.E., and Senior Carbon Consultant Paul Niznik gave overviews of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), California Low
June 02, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Must Provide Certainty for Low-Carbon Fuels In 2023 and Beyond
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/The Hill) When the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on the nomination of Joseph Goffman to be the EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), lawmakers met
June 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Senate Committee Members Question Goffman on RFS, SREs
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Joseph Goffman expressed support for the Renewable Fuel Standard and the use of biofuels during a May 25 hearing held by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to consider his nomination to serve as
June 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Exclusive-Biden Administration Likely to Retroactively Raise Ethanol Blending Volumes for 2021, Sources Say
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Biden administration is likely to raise ethanol blending mandates for 2021 above the figure it proposed in December to align with actual U.S. consumption levels, according to two sources briefed on the decision. In
June 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Anti-Ethanol Activist Amazingly Ignorant on Ethanol, RFS
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) On May 20, the Washington Times published a guest column by Jerry Jung, founder of the group “ReThink Ethanol,” in which he demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the very federal policy he seeks to “rethink.” We
May 31, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Calls on EPA to Remove Controversial Studies from Peer Reviewed Congressional Process
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a recent, highly publicized report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review
May 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: RFA Calls on EPA to Reject Searchinger, Five Other Candidates From RFS Report Review
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The EPA has put forward a list of 20 possible candidates to peer review the agency's upcoming triennial report to Congress on the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the Renewable Fuels Association objected to six of
May 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy, EPA Reach Settlement on Deadline for Issuing 2023 RVO
(Growth Energy) Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to file a notice in the Federal Register on Monday seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to propose the 2023 Renewable
May 23, 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
Biofuels Producers Urge Changes to RFS Rule to Boost Aviation Fuel
(Inside EPA) Biofuels producers, airlines and others are urging changes to EPA’s proposed renewable fuel standard (RFS) rules to provide more flexibility to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that is the cornerstone of a Biden administration strategy to reduce carbon
May 18, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Hits Back at Ad Attacking RFS
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Chief Economist Scott Richman hits back at a new ad campaign by an oil refiners coalition that blames high gas prices on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a blog post explaining the inconvenient truth that refiners
May 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Oil Refineries Continue Attacks on the RFS While Enjoying Record Profit Margins
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) If you watched the Sunday morning talk shows last weekend, you might have noticed a new advertisement (paid for by oil refiners) that attacks the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ad notes that consumers are paying record-high
May 13, 2022 Read Full Article
Gevo Reports Progress with RNG, Net-Zero 1 Projects
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Officials at Gevo Inc. discussed progress with the development of the company’s renewable natural gas (RNG) project in Iowa and the proposed Net-Zero 1 refinery under development in South Dakota during a first quarter earnings
May 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Refiners Sue EPA over Retroactive RFS Waiver Denials, Sparking Venue Fight
(Inside EPA) Refiners are suing EPA in different federal appellate courts over the agency’s novel retroactive denial of 36 waivers from renewable fuel standard (RFS) biofuel blending obligations for 2018, signaling a venue fight with EPA that may set a
May 10, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Administrator Regan Talks RVOs, SREs on Agritalk Radio
(Growth Energy) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan joined Agritalk Radio to discuss the latest news on SREs, RVOs, and the future of the RFS. On EPA proposing to deny all pending SRE requests…. I believe we need to be on
May 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Still Waiting on Subsidies to Compete with Oil, Gas, Electric Vehicles
by Anthony Hennen (The Center Square/The Bradford Era) The biofuel industry could dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions from cars and improve air quality, but the effects of the pandemic and government subsidies for green competitors like electric vehicles makes future growth a
May 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Monetizing Net-Zero and Net-Negative GHG Ethanol
