(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA will pause accepting Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). IRA applications are those requesting federal grant
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Back TO HOMEAemetis Registrations Approved by the IRS for 45Z Production Tax Credits
(Aemetis) Renewable Natural Gas production expected to increase by 80% to 550,000 MMBtu of RNG per year, generating PTC’s under the Inflation Reduction Act starting January 1, 2025 – Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused
December 19, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Rural Development Initiatives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation deck outlines the USDA Rural Development (RD) initiatives to bolster the bioeconomy. It highlights RD’s key priorities, including promoting equity, combating climate change, and expanding markets for rural communities. The presentation deck details how
December 05, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Awards REAP Funding to 7 Ethanol Producers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Nov. 14 awarded $256.56 million in loans and grants to more than 1,100 clean energy projects under the Renewable Energy for America Program. A portion of that funding will support projects at
November 15, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Awards Grant to Vermont Renewable Energy Project
(Investing.com) Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: CETY) has announced that its affiliate, Vermont Renewable Gas, LLC (VRG), is a recipient of a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
October 25, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Awards REAP Grants to 3 Ethanol Producers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Oct. 3 awarded $104 million in loans and grants to more than 300 clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. Projects under development at three ethanol plants were among
October 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Candidates Reveal Biofuel Stands in FB Survey
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Farm Bureau Federation asked Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump about their priorities for American agriculture in a questionnaire that included their opinions on renewable fuels. Farm Bureau asked the question, “As president, would you support
September 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Domestic Biofuels and Clean Energy as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Costs at the Pump and Increase American Energy Security Across the Nation -- Today (Augsut 16, 2024), on the second anniversary of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Department
August 18, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $1.4 Million to Boost Clean Energy and Biofuels in Indiana
(WOWO) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $1.4 million to enhance clean energy systems and increase the availability of biofuels across Indiana. The initiative, led by USDA Rural Development, is set to benefit Hoosier farmers and agricultural producers
August 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Agriculture and the Courts
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmer's Union) SCOTUS. Not just another Washington, D.C., acronym where everything is given an alphabetized name – USDA, DOE, EPA, DOJ, FBI, DOC – there is no end to the acronyms of our
July 21, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Awards REAP Grants To 2 Ethanol Producers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on June 26 awarded nearly $100 million in loans and grants to 473 projects under the Renewable Energy for America Program. Commonwealth Agri-Energy LLC and Redfield Energy LLC were among those selected for
June 27, 2024 Read Full Article
Federal Funding for Your Commercial Scale Bioeconomy Project
by y Bill Hagy (LEC Partners/Biofuels Digest) There are numerous federal funding resources available to support commercial-scale bioeconomy projects. The following items should be considered when identifying federal funding resource(s) available for potential project funding: Some programs are restricted to small businesses. Some
June 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Boozman Unveils Senate Ag Republicans Framework Answering Call to Put More Farm in the Farm Bill
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after unveiling the Senate Republican-drafted framework answering the call for a farmer-focused
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
The Farm Bill Is an Opportunity for Bold Action on Advanced Biofuels
by Mike McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Real Clear Energy) More and more, agriculture and renewable energy production have become inexorably linked. Solar, wind, and biofuels have created new economic potential and horizons of opportunity for American farmers in the last two decades.
