(MENAFN/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. ( PINK: BIOF ) (the“Company” or“BIOF”) is pleased to announce that it has achieved full conversion ( 99% + ) of king grass cellulosic material to water soluble sugars on a repeatable basis. This conversion occurs with a reaction
renewable volume obligation (RVO)
Back TO HOMEExclusive-Biden Weighing Cuts to 2022 Ethanol Blending Mandate Proposal- Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Biden administration is considering lowering the 2022 ethanol blending mandate below the proposed 15 billion gallons amid backlash from the oil refining lobby and unions arguing the shrinking U.S. ethanol industry can
January 13, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA: EPA Moving in Right Direction on RFS, but Must Reconsider Retroactive Cut to 2020 RVO
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a virtual hearing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed renewable volume obligations for 2020 through 2022, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper noted that EPA’s proposal marks “an important and long-awaited step toward restoring
January 04, 2022 Read Full Article
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Is Announcing a Virtual Public Hearing to Be Held on January 4, 2022, on Its Proposal for the ‘‘Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: RFS Annual Rules,’’ Which Was Signed on December 7, 2021.
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a virtual public hearing to be held on January 4, 2022, on its proposal for the ‘‘Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: RFS Annual Rules,’’ which was signed on December
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Viewpoint: RD, Fuel Demand Weigh on California LCFS
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) New low-carbon fuel supplies will add pressure in 2022 on California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits already trading near three-year lows. California this year recorded some of the nation's largest drops in transportation fuel demand compared
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Editorial: Conflicting Passions Burn Brightly over Biofuels Production Mandate
by Josh Sosland (World Grain/Milling & Baking News) ... Lost in the back and forth over the RVOs are the global forces driving strong prices for US edible oils. Viewed alone, the supply/demand balance for US soybean oil would not
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Kind Says Momentum Is Building for Defend the Blend Act
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) A Wisconsin Congressman remains optimistic about legislation that would require the EPA to stay on track with setting biofuel blending requirements. Representative Ron Kind tells Brownfield the Defend the Blend Act simply requires the EPA administrator
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Feature: Logistical Challenges to Weigh on US Ethanol in Early 2022
by Josh Pedrick (S&P Global Platts) Slow railroad performance stifling high demand; Industry eyes policy support -- The US ethanol market is poised for strong demand at the beginning of 2022 as the industry continues to recover from low production and demand
December 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Ambitious 'Biofuel America' Plan Faces Overhaul in 2022
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) During the ethanol boom of the early 2000s, Congress set an ambitious target of quadrupling the amount of renewable fuel mixed into gasoline for America’s cars and pickup trucks. But while corn ethanol has lived up
December 20, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Reveals Expected Timeline for Post-2022 RFS Rule, Other Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to publish a proposed rule setting Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2023 and beyond next spring. A variety of other rulemakings impacting biofuel producers are
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
The Biden Administration's Regulatory To-Do List
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Office of Management and Budget revealed the administration’s key regulatory goals for 2022 on Friday under its Unified Agenda. The laundry list of action items include further rollbacks of Trump-era actions and other self-imposed
December 13, 2021 Read Full Article
CHS : Growing a Renewable Diesel Revolution
(Market Screener) As the United States focuses on tackling climate change, the energy market is seen as a key part of the solution. While federal policy and funding is focused on electric vehicles, a quieter potential answer is emerging: the growing
December 09, 2021 Read Full Article
What Happens to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) after 2022?