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol) Climate-smart farming practices, efficiencies at ethanol plants, and the capture and sequestration of biogenic CO2 from facilities puts ethanol on a trajectory to reach both net-zero and net-negative emissions, a trajectory that is
May 05, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Report Highlights Hurdles to Higher Ethanol Blends
(Farm Journal Ag/Web/Pro Farmer Editors) Biofuel and farm groups see E15 and other higher blends of corn ethanol into gasoline as the strategy to increased sales, but the current structure of the Renewable Fuel Standard “does not serve to incentivize
May 05, 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
Congressman Rice Introduces Food Before Fuel Act
(Office of Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC 7th) Bill Would Lower Price of Food and Gasoline by Repealing Ethanol Mandate Law -- Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced the Food Before Fuel Act with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) to repeal the ethanol mandate
May 02, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Denies Sinclair’s Exemption For Ethanol Content
by Leo Wolfson (Cowboy State Daily) One of Wyoming’s three oil refineries is among 36 nationally to have its request to be exempted from biofuel blending rules refused. Documents filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals showed the Sinclair Refinery near Rawlins
May 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Holds EPA to RVO Deadline of June 3rd
(Growth Energy) The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today (April 25, 2022) approved a consent decree agreement between Growth Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires EPA to finalize its 2020-2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs)
April 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Feature: Rising US Gasoline Costs, Refinery Closures and the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global) US refiners seek remedy for high gasoline prices; High RFS costs shut refineries, cuts supply; E15 waiver directly helps Midwestern drivers -- US refiners are taking their plea to the public with a new ad campaign launched by
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Scoring Returns with Renewables
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... More broadly, plants working to lower their respective carbon scores are helping the biofuel sector graft onto the leading edge of climate change mitigation and the quest for net-zero emissions. The challenge for
April 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Cleaning Up In California
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the lower Central Valley, Calgren Renewable Fuels makes three biofuels—ethanol, biodiesel and renewable natural gas—and the latter operation just keeps growing. -- As out-of-state ethanol producers strive for lower carbon intensity scores to
April 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol against the World!
by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg (Ohio's Country Journal) ... “In a life cycle analysis of ethanol and electric vehicles, you have to look at the base load of carbon intensity. Right now, that number is 114 grams of CO2 per
April 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Canola Oil Pathways Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Public Comment DEADLINE: May 18, 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways for certain biofuels that are produced from canola/rapeseed oil and is providing an opportunity for comment on the Agency’s lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG)
April 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol under Attack and Creating Strange Bedfellows
by Damian Mason (The Business of Agriculture) In February of 2022 a “study” caught wide media attention (as it was designed by its sponsors to specifically do). The study, commissioned by National Wildlife Fund, found that corn ethanol is worse
April 19, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes to Approve Canola Oil Fuel Pathways under RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on April 12 published a proposed rule approve Renewable Fuel Standard pathways for renewable diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produced from canola/rapeseed oil via a hydrotreating process. EPA’s
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
The Dogged Victims of Inexorable Disputation: Bioeconomy and the Scoring of Carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Bioeconomy professionals, are the Dogged Victims of Inexorable Disputation, if I can bend Bobby Jones’ memorable golfing phrase. Why? Because better to have lousy carbon targets than no carbon targets at all, say most people,
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Discusses RFS Plans in FY 2023 Budget Request Justification
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on April 5 released its fiscal year (FY) 2023 congressional budget justification, outlining the agency’s plans for the $11.88 billion in agency funding requested by President Biden in his FY 2023 budget request on
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden to Announce Plan to Ease Gas Prices as Inflationary Pressures Persist
by Jeff Stein and Evan Halper (Washington Post) The EPA plans to issue a national, emergency waiver to allow use of blended biofuels over the summer hours after report is expected to show inflation keeps surging -- The White House
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Denies 36 Refinery Biofuel Waivers; Gives Most of Them Some Relief
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has denied 36 petitions from oil refiners seeking exemptions to the nation's biofuel blending laws for the 2018 compliance year, but will provide 31 of those refineries with another avenue to seek