June 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Stabenow, Thompson Release Outlines For 2024 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., on May 1 released outlines for competing versions of the 2024 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is
May 02, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Clean Energy and Domestic Biofuels to Strengthen American Farms and Small Businesses as Part of Investing in America Agenda
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Energy Costs and Expand Access to Cleaner Fueling Options -- Today, in honor of Earth Day 2024, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department
April 23, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Commercial Scale Federal Funding Options
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Federal funds are available to support commercial-scale projects. However, Different Federal Departments/Agencies can have different priority areas. Some are Restricted to small businesses, some to rural areas. All programs have limits on funding amount, and some
March 07, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to the State of Advanced Biorefineries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the challenges faced by advanced biorefinery developers in shifting energy towards low carbon alternatives — new processes, structuring multiple feedstocks and products within one vision, new feedstocks, the role of low
March 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Aemetis Biogas Expands Revenues with First Sale of Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits
(Aemetis) Sale completed for LCFS credits issued at -150 Carbon Intensity (CI) Temporary Pathway; Testing and verification has been completed and applications submitted for lower CI Provisional Pathways that are expected to increase LCFS revenues by more than 80% compared to
January 24, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Funds Improvement Projects At 2 Ethanol Plants
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Jan. 22 awarded $1 million each to Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy LLC and Granite Falls Energy LLC. The grant awards were made under the agency’s Rural Energy for America Program and will
January 23, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Development and the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA mission serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to deliverable equitable and
January 11, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee took the ABLC 2023 stage in Washington DC to outline the company’s milestones ahead, progress to date, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of Carbon Zero One projects,
January 02, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Programs Supporting the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service manages a wide array of programs designed to support and accelerate deployment of the bioeconomy at scale. Among them, the Biobased Markets Program (BioPreferred®) – Sec. 9002, Bioenergy
November 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Farm Bill, Budget Extension Goes to President's Desk
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The farm bill extension tied to short-term federal funding passed the Senate Wednesday night on an 87-11 vote and now goes to President Joe Biden to avoid the risk of another government shutdown. On the farm
November 16, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IRA, everyone has heard about it — what does it mean? The IRA has been billed as the largest clean energy infrastructure investment in United States history. It allotted $370B to the development and promotion of
November 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $10.4 Million to Help Rural Californians Expand Use of Renewable Energy and Fuels
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera today announced USDA is investing $10.4 million to upgrade clean fuel infrastructure and help agricultural producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA REAP Funding Helps 2 Ethanol Plants Boost Production
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Nov. 1 awarded $145 million in loans and grants to 700 projects under the agency’s Rural Energy for America Program. Projects at two ethanol plants are among those that will receive funding. One
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Aemetis Reports Progress with RNG, SAF and Ethanol Projects
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. released second quarter financial results on Aug. 3, reporting progress with the development of its dairy renewable natural gas (RNG) project and its proposed renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery. The
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Offers $21M in REAP Technical Assistance Grants DEADLINE August 15, 2023
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on July 13 announced it is making $21.25 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for
July 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Inflation Reduction Act Boosts Renewable Energy and Biofuels Infrastructure
(Iowa Ag Connection) The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 brings significant financial incentives to rural communities, aiming to promote renewable energy production and the transition to sustainable energy sources. Under the bill, approximately $11 billion has been allocated for rural
June 16, 2023 Read Full Article
Aemetis RNG Production Facility Receives EPA Approval for D3 RIN Generation; LCFS Data Collection Completed and Pathway Review In Process at CARB; Six Dairy Digesters Fully Operational
(Aemetis) Operating 40-mile Biogas Pipeline, Central RNG Facility and Utility Interconnect Processes Waste Methane from California Dairy Farms into Renewable Natural Gas for Use as Carbon Negative Transportation Fuel Aemetis/Yahoo!)Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused
May 19, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $1 Billion to Help Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Businesses Invest in Renewable Energy Systems and Energy-Efficiency Improvements DEADLINE June 30, 2023
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Texas State Director Lillian Salerno today announced that USDA is accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest
April 03, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Western Regional Research Center
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA Western Regional Research Center has ~350 people, ~45 in bioproducts & biofuels. It’s part of the Agricultural Research Service, the ARS is the in-house research arm of the USDA. They partner with companies
February 27, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support of the bioeconomy and access to capital for Commercialization of emerging technologies; Production of biofuels and renewable chemicals and manufacturing of biobased products;
February 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants DEADLINE March 31, 2023
(U.S. Department of Transportation) The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment
February 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Alliance Conference Overview
(Minnesota Clean Cities The Connection) The first-ever Clean Fuels Conference took place January 23-26 in Tampa, Florida. Formerly the National Biodiesel Conference, the new event added renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel to its alternative biofuels lineup for applications in medium- and
January 31, 2023 Read Full Article
2023 Farm Bill Climate Side-by-Sides/2023 Farm Bill Hearing Trackers
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Roughly every five years, Congress passes a Farm Bill, covering a wide range of issues from conservation to rural development to food and nutrition. Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill as the 2018 Farm
December 24, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Announces REAP Awards, Opens New Funding Round
by Erin Voegle (Biodiesel Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 15 awarded $285 million to 844 projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. The agency also announced it is offering an additional $300 million in REAP funding, including $250 million allocated
December 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Holds Hearing on Farm Bill Energy Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Nov. 15 continued its work to develop the 2023 Farm Bill with a hearing focused on rural development and energy programs. The Higher Blends Infrastructure
November 16, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Leading the Charge on IRA Implementation
(Renewable Fuels Association) Testimony, Comments Provided to Treasury, IRS, USDA -- In separate comments and testimony to the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out the ethanol industry’s priorities
November 09, 2022 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee took the ABLC Next 2022 stage in San Francisco to outline the company’s milestones, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of Carbon Zero One projects, and the
November 03, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Public Input on IRA’s Biofuel Infrastructure Funding: November 3-4, 2022 Listening Session -- Public Comment DEADLINE November 28, 2022
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced it will host a virtual listening session on Nov. 3 that focuses, in part, on Section 22003 of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides $500 million in biofuels infrastructure funding. A
October 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden Signs New SAF, Hydrogen, Clean Fuel Tax Credits into Law
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Joe Biden on Aug. 16 signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, calling the legislation the “biggest step forward in climate—ever” and stressing it will allow the U.S. to boldly take addition steps towards
August 17, 2022 Read Full Article
USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The commercialization of emerging tech, the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products – these are some of the things the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service is working on. Find out about their Guaranteed
June 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers to Electric Car Makers: We're Greener than You Are
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) With automakers shifting toward the production of electric cars and trucks, the ethanol industry said on Wednesday that biofuels will be an important tool against global warming, and arguably create less pollution than battery-powered vehicles. The
January 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and
December 24, 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
USDA Doles out $633M in Power, Biofuel Funds
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Department of Agriculture plans to distribute some $633 million in loans and grants aimed at bolstering rural power infrastructure and making higher blends of biofuels more available to consumers. All told, the funding will be split among 791
December 06, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Energy for America Program
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Updated Nov. 22, 2021 to indicate that applications will receive priority points for advancing key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration. The * denotes new or updated information since the original announcement. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural
November 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Axne Touts Biofuel Incentives: Congressman Cindy Axne Touted Tuesday How Agriculture Can Benefit in the Latest Federal Bill Proposed by Democrats Set to Be Debated Next Week.
by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) ... (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for
November 10, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $464 Million in Renewable Energy Infrastructure to Help Rural Communities, Businesses and Ag Producers Build Back Better
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Energy for America Program DEADLINES: October 31, 2021; January 31, 2022; March 31, 2021
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and
July 26, 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
RURAL RENEWABLES: The Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee Meets Today on Renewable Energy Opportunities in Rural Areas.
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy subcommittee meets today on renewable energy opportunities in rural areas. Subcommittee Chair Tina Smith plans to use the hearing to highlight biofuels’ role in emissions reductions, particularly in hard-to-electrify industries like
June 22, 2021 Read Full Article
On Earth Day, USDA Invests $487 Million in Rural Water, Energy, and Biofuel Infrastructure
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Today (April 22, 2021), in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities
April 23, 2021 Read Full Article
No Project Left Behind: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Funds & Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at paths to leverage your next project using USDA programs and funds, with former acting USDA Undersecretary Bill Hagy, No Project will be Left Behind! Check out this illuminating slide guide covering
March 02, 2021 Read Full Article
8 Key Federal Resources Supporting Anaerobic Digestion
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./ Biofuels Digest) ... One of President Biden’s Clean Energy initiatives includes partnering with farmers, ranchers and businesses engaged in livestock production to implement environmentally sound agriculture practices and deploy methane digesters that generate new sources of
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Applications Open for Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants DEADLINE: March 31, 2021
USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021. REAP projects strengthen American energy independence by providing funding
January 26, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA’s Support for Rural Growth: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Business-Cooperative Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in
January 21, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Implements OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Produce Magazine) The USDA on Aug. 31 announced the implementation of the agency’s OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative and released new information on rates and terms that will help lenders apply for loan guarantees to support rural businesses,
September 01, 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
USDA Issues Rule to Streamline 4 Loan Guarantee Programs Comments DEADLINE: September 14, 2020
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on July 13 issued a final rule that aims to increase private investment in rural communities by making it easier for lenders to access four guaranteed loan programs, including the Rural Energy for
July 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Getting Money to Survive and Thrive – Federal Programs and Resources Available to Support the Bioeconomy
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) A series of PowerPoint Presentations outlining key Federal Financial Programs and Assistance that are available to support the domestic bioeconomy have been provided. This was not intended to be an” all inclusive” listing of
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE, SBA Programs for Biofuels, Biopower, Biochem: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Federal Programs Supporting Commercial Scale Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earlier this week we shared the latest federal programs supporting demonstration concept and today our focus is on federal programs supporting commercial scale development for biofuels, biopower, biochemicals and biobased projects. Check out this slide
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Congresswoman Pingree Introduces the Agriculture Resilience Act to Promote Farmer-Driven Climate Solutions Legislation Sets Goal of Reaching Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in U.S. Agriculture by 2040
(Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)) Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by the year 2040. “Farming has always been a
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Rural America’s Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Energy for America Program, The Farm Bill
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Between droughts, trade wars, and more, Rural America has had so many challenges, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to help with various Rural Business-Cooperative Service’s programs including investment of approximately $2 billion across
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
An Identity Crisis—Ethanol Blending is a Refinery?
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Biofuels Digest) ... (A)nyone who owns a blender pump woke up one day in June to find out they were a refiner! Actually, a “fuel manufacturer” to be exact, with all the numbing, strangling regulations that
October 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Fiscal Year 2020 DEADLINES: October 31, 2019 or March 31, 2020
(Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA/Federal Register) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice of Solicitation of Applications (Notice) is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under Rural
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Booker: We Will Stop the Oil Refinery Waivers, as Part of $3 Trillion Clean Energy and Infrastructure Plan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New Jersey, Senator Cory Booker announced that, if elected as US President, he would “Immediately end the granting of unwarranted RFS small refinery waivers to big oil companies, and substantially increase funding for the Rural
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
USDA Has More Than $400 Million Still Available for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Loan Guarantees
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Helps Farmers, Rural Small Businesses and Ag Producers Cut Energy Costs -- Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today encouraged farmers, rural small businesses and agricultural producers to apply for financing in a
July 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Congress Retains Most Energy Programs in 2018 Farm Bill through Fiscal Year 2023
by Steve Hanson (U.S. Energy Information Administration) On December 20, 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) was signed into law, continuing federal support to a number of renewable electricity and bioenergy-related programs. Authorizations in the 2018 Farm Bill cover
February 03, 2019 Read Full Article
On Tap: Retailers Preparing for Year-Round E15 Have Options for Pumps, Financing and Marketing.