(Renewable Fuels Association) ... Here are the facts about administration of the RFS program after 2022: The RFS does not “phase out” or “sunset” at the end of 2022. In adopting the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA),
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Feedstocks Can Pace Biofuel Demand through 2030
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Growing demand for biomass-based diesel advanced biofuels can be met with projected supply of lipid feedstocks through 2030 without encroaching on food resources, finds a new study from LMC International, commissioned by the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA). The
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Growth Energy: EPA Proposal a Mixed Bag for Biofuels Industry: Proposal Shows Strong Movement on SREs and 2022 RVOs but Illegally Rolls Back 2020 RVOs Public Comments DEADLINE: February 4, 2022
(Growth Energy) Today (December 7, 2021), Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor offered a mixed review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rulemaking regarding domestic biofuels blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs)
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Hinson Says Bill Would Protect Ethanol Blends
by Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says two Democrats are co-sponsoring a bill with her dealing with ethanol. “There are a lot of rumors circulating that the EPA might retroactively reduce the biofuels blending requirements for 2020. So,
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Propose Expanding Credit Eligibility under Biofuel Program -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration is expected to propose expanding the kinds of renewable fuel production processes that are eligible to receive credits under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard program, three sources familiar with the matter
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Proposed Rule: Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Extension of Compliance and Attest Engagement Reporting Deadlines Public Comment DEADLINE: January 3, 2022 PUBLIC HEARING: December 3, 2021
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to modify certain compliance dates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. First, EPA is proposing to extend the RFS compliance reporting deadline and the associated attest engagement reporting deadline for the 2019
December 03, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Misses Statutory Deadline to Release Renewable Volume Obligations under RFS
by Mark Dorenkamp (1430WCMY) The EPA will miss its statutory deadline of November 30th to release Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa says not meeting the RVO compliance deadline for 2019 or 2020, as
December 01, 2021 Read Full Article
As American Gasoline Prices Soar, Some Blame Ethanol
by Christopher M. Matthews (Wall Street Journal) Prices for the biofuel have surged, rekindling a debate about whether it’s contributing to pain at the pump -- ... Now, lobbyists for the refining industry are seizing on the recent ethanol-price jumps and
November 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Bill Targets Retroactive Changes to RVOs
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of Midwestern lawmakers is taking aim at the potential for EPA to retroactively lower biofuel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced the Defend
November 24, 2021 Read Full Article
South Dakota Senator Expresses Disappointment over Biofuel Blending Obligations
(RFD TV) Speculation is growing about what’s going on behind the scenes at the EPA as they continue to extend their own deadline for biofuel blending mandates. “I think part of it is because they are focusing on electric vehicles,
November 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Ashley Hinson: The Clear Case for Investing in Ethanol, Iowa’s Clean Energy Fuel Source
(Office of Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA 1st) The Biden administration should respect current law and uphold the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. -- In just 10 months in Congress, I’ve seen my fair share of shattered promises and absurd
November 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Ag Secretary Expects “Certainty” from EPA for Biofuels
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) On the day last week that the Environmental Protection Agency proposed extending the deadlines for refiners to comply with Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told farm broadcasters that the biofuels industry can expect “certainty”
November 22, 2021 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Monte Shaw
“It is absolutely perplexing why the Biden EPA would delay and potentially plan to undermine the only federal law that is designed to reduce carbon emissions. To do so now, at a time of high gasoline prices, makes this action
November 19, 2021 Read Full Article
House Hearing Focuses on Biofuels, the Renewable Economy
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit on Nov. 16 hosted a hearing on the renewable economy to help inform development of the next Farm Bill. The event featured testimony on the
November 17, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Oil Refiners Bet the Farm Biden Will Back Them on Biofuels
by Jarrett Renshaw, Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. merchant oil refiners like Monroe Energy and PBF Energy Inc are playing chicken with the White House, taking moves in the biofuels credit market that could force them to close plants and fire
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Bustos Fights for Renewable Fuel Standard in House Ag Committee Hearing
(Office of Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17)) Today (November 3, 2021), during a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the immediate challenges to the nation’s food supply chain, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17)responded to testimony urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set lower
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Biofuel Delays
(Growth Energy) Today (November 2, 2021), Growth Energy submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a notice of intent to sue regarding its failure to timely fulfill the agency’s statutory obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to issue the 2022
November 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Ahead of UN Climate Conference, Here’s Why Biden Must Embrace Biofuels
by By Rep. Randy Feenstra (Agri-Pulse) ... As gasoline prices skyrocket and President Biden and congressional Democrats are increasingly compelled to reduce carbon emissions, the facts paint a clear picture: Now is the time for Biden to embrace biofuels. Iowa leads the
October 30, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Reminds President: Low-Carbon Fuel Solutions Can Solve Pump Price Concerns
(Renewable Fuels Association) In response to media reports that the White House has been meeting with oil industry officials to discuss solutions to recent higher gas prices, the Renewable Fuels Association has reminded President Biden that efforts to encourage more use of
October 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Industry Pushes for ‘All-the-Above’ Approach
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) Things are looking up, but they are also very much up in the air when it comes to ethanol this year. While ethanol production facilities have benefited from an improved national economy as the U.S. emerges
October 12, 2021 Read Full Article