April 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Researchers Evaluate the Impact of the Renewable Fuels Standard on Biofuel Production
by Madelyn Ostendorf (Successful Farming) In a first-of-its kind study, researchers at Purdue University have illustrated the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on the production of biofuels. Over the past 15 years, production and consumption of biofuels have increased in
April 05, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE to EPA: Adopt GREET Model and Recognize Ethanol’s Low Carbon Value
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board
April 04, 2022 Read Full Article
The Rise of Renewable Diesel & Biodiesel
by Nicolas Bulver (Renewable Energy Group/Union Pacific Track Record) What is causing the increased demand for renewable diesel and biodiesel and what is the impact on supply chains? Can waste products become fuel? The answer is yes if you’re talking about
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
ICE Expands its U.S. Renewable Fuels Markets With the Launch of Renewable Volume Obligation Futures
(Intercontinental Exchange/Business Wire) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology, and market infrastructure, today announced the launch of two Renewable Volume Obligation futures contracts, expanding ICE’s U.S. renewable fuels futures markets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
2021 California E85 Sales Shatter Previous Record; Momentum Continues in 2022
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sales of E85 flex fuel in California surged to a new record in 2021, jumping 55 percent over 2020 levels and nearly doubling since 2018, according to new data released by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Last year, California
March 28, 2022 Read Full Article
RNG, Renewable Fuels from Solar, Waste Wood & Carbon: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Third generation tech is what Aemetis calls it – using renewable fuels for carbon capture & sequestration siphons carbon from the atmosphere into crops which are converted into renewable fuels, then the solar energy is
March 28, 2022 Read Full Article
EIA Projects U.S. Renewable Diesel Supply to Surpass Biodiesel in AEO2022
by Estella Shi, Will Sommer, Andrew Smiddy (U.S. Energy Information Administration) In our Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) Reference case, which reflects current laws and regulations, we project that renewable diesel supply (domestic production and net imports) will exceed biodiesel supply in the near
March 24, 2022 Read Full Article
Integrated Approach for Biofuel Premanufacture Notices
(Environmental Protection Agency) Reviewing New Chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) -- The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention’s (OCSPP) New Chemicals Division (NCD) has implemented a robust, consistent, and efficient process to assess the risk and apply
March 23, 2022 Read Full Article
45 years of AgriNews: From ‘Gasohol’ to over 15 Billion Gallons
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) ... AgriNews is celebrating its anniversary by reviewing some of the top agricultural issues over the past 45 years. ... Ethanol has been used as an energy source for nearly 200 years, but when the oil
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Comments on “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard”
by F. Taheripour, S. Mueller, H. Kwon, M. Khanna, I. Emery, K. Copenhaver, M. Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) The Systems Assessment Center and its collaborators provide a detailed technical review of a recently published article “Environmental Outcomes of the US
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Will the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Be a Victim of Its Own Success?
by Roxby Hartley (EcoEngineers) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS) continues to be the largest regional carbon credit market. It’s been successful in driving carbon reduction across the state. CA-LCFS credit prices hovered around $200 per metric ton (MT) of CO2e
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Ohio Soybean Association Joins Federal Petition in Support of Domestic Biofuels
(Ohio Soybean Association/Highland County Press) At a time of growing consensus on the need for greater reliance on domestic fuel sources, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) joined other state soybean associations in support of a petition to include biofuels in
March 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuel for Airplane Use Has Untapped Potential, Says National Corn Growers
by Ashley Davenport (Hoosier Ag Today) ... “We have the Next Generation Fuel Bill, which would bring energy security to our fuel situation with higher gas prices,” says Matt Frostic, a Michigan farmer and at-large member of NCGA. “It allows higher compression
March 18, 2022 Read Full Article
ABLC 2022 – State of the Industry
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ABLC’s theme of “Dawn of Net Zero” and hundreds of delegates from organizations all over the world grappling with the immense opportunities and supply chain challenges posed by the world’s rapid turn towards charting
March 17, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA to Disclose CBI Related to SRE Petitions to GAO
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on March 10 issued a notice to all obligated parties under the Renewable Fuel Standard that the agency will disclose certain confidential business information (CBI) related to small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions
