A new study finds that the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions more than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) original expectations. The analysis, conducted by Life Cycle Associates and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Foundation, concludes that there has been nearly 600 million metric tons of GHG reduction since 2007, compared to EPA’s …
RFA Asks EPA to Use Reset Rule to Restore Lost RFS Gallons
With the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee scheduled vote next week on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of EPA, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) CEO Geoff Cooper sent a letter to Wheeler this week to provide input on the agency’s upcoming RFS reset proposal. RFA is asking Wheeler to use the reset rule as an opportunity to …
Ethanol Report from Biodiesel Conference
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has played the most important role in the adoption of biofuels in the United States, both ethanol and biodiesel, making allies of both industries. At this week’s National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper was part of a panel discussion on the future of the RFS and how …
Biofuels Leaders Engage in RFS Discussion
The 2019 National Biodiesel Conference concluded Thursday with a panel discussion entitled “To 2022 and Beyond: Renewable Fuels in the Next Decade,” featuring renewable fuel industry leaders discussing the Renewable Fuel Standard and what is on the horizon for 2020. National Biodiesel Board chief operations officer Doug Whitehead moderated the discussion between NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen and his ethanol organization …
RFA Asks EPA to Prioritize E15 Over RIN Reform
With the government shutdown threatening to further delay approval of year-round sales of E15, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus first on rulemaking for year-round E15 provisions and wait to address RIN reform measures in a separate action. With just 133 days remaining before the summertime prohibition on E15 sales begins, RFA …
Ethanol Stakeholders React to Wheeler Hearing
Ethanol industry organizations commended Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler for his commitment to getting a rule allowing year-round sales of E15 (15% ethanol blended fuel) before the start of this year’s summer driving season but still expressed some concerns. “We were encouraged to hear Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler commit to completing the year-round E15 regulatory fix before the summer driving …
Happy 11th Anniversary RFS2!
Eleven years ago today, President George W. Bush signed the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) into law with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Since then, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the United States has experienced cleaner air, greater energy security, revived economic activity in rural areas, and more affordable choices at the pump. …
EPA Finalizes RFS Renewable Fuel Volumes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the finalized rule for required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, and biomass-based diesel for 2020. The key elements of the final rule include maintaining the “conventional” renewable fuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, at the current 15-billion gallon level set by Congress for 2019; increasing …
House Bill Would Replace RFS
Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) are proposing new legislation that would replace the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. In a discussion draft released last week, the congressmen proposed a “transition from the RFS beginning in 2023 to a national octane specification” which they say would create “new market opportunities for …
Ethanol Groups Blast EPA for Chevron Waiver
A report out yesterday that EPA granted Chevron a 2017 hardship waiver earlier this year is causing some pre-Thanksgiving heartburn for ethanol producers. “While Chevron and other refiners enjoy their record profits and “economic hardship” waivers from EPA on Thanksgiving, many farmers and ethanol producers in rural America are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet,” says American …