US Secretary of Energy Granholm and US Senator Ossoff Visit LanzaTech Innovation Hub in Georgia and Site of the World’s First LanzaJet Sustainable Fuels Plantl
(LanzaTech) Visit highlights the potential of rural America to create domestic supplies of sustainable fuels and chemicals. -- LanzaTech and LanzaJet welcomed Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Senator Jon Ossoff to the Freedom Pines Biorefinery in Soperton, Georgia. [caption id="attachment_149372"
October 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Bustos, Axne, Craig, Klobuchar Lead Members across Seven States in Urging Administration to Increase Biofuels Usage
(Office of Congresswomen Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17)) Congresswomen Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), Cindy Axne (D-IA-03), Angie Craig (D-MN-02) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a bicameral group of Congressional members spanning seven states in a letter urging the Administration to increase biofuels usage and reject any
September 29, 2021 Read Full Article
ACE Urges EPA Recognize Ethanol’s Role in Reducing Vehicle GHGs and Improving Fuel Efficiency in Final Rule
(American Coalition for Ethanol/GrainNet) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) set forth recommendations today (Sept. 27) on how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards can and should place much greater emphasis on improving the quality of
September 28, 2021 Read Full Article
No Better Time than Now
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... While “accelerate” was the theme of the American Coalition for Ethanol’s 34th annual conference—market growth being vital—the myriad policy, investment and operational issues explored at the event orbited largely around the industry’s overarching
September 25, 2021 Read Full Article
EXCLUSIVE Biden Administration Mulls Big Cuts to Biofuel Mandates in Win for Oil Industry -Document
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is considering big cuts to the nation's biofuel blending requirements, according to a document seen by Reuters, a move triggered by a broad decline in gasoline demand
September 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Members to Biden: Uphold Your Commitments to Clean Energy
(Growth Energy) During Growth Energy’s virtual fly-in, 87 Growth Energy members sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to stand behind his promise to take clear action on climate change by supporting low-carbon biofuels and upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) through strong biofuel
September 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Choosing America’s Farm Fields Over OPEC Oil Fields
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The key to cleaner and more affordable energy for American consumers lies not in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia and Russia, but in the farm fields of our nation's heartland. Our
September 21, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Schedules Additional Meetings on RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has now scheduled 16 meetings with interested parties to discuss a proposed rule to set renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, up from
September 17, 2021 Read Full Article
IRFA Issues Open Letters to Sanders, Cruz on RFS, Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association on Aug. 27 issued open letters to Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas. The letter to Sanders urges him to rethink his support for the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act,
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Grassley Slams Biden EPA’s Possible RVO Reductions
by Tom (KOWA Radio) A key Senate ethanol backer says the Biden EPA’s threat to lower 2020 biofuel volume requirements on top of rumored cuts to levels for this year and next, would severely damage biofuel and corn producers. Senate Ag Republican
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
OMB Schedules 12 Meetings Related to Review of RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget has scheduled 12 meetings with interested parties to discuss a proposed rule to set renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The U.S EPA on Aug.
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Toomey and Colleagues Urge EPA to Waive Biofuel Blending Requirements
(Office of Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and 16 of his colleagues sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to mitigate the harm imposed on consumers and refiners by the
August 25, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA to Recommend Lower U.S. Biofuel Blending Mandates below 2020 Levels - Sources Say
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Capital) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to recommend to the White House reducing federal biofuel blending mandates for 2021 to below 2020 levels in what would be a blow to the biofuels
August 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Let's Prioritize American Renewable Fuels over Foreign Oil and Minerals
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) ... But what’s not easy to see is why the White House recently chose to respond to higher pump prices by pushing OPEC+ countries to increase oil production. It was a baffling move that raised
August 23, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA to the President: Choose U.S. Farm Fields Over OPEC+ Oil Fields
(Renewable Fuels Association) In response to this week’s announcement by the White House calling on OPEC+ member countries to increase oil output, the Renewable Fuels Association today sent a letter to President Biden supporting the Administration’s call for an investigation into the true
August 13, 2021 Read Full Article
ACE to Biden: Proper RFS Implementation and Year-Round E15 Will Meaningfully Reduce Transportation Sector GHGs
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today called on U.S. President Joe Biden to set the maximum statutory volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard in the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation rulemaking and pursue all options
August 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Seeks to Electrify Auto Industry: White House Driving Electric Vehicles, Raising Questions on Direction of Biofuel Policies
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The president will sign an executive order to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 "zero-emission" vehicles, including battery, fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The executive order also will set new long-term
August 05, 2021 Read Full Article
D.C. Circuit 2019 RVO Decision Is a Mixed Bag for Biofuels
by Sarah Main and Shailesh Sahay (Foley Hoag) ... On July 16, 2021, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision that resolved several challenges to its 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) rulemaking. ... Renewable fuel producers challenged the volume requirements set in the
August 03, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Bread, Donut Makers Urge Biden to Roll back Biofuel Requirements
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) A trade group representing some of America's biggest baked goods companies is urging the Biden administration to ratchet back its biofuel ambitions, arguing that using fuel made from crops could raise the
August 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Four Years Later, EPA Has Failed to Restore 500 Million Lost RIN Gallons
(Growth Energy) Today marks the four-year anniversary of the July 2017 ruling in Americans for Clean Energy v. EPA. The 2017 ruling required EPA to address its improper waiver of 500 million gallons for 2016 renewable fuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel
July 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Blue Biofuels Files 3 Additional Patents on Its CTS Technology
(Blue Biofuels) Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc., DBA Blue Biofuels, (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it filed 3 additional patents that follow on the granted patent to its Cellulose-to-Sugar (“CTS”) technology system. In the process of testing and perfecting towards commercialization,
July 23, 2021 Read Full Article
New Campaigns Promote Ethanol in DC
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Two new campaigns are taking aim at lawmakers in Washington D.C. with information about the environmental benefits of corn ethanol to reduce carbon emissions. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) launched a digital campaign including non-skippable video units on
July 22, 2021 Read Full Article
BPA Dismayed at DC Circuit Ruling against Clean Electricity Fuel
(Biomass Power Association/Biomass Magazine) The Biomass Power Association on July 17 expressed concern over a D.C. Circuit decision allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to delay crediting cellulosic fuel in a challenge to the agency’s 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation rule. The case
July 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive-White House Delays Biofuel Mandates Due to Political Concerns -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The White House has delayed an annual process meant to decide how much ethanol and other biofuels U.S. oil refiners need to blend into their fuel each year, as it seeks a solution for an
July 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: D.C. Circuit Court Sends 2019 RFS Back to EPA, Rejects Biofuels Argument on Gallons Lost to Exemptions
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday denied a biofuels group's challenge to EPA's inaction on restoring 4.3 billion gallons to the Renewable Fuel Standard lost to small-refinery exemptions
July 19, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA: D.C. Circuit Court Blasts Refiner Arguments on RFS
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed the D.C. Circuit Court’s outright rejection of arguments from oil refiners that the Renewable Fuel Standard causes them economic hardship and therefore the Environmental Protection Agency should have waived their 2019 RFS
July 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: American Petroleum Institute Pushes EPA to Cut Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) As the ethanol industry waits for volume proposals for 2021 and 2022 in the Renewable Fuel Standard expected in the coming weeks, petroleum interests have been pressing EPA to reduce volumes from their 2020 levels. A
July 09, 2021 Read Full Article
White House OMB Reveals Expected Timelines of 2 RFS Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Weighs Small Cut to Biofuel Targets in Nod to Refiners
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) The Biden administration is developing targets for biofuel that are likely to be relatively flat or even lower as it seeks to balance the interests of blue-collar refining workers and advance a clean-energy
June 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Biden Considers Giving Refiners Relief from U.S. Biofuel Laws, Sources Say
by Jarrett Renshaw nd Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) President Joe Biden’s administration, under pressure from labor unions and U.S. senators including from his home state of Delaware, is considering ways to provide relief to U.S. oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates, three
June 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Iowa Lawmakers Urge Biden to Prioritize Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Reps. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa; Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa; and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, sent a letter to President Biden on May 25 urging him to uphold his promise to
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Fischer, Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan RFS Integrity Act of 2021
(Office of Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)) U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan RFS Integrity Act of 2021. This legislation would provide more certainty for rural America by
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Keep Biofuel Mandates Steady in 2021-22 Due to Coronavirus -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/AgWeb) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's biofuel blending mandates for this year and next are likely to be in line with those of 2020 as the agency accounts for weaker fuel demand since the onset
May 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s EPA Administrator Says RFS Levels Coming ASAP
by O. Kay Henderson (KBOE) The administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spent much of Tuesday in Iowa. It’s the first solo trip Administrator Michael Regan has taken since he was sworn into office. Regan toured an ethanol plant in Nevada
May 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Regan Defends EPA Budget Boost, Role of Ethanol and Biofuels in Emissions Reduction
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) ... On the issue of biofuels, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, pressed (Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael) Regan on the administration’s views on the future of ethanol, expressing her concern about the fact that advanced biofuels are
April 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Infrastructure Push: RFA Makes Case for Including Biofuels in Infrastructure Plans
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) After renewable biofuels appeared to be effectively shut out of President Joe Biden's plan for infrastructure, leaders in the ethanol industry and their advocates on Capitol Hill are trying to make the case that biofuels
April 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Caucus Requests Meeting with EPA Administrator
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Bipartisan members urge Administrator Regan to maximize benefits of RFS. The bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus extended an invitation to meet with EPA Administrator Michael Regan to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and other biofuels priorities. In a letter
April 09, 2021 Read Full Article
RFS Won't Expire Next Year, Volume Requirements in Limbo
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) The clock on the Renewable Fuel Standard won’t run out at the end of 2022 when it resets, but industry leaders wonder how the Environmental Protection Agency will set volume requirements for 2023. Renewable Fuels Association
April 06, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Urges EPA to Stay the Course on Renewable Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association on Wednesday asked newly confirmed EPA Administrator Michael Regan to “stay the course” on the Renewable Fuel Standard, as the important policy faces renewed attacks from oil refiners. In a letter to Regan, RFA responds
March 18, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA: EPA Should Shelve Proposal to Extend RFS Compliance Deadlines
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (March 11, 2021) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association opposed a proposal to extend the deadlines for demonstrating compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2019 and 2020. “This proposal is
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Considers Combining 2021, 2022 U.S. Biofuel Blending Proposals - Sources
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Environmental Protection Agency is considering issuing proposals for U.S. biofuel blending obligations for both 2021 and 2022 at the same time, two sources familiar with the matter said, after the coronavirus pandemic delayed rulemaking. The proposals
March 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leaders Say EPA Still Has to Account for Lost Gallons
(Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol industry leaders say the EPA’s recent change of policy on Small Refinery Exemptions is a start, but there is still a lot of work to do. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association tells Brownfield the
February 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel RIN Prices Approaching All-Time Highs
by Sean Hill (U.S. Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanisms used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—have been steadily rising in recent months and
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Johnson, Craig Introduce RFS Integrity Act
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., on Feb. 19 reintroduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, which aims to ensure transparency and predictability in the U.S. EPA’s administration of the small refinery exemption (SRE)
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden's EPA Pick to Review Options for Biofuel Blending Law beyond 2022
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency said he will confer with legal and policy teams to understand the options available for setting mandates to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel mix beyond
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Groups Testify against EPA’s Proposed RFS Deadline Extensions PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: March 11, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry testified against the U.S. EPA’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines during a Feb. 9 virtual hearing. Public comments on the proposal can be
February 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Life is a Highway
by John Eichberger (Fuels Institute) ... Fuels Institute recently published “The Impact of Transportation-related Environmental Initiatives” which provides an objective assessment of 37 global efforts and a deep dive into 14 of the most prominent initiatives affecting transportation. As we embark upon
February 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Klobuchar, Grassley Highlight Need to Restore Integrity to Renewable Fuel Standard in Letter to Environmental Protection Agency
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a letter to Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Jane Nishida highlighting the need to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
February 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Battles in Court to Reverse Demand Destruction
(Growth Energy) On Friday, January 29th, Growth Energy, along with others in the biofuels industry, filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Case No. 20-1046) challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s Climate Goals Will Boost Ethanol for Now: Oil Refiners and Ethanol Producers’ Collective Pain Hasn’t Done Much to Align Their Interests
by Jinjoo Lee (Wall Street Journal) In the tug of war for former President Donald Trump’s favors, oil refiners won some surprising victories over ethanol producers. Their fortunes are about to flip under President Joe Biden’s climate-driven administration. The fate of U.S.
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Files Petition and Emergency Motion to Halt EPA’s Dark-of-Night Refinery Waivers
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday evening by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. “EPA’s decision
January 21, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes to Extend 2019, 2020 RFS Deadlines DEADLINE Comments due March 11, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is scheduled to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Jan. 15 extending certain Renewable Fuel Standard deadlines for compliance years 2019 and 2020. A public comment period is open
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Petitions for a Waiver of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standards DEADLINE Comments due February 18, 2021
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA seeks comment on several petitions for a waiver of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) volume requirements from refineries and the governors of several states. The petitions and the associated Federal Register Notice are
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks Senate Midwest Republicans for Backing Renewable Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association expressed gratitude today to seven Republican members of the Senate who called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to back down from rumored small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Lawmakers on both sides of the
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
AFPM Sees Alignment with Biden on Trade, Economy
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) ... (President-elect Joe) Biden also campaigned on goals to increasingly electrify the US vehicle fleet and maintain support for renewable fuels, which would erode market share for the petroleum fuel that dominates AFPM membership's output. But
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Eyes Extending Refinery Biofuel Deadlines, No Action on Waivers
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it would propose to extend deadlines for refiners to prove compliance with biofuel laws, but signaled it would not decide on a slew of pending waiver requests submitted
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Senators Ask Biden to Restore the Integrity of the RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The
January 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Farm & Biofuel Coalition Rejects EPA’s Excuses for Failing to Comply with 2017 Court Order
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (January 7, 2021), a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed
January 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Farm & Biofuel Coalition Rejects EPA’s Excuses for Failing to Comply with 2017 Court Order
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (January 7, 2021), a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed on
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Petroleum Opposes Biofuels RFS Remand: Petroleum Group Opposes Ag, Biofuels Lawsuit on 500 Million-Gallon Remand
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) As biofuel producers attempt to force EPA to restore 500 million gallons that a court found were improperly waived from the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2016, a petroleum interest group is arguing those groups have
December 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Analysis: Biofuels Sector Hopeful Over Biden RFS Stance, Wary of GHG Policy
by Patrick Newkumet (Oil Price Information Service) Renewable fuel industry officials are mostly optimistic that the incoming Biden administration will be more supportive of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) than the Trump White House, though some worry that the president-elect's
December 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Is Your Renewable Diesel Project Sustainable?