March 13, 2022 Read Full Article
Disclosure of Information Claimed as, or Determined by EPA To Be, Confidential Business Information (CBI) in Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Small Refinery Exemption Petitions and Certain RFS Compliance Reports
( Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of disclosure to all obligated parties under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program that have petitioned for a small refinery exemption (SRE) or that have submitted any
March 10, 2022 Read Full Article
World Events Underscore the Need to Expand Renewable Fuel Production
(Solutions from the Land) ... The news of increased fuel costs comes as the Biden administration is considering a relaxation of federal requirements calling on blenders to mix specific amounts of ethanol or biodiesel when producing the nation’s petroleum-based fuel supply. To
March 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Ag Groups Challenge EPA’s Vehicle Emissions Rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry on Feb. 28 filed two separate petitions in with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging a final rule issued by the U.S. EPA in December setting greenhouse gas (GHG)
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
BREAKING: Biden, UK Ban Russian Oil and Gas Imports
by James Arkin (Law360) The United States and United Kingdom will ban imports of Russian oil and gas, the countries announced Tuesday in the latest round of sanctions to target Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden said the move
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Senator Capito Joins Forces with Colleagues in Letter to EPA Administrator Regan Regarding EPA’s SRE Denials under RFS
by Lynn L. Bergeson (Bergeson & Campbel Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) On January 27, 2022, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and 14 of her colleagues submitted a letter to the
March 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Under Pressure to Revise Estimates, EPA Mulls Lifecycle Biofuel GHGs
(Inside EPA) As EPA comes under growing pressure to increase its estimates of how much greenhouse gas emissions biofuels save over their lifetime, the agency is holding consultations that could result in changes that may boost programs encouraging biofuels use
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Webinar on TSCA Requirements and PMN Process for Biofuels
(Bergeson & Campbell) On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the premanufacture notice (PMN) process for biofuels. As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item,
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Versus Oil in Global Crisis: Biofuels Backers, POET Executive Point to Advantages Ethanol Offers in Conflict, Climate
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) With oil reaching its highest price in nearly 11 years and OPEC nations opting not to increase production, the biofuels industry is clamoring for attention in the U.S. and calling on the Biden administration to
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Farm & Biofuel Leaders Call for Swift Action to Unleash Lower-Cost Biofuels
(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s top biofuel and farm advocates called on President Biden to swiftly expand access to plentiful, lower-cost biofuels as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushes fuel prices closer to record levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soon expected to finalize biofuel
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Feinstein, Toomey Call on EPW to Take up Ethanol Bill
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Bipartisan Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) pressed the leadership of the Environment and Public Works Committee on Thursday to consider legislation, S. 2385, to end the corn ethanol mandate in the
February 25, 2022 Read Full Article
The End Of SREs?
by Michael H. Levin (BioCycle Magazine) EPA’s "proposed adjudication" of 65 pending small-refiner exemption requests could deny virtually all such requests — now and in the future. -- ... In June 2021, the Supreme Court (reviewing a Tenth Circuit decision) ruled
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy, EPA Reach Settlement on Deadline for Issuing 2021, 2022 RVO
(Growth Energy) Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will file a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to finalize the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Seeds of New Biofuel Plan?
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Geoff Cooper, head of the Renewable Fuels Association, said Tuesday that the trade group heard from EPA that it’s aiming to propose a rule for the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard by late
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Farm and Food: Big Ethanol Sees Electric Cars as a Market Maker, Not a Market Taker
by Alan Guebert (The Hawk Eye) ... However, in an interview for an episode of the podcast “Corn Save America,” Jeremy Martin, the director of fuels policy at UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), suggests ethanol and other “biofuels” may claim a
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
ABFA Calls on EPA to Recognize Advance Biofuels in RVO Proposal
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), the leading voice of energy innovators working to decarbonize transportation fuel, released comments calling on the U.S. EPA to restore regulatory certainty in their proposed renewable volume obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. ABFA's comments