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...(W)ith the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expected to extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to E15, hopefully before next summer’s driving season. Retailers will have to decide not only if they will offer
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Title Contains Climate Tweaks, Slimmer Funding
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... While the bill is largely viewed as a status-quo farm bill, the bill importantly reauthorizes the Energy Title (IX) and contains some new programs and tweaks aimed at helping producers become more
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
2018 Farm Bill Helps Rural America Become More Resilient: Rural Economies Crucial to Combating Climate Change
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) commends the Farm Bill conferees and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for their tireless commitment to produce a Farm Bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, this year. In a year
December 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Fiscal Year 2019
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under Rural
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Restores 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Funding
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 13, the Senate ag committee approved the its version of the 2018 Farm Bill with bipartisan support. The legislation includes an amendment offered by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that restores mandatory funding to Farm
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Farm Bill Expands Reach of Energy Title, But Provides Little Funding
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Friday, June 8, the Senate Agriculture Committee released the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In contrast to the GOP-only bill that has advanced in the House, the bipartisan Senate farm bill refrains from eliminating
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Sen. Tina Smith Tells Senate Agriculture Committee Leaders that Farm Bill Energy Programs Are Key to Reviving Lagging Farm Economy
(Office of Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)) Senator Leads Bipartisan Push for Strong Funding and Focus on Energy As Senate Begins Work on Farm Bill in Coming Days -- As the Senate prepares to begin work on the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S Senator
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Programs Have Earned Bipartisan Support
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) Since 2002, the farm bill has contained an energy title, with cost-effective programs that support private investment in renewable energy, biobased manufacturing and energy efficiency. The programs are extremely successful in helping businesses create
May 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill to Get Second Vote in US House in June: Roll Call
(CNBC/Reuters) The U.S. House of Representatives will vote for a second time on a massive farm bill after the measure was defeated last week, according to a report. The vote on the $867 billion bill will be held on June
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Breaking News: Attack on Farm Bill Clean Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Breaking news arrives from the Ag Energy Coalition regarding the 2018 Farm Bill. Green Capiltol’s Lloyd Ritter writes: Rep. Biggs farm bill amendment was made in order by the Rules Committee last night to eviscerate the
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes 2018 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In a statement, House Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., criticized the legislation, calling it “a flawed bill that is the result of a bad nontransparent process.” Cuts to Energy Title programs are among
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Draft 2018 Farm Bill Reauthorizes Energy Title Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Issues Growing Jobs and Rural Economies: The Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Since their inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, Energy Title (Title IX) programs have helped farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities generate thousands of jobs and millions in economic development. The sectors impacted by
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applicants for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects under the Rural Energy for America Program DEADLINE: April 30, 2018
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects. These loan guarantees and grants are part of USDA’s Rural Energy
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA and Its Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies that support the production of biofuels and biobased
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Energy Programs Should Be Fully Funded and Enhanced in the 2018 Farm Bill
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Issues Essential for State, Franken Says
by Trey Mewes (Mankato Free Press) As federal officials back off of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, U.S. Sen. Al Franken believes there's going to be more work to do to ensure farmers and rural communities benefit from renewable energy sources. The
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
All Eyes on Energy
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
House Appropriators Make Significant Cuts to Farm Energy Programs in FY18 Agriculture Spending Bill
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 29, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill for FY2018 providing $144.0 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), $876 million lower than FY2017 and $4.64 billion
June 30, 2017 Read Full Article
House Agriculture Appropriations Bill Axes BCAP, Slashes Loan Guarantees and REAP
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the draft House Appropriations Committee’s FY2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill was released, and cut the Rural Energy for America Program from $50 million to $9 million, cut the Section 9003 Loan Guarantee program by $65