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) For organizations looking to develop, construct and commission a new renewable diesel plant, it’s important to understand the various market conditions at play to avoid poorly made investments and the pitfalls of lost
December 21, 2020 Read Full Article
OMB Updates Timelines for 2021 RFS, E15 Label Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Information released by the White House Office of Management and budget indicates the a proposed rule to set 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard could be released soon. A rulemaking is
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Failure to Issue 2021 Biofuel Blending Targets
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted a notice of intent to sue letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its failure to fulfill its statutory obligation to issue the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by November 30th, 2020, an annual deadline set by
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Who’s in Hot Water, Cold Water, and Who’s Just Right?: Mitsubishi, Monolith Materials, Codexis, Casdin, LG Chem, Neste, Wells Fargo, EPA, NXTLEVVEL, Elementis, Growth Energy, US National Labs, Ginkgo Bioworks in the News
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s in Hot Water? Some of the Usual Suspects get into the usual trouble. We note that EPA missed the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation deadline, and Growth Energy threatens a lawsuit. Really. We get tired of reporting on
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Misses Statutory Deadline to Set 2021 RFS RVOs
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has missed its Nov. 30 statutory deadline to set the 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel. While the delay was
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
An Open Letter to the Ethanol Community from Ethanol Producers
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he overriding objective should be to increase demand, which increases ethanol volume and corn grind. With that in mind, do we continue to fight for what is almost certain to be a reduced
November 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm & Biofuel Leaders Urge Courts to Hold EPA Accountable on Improper 2016 Waiver
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia asking the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address its improper waiver of 500
November 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Outlines 2021 Biofuel Policy Priorities
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Retailers: Zero-Emission Truck Plan Could ‘Devastate’ Agriculture
by John Gallagher (Freight Waves) Ag retailers: Zero-emission truck plan could ‘devastate’ agriculture -- An environmental policy promoted by Democratic lawmakers to effectively ban internal combustion engines (ICEs) for heavy-duty trucks by 2040 would be a major economic blow to agribusiness
November 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Finance Chair Says EPA Leader Should Follow RFS or Resign
(WNAX) Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley told farm reporters Thursday that 2020 has been a tenuous year for renewable fuels. He says ethanol demand has been hurt by the pandemic and gap year waiver requests for refiners has created a lot of
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Renewable Fuels Legislation Could Garner Bipartisan Support under Biden
by Stephanie Kelly and Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Renewable fuels are a niche market for now, but with Democratic President-Elect Joe Biden set to enter office with a divided Congress, legislation supporting demand for products like renewable diesel could garner bipartisan
November 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Factbox: Unresolved Biofuel Policy Issues Facing the Next U.S. President
(Today/Reuters) Both U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden have tried to clinch rural votes ahead of the election by voicing support for corn-based ethanol. But big questions remain over how either would administer the nation's biofuel law,
November 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Looks beyond Trump-Biden Bluster to Biofuel Reset
by Kim Chipman and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg Green) Presidential, Iowa Senate races put biofuel in spotlight; Renewable Fuel Standard uncertainty clouds ethanol outlook -- ... The winner will oversee a “reset” of the congressional mandate to blend biofuels with gasoline. This
November 02, 2020 Read Full Article
LETTER: Biofuel Targets Should Be Set Now
by Marc Berger (Daily Citizen) ... The EPA announced that E15 -- a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol -- can be pumped through existing E10 infrastructure, helping expand the market for ethanol at a critical time. Despite this, we’re
October 30, 2020 Read Full Article
RFS Rule in Court, Chapter 2019
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The D.C. Circuit on Friday hosted the annual legal rite: a challenge to EPA's blending mandate under the Renewable Fuel Standard, with this round focusing on the rule governing 2019 requirements. Biofuel producers argued that
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump, Eyeing Farm Country, Starts Working on Ethanol Industry's Year-Old Wishlist
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump, looking to shore up support in the U.S. Farm Belt during a tight race for re-election, is taking steps to help producers of corn-based ethanol using a list of policy goals
September 24, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Presidential Candidate Biden Rips Trump's Record on Ethanol
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden late on Tuesday attacked President Donald Trump’s record on ethanol, saying his administration’s recent moves to help the industry were too little, too late and transparently political. U.S. Democratic presidential nominee
September 16, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Provides Testimony to EPA Advisory Committee
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee is meeting virtually this week to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations on a range of environmental issues and policies important to agriculture and rural communities. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO
September 11, 2020 Read Full Article
House Ag Chair Backs Biden on Killing Trump Tariffs
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson supports Joe Biden’s plan to eliminate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China but said he isn’t sure what the alternative is for countering Chinese trade practices. “First thing I want to see
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Can Iowa Farmers Survive without Ethanol? Can Trump Survive without Iowa Farmers?
