In honor of Earth Day 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $487 million in critical infrastructure prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 …
Minnesota Enters Fourth Year of B20
For the fourth year now, Minnesota will move to a 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20) during the summer months before reverting back to five percent biodiesel blend (B5) on Oct. 1. “With the ongoing debate around ‘Clean Cars’ and electric vehicles, we know that biodiesel is a proven, reliable solution to address climate and energy concerns. It’s reducing carbon right …
REG and Optimus Partner to Deliver Biodiesel to Fleets
Renewable Energy Group fleet customers in Iowa, Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts are ramping up the use of B100 (100% biodiesel) in their fleets and REG is helping fleets achieve their sustainability goals and reach near-zero emissions through a partnership with Optimus Technologies. With Optimus’ new technology, biodiesel is now able to be utilized as B100, while REG is providing the …
NBB Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court SRE Case
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court this week in the pending case on small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. In the case HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al. v Renewable Fuels Association et al, NBB argues that small refinery exemptions destroy demand and limit future growth of biodiesel and renewable …
NBB Discusses 2021 Policy Priorities for Biodiesel Industry
National Biodiesel Board (NBB) CEO Donnell Rehagen and Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik hosted a video conference briefing with reporters last week to discuss the industry’s policy priorities for the coming year. Paul Winters, NBB Director of Public Affairs and Federal Communications, moderated the discussion. Kovarik said they were disappointed with EPA’s recent decision to extend the renewable …
Biofuels Coalition Files Brief in Supreme Court Case
The Biofuels Coalition, comprised of Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Corn Growers Association and the National Farmers Union filed a response brief this week in the Supreme Court case HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al., v. Renewable Fuels Association, et al. In the brief, the coalition argues in support of the challenged Tenth Circuit decision, …
Biofuels Included in New USDA COVID Aid Program
USDA has unveiled a new initiative for farmers, ranchers and biofuels producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions – Pandemic Assistance for Producers (PAP). USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and …
U.S. Biodiesel Celebrates 3 Billion Gallons
The National Biodiesel Board is pleased to celebrate National Biodiesel Day by announcing that the industry has reached a milestone of 3 billion gallons in operating capacity. National Biodiesel Day is celebrated on March 18 in honor of Rudolf Diesel who invented the diesel engine, which was originally designed to run on renewable peanut oil. Three billion gallons is significant …
Broad Coalition Supports MN Clean Fuels Standard
A broad coalition representing automakers, biofuel producers, farmers, electric vehicles, and conservation advocates is endorsing new legislation that would implement a clean fuels standard statewide in Minnesota, which would be the first for a Midwestern state. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are both members of the coalition, which is facilitated by the Great …
Michael Regan Confirmed as EPA Administrator
Michael Regan has officially been confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 66-34 vote Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. Regan comes to EPA after serving as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. During his confirmation hearing, Regan emphasized that the “RFS is definitely a priority for this administration.” U.S. biofuels organizations are thrilled …