This week I read the book “The Frugal Superpower,” by Michael Mandelbaum. For much of the beginning, I couldn’t quite figure out what this book had to do with energy. But I kept on going and was rewarded by some true insights as to other good reasons why reducing our dependence on Middle Eastern oil can help our country out …
Ethanol Industry Watches Closely As Lame Duck Session Kicks Off in DC
The lame duck session has kicked off in Washington and the ethanol industry continues to point out to legislators who are reviewing the ethanol and biodiesel tax credits, that the failure to renew these credits will cause thousands of biofuels workers to lose their jobs. The ethanol industry is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday along with several …
What Election Means for Ethanol
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen held a conference call with reporters this morning to discuss what yesterday’s historic election results may mean for ethanol policy, both for the rest of this year and in the next Congress. “Washington will be a more Republican town in January,” Dinneen said. “Will that have a meaningful impact on the U.S. …
Get Out and VOTE!
Hopefully everyone reading this will be wearing one of these “I Voted” stickers by the end of today – well, assuming your polling place has them. Mine didn’t this morning and I was quite disappointed. It’s kind of like getting ashes on Ash Wednesday – wearing it is a reminder to others of what day it is. Much is being …
Politics of U.S. Energy Policy
The politics of U.S. Energy Policy was the luncheon topic at the Export Exchange 2010 DDGS conference. Our presenter was Sara Wyant, President, Agri-Pulse Communications. Her company is a diversified communications firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Little Rock, Arkansas, and Camdenton, Missouri. As a veteran farm policy reporter, she is well recognized on Capitol Hill as well as with …
US Fuel Convoys Under Attack, Amplifies Call for Renewable Energy
The beginning of October has brought at least 10 Pakistani attacks on oil tankers carrying fuel for NATO vehicles in Afghanistan. The NY Times reported today that fuel convoys are “sitting ducks” and as a result, have come under increasing attack. In response, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords came out in support of bipartisan leaders of the House Armed Services Committee …
States Scale Back RPS’s As Senate Ramps Up RES Efforts
As several senators make one last push for a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) to be enacted before the close of the 111th Congress, several states are considering scaling back their current Renewable Energy Portfolios (RPS). At the federal level, groups such as the bipartisan Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition cite an RES as a way to give the country an …
Access, Policy & Predictability Needed for Ethanol
“The 50th Anniversary of OPEC made our nation and others dependent on a few countries for oil – many that don’t have our best interest at heart,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy during a press conference at the Farm Progress Show currently being held in Boone, Iowa. OPEC was formed on September 14, 1960 and today, America’s dependence …
DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program to Receive Cuts
At a time when the alternative energy industry is calling for the Department of Energy (DOE) to follow through on loan guarantees, the U.S. House of Representatives is attempting to pass a Senate bill that would cut the program’s budget by $1.5 billion. According the the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), this move is part of a $26.1 billion package …
Book Review – Power Grab
It’s been a year and a half since President Obama took office and there are definitely mixed emotions on how effective he has or hasn’t been. One area where many people have been critical is with regards to his green policies. One such critic is Christopher Horner, who has written a book with the central theme that Obama’s green polices …