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register/Ames Tribune) ... "I've sat in front of the president, and he does look you in the eye, and he does listen to you," (Bill) Couser said, adding, "It just makes you wonder what happens after
August 28, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Urges Immediate EPA Action on ‘Litany’ of Outstanding RFS Issues
(Renewable Fuels Association) Citing the need for more certainty and stability in uncertain times, as well as the legal requirement to meet statutory deadlines, the Renewable Fuels Association today urged EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to immediately address a number of unresolved
August 27, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Makes Plea for Action -- Wheeler: EPA Still Working on RFS Issues Including 98 Pending Exemption Requests
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler gave no timeline for releasing 2021 renewable volume obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard or for deciding on pending small-refinery exemptions, during a teleconference with reporters on Wednesday, as pressure mounts
August 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Campaign: Statement on Commitment to Renewable Fuel Standard Amid Trump Administration’s Repeated Attacks on Farmers and Producers
(WisPolitics.com) Instead of standing with those who till our land and sow our fields, we have a president who has sold out our farmers by undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard with the granting of waivers to Big Oil. Those waivers severely
August 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Seen Putting Biofuels Decisions on Hold
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration is likely to wait until after Election Day to weigh in on tough ethanol decisions for fear of triggering backlash among farmers or the oil sector. -- ... WAKE ME UP WHEN
August 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Groups Fear 'No Consequences' for Delaying Biofuel Volumes
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) Biofuel groups are frustrated election-year politics could be getting in the way of time-sensitive Environmental Protection Agency action on renewable fuel policy that needs to be finalized by the end of the year, and fear voter accountability in
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA’s Wheeler Says He Has Questions about SRE Gap Waiver Applications
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
CVR Energy Evaluates Renewable Diesel Project at Wynnewood Refinery
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Project costs to be recouped by blenders tax credit; Renewable diesel project approval expected in September -- CVR Energy is evaluating a renewable diesel project at its Wynnewood, Oklahoma, refinery -- the latest refiner seeking respite
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Energy Department Recommends Granting Partial Retroactive Waivers to Refiners: Sources
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Energy has recommended that some of the oil refiners that applied for retroactive exemptions from the nation’s biofuel blending law be granted partial relief, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Political Football Season Returns with RFS
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) ... Once again, the Environmental Protection Agency has turned the RFS into a political football. In June, the agency disclosed it is considering 52 newly filed small refinery exemptions petitions, covering compliance years from
July 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Senators Press USDA for Biofuel Infrastructure Grant Flexibility
(Kansas Ag Connection/US AgNet) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to allow businesses that have received grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to use
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Puts 2021 Biofuel Blending Mandate Proposal on Hold Indefinitely, Sources Say
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has put on hold indefinitely a proposal for the amount of biofuels refiners must blend into their fuel next year, two sources familiar with the matter said. Many anticipated the proposal would come
July 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Potential Feedstocks, Biofuel Markets, Corn and Cellulosic Ethanol: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Increasing Feedstock Production for Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)The Biomass Research and Development Board published a report that looks at how to address the constraints surrounding availability of biomass feedstocks for biofuels. Four questions guide the analysis: What feedstocks and at what price? What
July 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Sen. Cruz to EPA: No Relief for Refinery Workers, No Consent for EPA Nominee
(Office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the nomination of Doug Benevento to be Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "The price of RINs has more than quadrupled since
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose Splitting 500-Million-Gal RFS Remand in 2021, 2022: Sources
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS/Governors Biofuels Coalition)EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA to Propose Splitting 500-Million-Gal RFS Remand in 2021, 2022: Sources
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS) EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the U.S.