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Rocky Road Ahead for Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Farm Bill’s Energy Title provides loans and grants to farmers, ranchers and small businesses to encourage investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and the production of renewable bioproducts such as fuels
February 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Putting the Ethanol into EMV
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Associatio/SIGMA's Independent Gasoline Marketing) Many retailers face infrastructure costs that are simply out of reach. Financing is not as easy as it used to be, and upcoming challenges like EMV can be too much for
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2017
(US Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption
October 21, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Results: Powering America with a More Sustainable Energy Future
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... The Obama Administration has pursued a carefully balanced approach, deploying technologies that improve the very best of our existing energy sources, while rigorously implementing policies that invest in the second and third generations of tomorrow’s fuels. ... In
October 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Supporting the Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Biomass Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This month, we held a well-attended webinar on USDA Biomass programs. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, by the USDA’s Mark Brodziski. The recorded version of the USDA Biomass Programs webinar can
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Highlights Benefits of Rural Development Grants with Eye on Bioenergy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the USDA has highlighted the economic impacts on rural communities bioenergy investments have made in a new report looking at the $1.1 billion granted for renewable energy through 15,678 individual awards between 2009
January 29, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Highlights 2015 Bioeconomy Achievements
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Several of the achievements listed by the USDA benefited the bioenergy and biofuels sectors. Under the category of climate change achievements, the department highlighted its work with the U.S. EPA to set the first-ever
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Lifting the U.S. Crude Export Ban: Impact on Oil, Biofuels, Wind & Solar & the Evolution of the U.S. Energy Landscape
(Genscape) Now in the hands of president Obama for final sign off, the budget deal that could end the 1975 oil export ban, could also extend investment and Production Tax Credits (ITC and PTC) that support wind and solar energy. The
December 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Create Your Own Biodiesel on Your Farm?
(RFD-TV) ... "This is something where they can grow it, and they can make it themselves and they can use it on the farm," says Jason de Koff, an assistant professor in agronomy and soil science at Tennessee State University.
December 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Food Waste Legislation Includes AD Provisions
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 7, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, introduced the Food Recovery Act of 2015. The bill, which aims to reduce the amount of food waste in the U.S., also contains provisions related to waste-to-energy development. ... One
December 11, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for REAP Loans, Grants
(US Department of Agriculture/Biomass Magazine) USDA under secretary Lisa Mensah recently encouraged rural small businesses to apply for loans and grants to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. “Helping rural small businesses save money on energy costs strengthens their bottom
October 28, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Provides Funding for More Than 1,100 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Nationwide
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (October 26, 2015) announced that USDA is awarding loans and grants that will help more than 1,100 rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy usage and costs in their operations.
October 28, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Provides Funding for more than $1.8 Million Nebraska Renewable Energy Projects
(KTIC Radio) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA has selected Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland, LLC of Madrid, NE to receive $500,000 for ethanol production and Aaron Ross of Columbus, NE to receive $41,250 for wind energy. These two projects
October 28, 2015 Read Full Article
House Appropriators Shortchange Rural America on Jobs and Economic Growth, AgEC Says
(Agriculture Energy Coalition/BusinessWire) The House Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2016 Agriculture Appropriations Bill would reduce mandatory spending levels for important Energy Title programs, including the Renewable Energy for America Program, Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Vilsack Calls for Ethanol Industry Support of Trade Negotiations
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asked for the ethanol industry's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in his keynote address at the 2015 Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference held in Phoenix Feb. 26-27. The opponents
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA REAP Sinks $3.4 Billion into Rural Economies
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Though the USDA Rural Energy for America Program has been hugely successful since it was first implemented in the 2002 Farm Bill, numerous changes have been implemented over the years in order to maximize program value. To
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Funding for 2 Farm Bill Bioenergy Programs
(US Department of Agriculture/Biomass Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced up to $14.5 million in funding for two USDA bioenergy programs made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's Rural Development announced it is accepting applications from companies seeking
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack Outlines 3-Pronged RFS, U.S. Ethanol Strategy
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Wants Ethanol Available Nationwide
by Jerry Hagstrom (AgWeek) Higher grade levels of ethanol need to be available outside the Midwest and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help make that possible, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. Higher grade levels of ethanol need to be available outside
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
It’s Not a Sprint: Achieving Biofuel Goals Requires the Effort of a Marathon
(25 x '25) EPA’s release this week of the latest rule governing vehicle emissions and fuel standards is a reminder that while regulations can raise the profile of biofuels, there are no “silver” policy bullets that absolutely assure the growth of biofuels
March 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Rural Energy Efforts Run Low on Fuel as Farm Bill Expires
By Amanda Peterka (Midwest Energy News/Environment & Energy Daily) ...But USDA’s ability to carry out projects like the installation of solar panels was left to dangle Monday night with the expiration of the farm bill. Without a new bill
October 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Title Introduced in Senate
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Legislation to reauthorize the Farm Bill energy title was introduced in the Senate Monday. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Al Franken (D-MN) introduced the Rural Energy Investment Act to “help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by encouraging the
May 08, 2013 Read Full Article
USDA Proposes Simplified Application Process for REAP Funding
(US Department of Agriculture/Biodiesel Magazine) The USDA has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding. USDA remains focused on carrying out its
May 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Coalition Urges New Farm Bill for Energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today urged Congress to begin work on a new five-year Farm Bill with strong mandatory funding for energy programs. The coalition notes that programs included in the farm bill Energy Title including
January 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Contains No Mandatory Funding for Energy Title Programs
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The bad news is, all mandatory funding for energy title programs were stripped from the farm bill at the last moment. “The programs have lived, but they don’t have money,” said Lloyd Ritter, co-director
January 03, 2013 Read Full Article
REAP Grants Include Money for Blender Pumps
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A total of $16 million in investment for 244 projects received funding from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, including several blender pumps and a few biomass-related projects. The program offers funding to
October 29, 2012 Read Full Article
REAP Funding Announced for Blender, Flex-Fuel Pump Projects
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Out of 430 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) awards announced by the USDA June 25, four were for blender pumps or flex fuel pumps. In all, projects in Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South
July 17, 2012 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding for Projects to Boost Renewable Energy Production, Reduce Energy Consumption
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selected for funding 450 projects nationwide, including 31 in North Carolina, that are focused on helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs;
June 26, 2012 Read Full Article
United Cooperative Fitting Cenex Sites for Flex-Fueling
(CSP Daily News) Installs ethanol blender pumps across southcentral Wisconsin United Cooperative has been selected to receive a $448,500 Rural Energy for America Program grant to assist with the installation of 36 ethanol flex-fuel blender pumps and seven biodiesel dispensers at
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Energy Coalition Disappointed in Farm Bill Draft
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A coalition of trade groups and organizations representing renewable energy, energy efficiency, farm and environmental interests is disappointed in a 2012 Farm Bill draft out of the Senate Agriculture Committee that they say provides “no real
April 25, 2012 Read Full Article
NSAC Suggests REAP, BCAP Changes
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has released its 2012 Farm Bill platform, which provides suggestions to improve some federal bioenergy programs. These include the Repowering Assistance Program and the Biomass Crop Assistance
March 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Up and Running: Retailers Respond Positively to SD Blender Pump Incentive
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The application window for South Dakota’s inaugural blender pump grant program may have just opened on Jan. 9, but it already appears that the incentive will be a success. More than half the fiscal
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Policies of Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America in a 2012 Farm Bill
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) With a refreshing sense of focus, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, opened the hearing on Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America by stating the importance of
February 21, 2012 Read Full Article
USDA Makes 2012 REAP Funding Available
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) The USDA announced Jan. 20 a Notice of Funding Availability for its Rural Energy for America Program, and is inviting agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply. REAP, which was authorized through
January 24, 2012 Read Full Article
SAFER Makes Information about Farm Bill Energy Program Proposed Cuts
(Southeast Agriculture and Forestry Energy Resources Alliance) As you know, Congress is in the midst of negotiations regarding FY2012 appropriations for the Farm Bill. Of particular interest to SAFER is the proposed cuts to the Farm Bill’s energy programs —
September 22, 2011 Read Full Article
USDA Gives $2 Million for Blender Pumps in 22 States
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Thirty-three projects in 22 states have been approved for blender pump grants in the latest round of funding to be dispersed through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. A total of $27 million