A popular syndicated National Public Radio program Tuesday will focus on the perceived decline in political support for America’s ethanol industry and where the industry will go from here. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen will be featured on The Diane Rehm Show, which is carried live on NPR stations and originates at WAMU 88.5 in Washington, DC. …
Indiana Corn Growers Offer Ethanol Blender Pump Grants
Hoosier consumers will soon be seeing new flex fuel pumps at fuel retailers across the state thanks to a new program launched by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC). The Flex Fuel Pump Program, unveiled during the Indiana Ethanol Forum in Indianapolis earlier this summer, awarded cost-share dollars to Indiana fuel retailers looking to install flex fuel pumps. Recipients of …
Global Biofuels Group Calls Qatar Comments “Self-Serving”
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is calling comments made this week by a Qatari government advisor about biofuels contributing to world hunger “self-serving.” At a global grains summit in Turkey on Monday, Quatari food security program advisor Mahendra Shah was quoted as saying, “Biofuels will trigger an increase in agricultural prices. Biofuels will result in another 120 million people …
USDA Approves Payments for Advanced Biofuels
USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states “to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels.” “Renewable energy production will create tens of thousands of direct, American jobs; thousands more indirect jobs, and clean electricity to power millions of homes. The payments I am announcing today represent the continuing commitment of the …
Bill Would Promote Fuel Choice
Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Dick Lugar (R-IN) have introduced a bill that would ensure most new vehicles in the United States are capable of running on a range of domestically produced alternative fuels starting in 2015. By introducing competition among fuels, the Open Fuels Standard (OFS) Act aims to bring about significant reductions in fuel prices paid by U.S. …
Joint Deal to Improve First Generation Ethanol
Two companies have signed a joint agreement to develop an improved first generation ethanol process with enhanced performance economics. The agreement between Codexis and Raizen Energia S.A. announced today focuses on a range of targets, including improving performance of yeasts now used in ethanol production. Codexis is an industrial biotechnology company and Raizen is Brazil’s largest sugar and ethanol producer. …
Novozymes Supports FuelChoiceNow
Novozymes has joined FuelChoiceNow, a coalition announced last week to create more open access to alternative fuels. “The formation of this new coalition proves that momentum is continuing to build behind biofuels. Consumers deserve to have a choice with their fuel and our economy needs the jobs,” said Adam Monroe, President of Novozymes North America. “Novozymes is proud to be …
Ethanol Group Says Changing RFS is “Bad Policy”
Legislation reportedly being drafted that would change the Renewable Fuels Standard would be a bad policy move, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Reuters reported this week that a bill is being drafted in the House that would “reduce the federal mandate to use fuel ethanol when corn supplies are tight” in an effort to keep livestock feed prices …
Groups Challenge 15% Ethanol Rules and Label
Groups representing small engine, automakers and marine manufacturers announced a formal legal challenge to regulations and labeling proposed for the use of 15% ethanol blends (E15) in older model vehicles. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and other organizations object to the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Regulation to Mitigate Misfueling” rule and labeling proposal meant to address concerns about improper use …
RFA Urges Super Committee to Look at Oil Subsidies
In a letter to the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, the so-called “super committee” assigned to find ways to cut the deficit, the Renewable Fuels Association today urged them to “focus on comprehensive energy tax policy” rather than simply end the ethanol tax credit a week earlier than it is due to expire. “On behalf of …