June 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Post-Coronavirus: What’s Next in the Environmental Commodity Markets – 23 Key Takeaways
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... The focus was on renewable fuels in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RINs) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS credits). Stakeholders came from all corners of the market, from the refining industry,
June 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Small Refiners Have Petitioned EPA to Grant Them Economic Hardship Status Dating Back to 2013
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) REFINERS LATEST ETHANOL BLENDING BID: Small oil refiners — still reeling from the pandemic-driven collapse in fuel demand — have petitioned EPA to grant them economic hardship status dating back to 2013 in an apparent
June 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm, Biofuel Groups Press EPA on Exemptions
(Agri-Pulse/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Biofuel advocates are asking EPA today to provide more information on requests for retroactive exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard. Citing an appeals court ruling, the Renewable Fuels Association and several other organizations argue in a letter that
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
National Wildlife Federation Joins GOP Governors Calling for RFS Waivers
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The National Wildlife Federation believes EPA's Andrew Wheeler should use the agency's waiver authority to reduce blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The green group, one of a handful of enviros to engage
June 02, 2020 Read Full Article
FEATURE: Surging RVO Cost Negligible for US Fuel Producers, Importers Amid Pandemic
by Joshua Brown, Margaret Rogers, Ellie Valencia, Maha Cristina Husseini (S&P Global/Platts) RVO cost highest since March 2018; USGC WTI MEH margin down $6.45/b on year; US fuel exports fall to two-year low -- Fallout from the coronavirus has so disrupted normal refined
June 01, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Calls on EPA to Deny Secretive “Gap Year” Refinery Waiver Requests
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association on Friday urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deny new petitions submitted by refiners for past-year waivers from their renewable volume obligations. In a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, RFA President and
May 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Quotas to Get Small Lift Under Draft of EPA Plan
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) The Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a plan to slightly lift biofuel-blending targets next year, while so far skirting potentially controversial decisions about exempting refineries from U.S. mandates to use plant-based fuels, according to three
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Proposed Rule to Set 2021 RFS RVOs to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has delivered its proposed rule to set 2021 renewable volume requirements (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard and the 2022 RVO for biomass-based diesel to the White House Office of Management and
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Big Oil Overreaches on COVID-19 Bailout
by Jim Talent (The Gazette) ... Oil companies have requested special access to a $600 billion lending facility at the Federal Reserve, and the administration seems keen to deliver. The president just announced that the Secretary of Energy and Secretary
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
CRS Trips Over Itself in Assessing Whether COVID-19 Will Affect RFS Compliance
by Scott Richman(Renewable Fuels Association) The report “The 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): COVID-19 Impacts” released last week by the Congressional Research Service demonstrates a conflicted understanding of the mechanics of the RFS, leading to vague and erroneous conclusions about whether compliance will
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Coalition Opposes API Petition on 2020 RFS Obligations
(Renewable Fuels Association) A coalition of ethanol and farm groups today sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency opposing the American Petroleum Institute’s recent petition requesting reconsideration of the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) final rule. API claims reconsideration of the
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Precedent Exists for EPA to Reject RFS Waiver Requests by States
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The governors of Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah and Louisiana have sent letters to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler asking the agency to waive 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements due to market impacts caused by
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Supreme Court to Consider RFS Point of Obligation Case on May 15
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider whether it will review a challenge to the Renewable Fuel Standard point of obligation on May 15. Court documents related to the challenge were distributed to the
April 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Economist Expects "Battle Royal" over RFS in Washington
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) An ag economist expects Washington lawmakers will be revisiting the Renewable Fuel Standard. Scott Irwin with the University of Illinois says, “I think we’re going to see the mother of all political battles over the RFS
April 22, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Weighs Lifting Ethanol Requirements for Oil Refiners
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is weighing whether to let oil refineries skip on adding ethanol to their fuels, a move being requested by governors in oil-rich states who say the industry can’t afford the expense of
April 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Spurs New Clash between Big Oil and Big Corn over U.S. Biofuels
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The oil refining industry and its backers have asked the Trump administration to help the industry weather the pandemic by reducing a regulatory requirement that they blend billions of gallons of corn-based ethanol into their gasoline
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
States Ask EPA for Nationwide Biofuel Waiver to Help Oil Refiners Weather Coronavirus
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) The governors of five U.S. states have asked the Trump administration for a nationwide waiver exempting the oil-refining industry from the nation’s biofuel laws to help it survive a demand meltdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Hero BX Eyes Expanding Biodiesel Footprint When Pandemic Subsides
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... “We are surviving day by day,” Peterson (Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX) said. “All our people are still employed.” According to Peterson, Hero BX owner Pat Black strives to provide stability for his staff
April 15, 2020 Read Full Article
World Energy Doubles Down on Biodiesel Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Seeks Bailout to Weather 'Collapsing Demand'
(Reuters/NewsMax Finance) The U.S. biofuel industry has asked the Trump administration for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation to help it survive a demand slump triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Inhofe Amendment Would Cap Biofuels Credits Price at 10 Cents
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, has offered an amendment to an energy bill to cap the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as time is running out on the EPA to make
March 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021 and Other Changes
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) Under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel percentage standards every year. This action establishes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel,