Like her predecessor, the new governor of Iowa intends to make renewable fuels a priority in her administration. In her inaugural speech on Wednesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds made innovating Iowa’s energy policy her second priority, just behind reforming the state’s tax code. “For years, our fields have fed the world. Now, they energize it. They produce products that fuel …
Branstad Confirmed as Chinese Ambassador
Biofuels interests are pleased with final approval of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China by a vote of 82-13 in the Senate. “While we hate to lose such a passionate supporter for renewable fuels as governor, there are a number of vital trade issues with China that have a major impact on our industry,” said Iowa Renewable …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Groups Testify on Trade Issues
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) both testified at a U.S. Department of Commerce hearing Thursday to provide input on a recent Executive Order concerning significant trade deficits. The NBB testified about the harm being caused to the U.S. biodiesel industry from increasing volumes of imports from Indonesia, while RFA was focused on China’s recent …
NBB Submits Regulatory Comments to EPA
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) submitted comments this week to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to a call for input on burdensome regulations. NBB provided comments on five subjects: (1) funding for additional guidance and compliance assistance, (2) RFS implementing regulations, (3) the proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule, (4) Product Transfer Documents (PTD) and (5) …
Branstad Signs Iowa Biofuels Infrastructure Bill
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed his last bills as governor of the Hawkeye State last week, including the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund bill (HF 643), which provides $3 million to fund the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. “Governor Branstad has been exceptionally supportive of funding renewable fuels and this infrastructure program. We thank him whole-heartedly for his leadership,” said Grant Kimberley, …
REG Reports Renewable Hydrocarbon Diesel Growth
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. sold almost 25 percent more fuel in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same time last year, largely due to an increase in renewable hydrocarbon diesel gallons. REG also experienced a full quarter of operations at its Madison, Wisconsin facility, and the impact of distillation upgrades completed in 2016 at the Danville, Illinois biorefinery …
Actions Seek to Keep U.S. Biodiesel Tax Benefits at Home
Two actions last week made progress toward preventing foreign biodiesel producers from reaping the benefits of U.S. tax incentives. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) announced the introduction of legislation would extend the $1-per-gallon tax credit for biodiesel through the end of 2020 and reform the credit so it is only used for fuel produced in the U.S. “This legislation would give …
Branstad Touts Iowa Renewable Energy During China Hearing
During his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become U.S. Ambassador to China, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad had the opportunity to talk about his favorite subject – renewable energy. “Thank you for bringing that up because I’m very proud of where we’ve come from,” Branstad said in response to Sen. Tim Kaine (VA-D) asking about Iowa’s …
French Researcher Honored With Glycerine Innovation Award
The 2017 Glycerine Innovation Award was presented this week to Prof. Dr. Christophe Len with the Université de Technologie Compiègne France. The annual honor is sponsored by the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and is presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS). It recognizes outstanding achievement for research into new …
Biodiesel Interests Pleased with Senate Bill
The National Biodiesel Board and the American Soybean Association applauded the introduction of a Senate bill this week that would convert the blender’s credit for biodiesel to a $1-per-gallon production credit for fuels produced in the United States for three years and provide an additional 10-cent-per-gallon credit for small producers. “Well-crafted and efficient tax incentives can be powerful policy mechanisms …