Two biodiesel-powered and one ethanol vehicle took top honors in the latest EcoCAR competition. This press release says a biodiesel extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) from Mississippi State University won first place in the General Motors and Department of Energy-sponsored EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge finals in San Diego, with Virginia Tech earning second place with an ethanol-powered EREV design and Penn …
New Report Shows Ethanol Saves Drivers Money
Memorial Day is right around the bend and this weekend marks the start of summer driving. According to AAA, nearly 28 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend alone, a number curtailed due to environmental concerns as well as concerns caused by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Yet there is good news for drivers as they are saving …
China on Fast Track for Celluosic Biofuel Production
Today COFCO, a leading producer and supplier of processed agricultural products, Sinopec, the world’s third largest oil refinery and Novozymes, the leader in biofuel enzyme development and production, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to take the next steps towards commercial production of cellulosic biofuels in China. As an element of the partnership, COFCO and Sinopec will build a cellulosic …
The Auto Channel Fights for Ethanol
The Auto Channel has been a proponent of ethanol for quite some time and has given favorable coverage to the fuel. This week, Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher, Marc J Rauch, took it up a notch in defense of ethanol. In his piece, “The Auto Channel Fights for the Truth about Ethanol Versus Gasoline,” Rauch writes, “Bob [Gordon] and I …
He Said, She Said – The Debate on Ethanol Tariffs
The debate rages on between the Renewable Fuels Association and the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) over whose fuel is better for America. Ultimately, UNICA wants in and RFA wants them out. Earlier this week, UNICA planned a pump promotion in Washington D.C. at two gas stations where for a limited time, drivers would receive 54 cents off per gallon …
RFA: Green Jobs Should Include Ethanol Tax Incentive
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging Congress to “include an extension of the expiring tax incentives for ethanol in any legislative package designed to promote green job growth and economic revitalization.” In a letter sent to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, RFA encouraged the lawmakers to adopt the provisions of the Renewable …
Making Distillers Grains More Valuable
Increasing the value of the ethanol by-product distillers dried grains (DDGs) was a topic at last week’s Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium. Alltech has a product called Allzyme® SSF that can maximize nutrient release in DDGs to make it more nutritious. According to the comany, “the complex works synergistically to break down the different substrates. As a result, …
Brazil Ethanol Gas Discount Promo Canceled
The Brazilian ethanol industry’s planned promotional event in Washington D.C. has been abruptly canceled, according to a news release. One week after approving the event and less than 24 hours after allowing promotional banners to be hung on its property, Capitol Petroleum Group canceled plans by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) to offer Washington-area residents a discount of 54 …
Iowa Corn and Chevy Promote Ethanol
Iowa corn growers have teamed up with two Chevy dealerships to promote ethanol and the vehicles that it fuels. Holmes Chevrolet in Norwalk and Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny are partnering with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) to promote flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the use of E85 in Iowa. Consumers who purchase a FFV at either dealership between now …
State Ag Directors Support Ethanol Tax Incentives
Eight state departments of agriculture are asking Congress to extend the ethanol tax incentive set to expire at the end of the year. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today joined seven of his colleagues in requesting congressional leaders to act quickly to extend the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), which expires at the end of the year. Legislation …