The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched an online portal to accept applications for Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grants. USDA has up to $100 million in competitive grants available to help expand the sale and availability of ethanol and biodiesel fuels with approximately $86 million allocated for higher blends of fuel ethanol, and approximately $14 million for implementation …
Ethanol Production Continues Slow Recovery
Gasoline use is increasing as more cars gradually get back on the road with coronavirus restrictions easing in many states, which is helping ethanol production slowly increase. According to the latest EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 8, ethanol production expanded by 3.2%, to 617,000 barrels per day — equivalent to 25.91 million …
Brief Filed in Case Over EPA Limits on Higher Blends
An alliance of ethanol, agriculture and clean fuel organizations led by the Urban Air Initiative is challenging the EPA over regulatory barriers to higher blends of ethanol they say are illegal. An opening brief in the case was filed this week in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and oral arguments are expected this fall. Specifically, the brief argues that …
USDA Report Calls for Increased Ethanol Output
The May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate out from USDA this week is forecasting record high production and domestic use, greater exports, and larger ending stocks for corn. The corn crop is projected at a record 16.0 billion bushels, up from last year on increased area and a return to trend yield. The yield projection of 178.5 bushels per …
House Includes Aid for Biofuels in Relief Act
Help for struggling ethanol producers is included in the new COVID-19 legislative relief package, thanks to the efforts of Democratic Reps. Cindy Axne (IA-01), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), and Angie Craig (MN-02). The Renewable Fuel Reimbursement Program included in the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) would authorize USDA to provide assistance of 45 …
Electric Cooperatives Urge Relief for Rural America
Over 30 rural electric cooperatives serving members across the Upper Midwest have signed on to a letter urging members of Congress to provide economic relief for rural America. The letter was addressed to members of Congress from Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Specifically, the letter calls for Congress to support additional stimulus package relief for food and …
Ag and Biofuel Groups Ask Congress for COVID-19 Relief
America’s top biofuel and farm advocates are calling on Congress to ensure the next round of COVID-19 relief includes U.S. ethanol and biodiesel production. A joint letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was signed by the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the National Biodiesel Board, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers …
Senators Urge President Trump to Uphold RFS
A bipartisan group of 24 U.S. senators sent a letter to President Trump this week that strongly urges him to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard and reject oil industry efforts to waive renewable fuel blending obligations. The effort was led by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). They expressed their concerns in …
Ethanol Production Gains a Little
Ethanol plants showed signs of new life last week, as production increased 11.4% from the previous week, according to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 1. However, production remains tempered due to COVID-19 disruptions, coming in 42.3% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 3.1% to 567,000 …
Biofuels Industry Welcomes USDA Infrastructure Funds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making up to $100 million in competitive grants available to help expand the availability and sale of renewable fuels. The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) consist of up to $100 million in funding for competitive grants or sales incentives to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol …