The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is supporting the Next Generation Fuels Act, introduced by U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) in September, as “the next step in corn farmers’ efforts to build on the success of the RFS.” NCGA leadership is urging members to contact their Congressional representatives and ask them to support the legislation. The introduction of the bill …
Renewable Energy Group Announces Changes
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. this week announced organizational changes in its senior leadership team intended to “accelerate the company’s performance as a leader in a rapidly growing industry.” Chad Stone will move from the Chief Financial Officer position into a newly created role of Senior Vice President, Commercial Performance, overseeing the company’s planning, scheduling and optimization functions to drive commercial …
McKinney: China Needs to Buy More Ethanol
China is lagging behind in its purchases of energy products under the Phase One agreement, but USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney says they could get there with more ethanol and distillers grains (DDGs). During a virtual appearance at the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) annual conference this week, McKinney updated attendees on ag trade with …
Ethanol Industry Critical to Vaccine Distribution
The ethanol industry will be playing a critical role in getting a vaccine for COVID-19 distributed quickly around the nation and the world. That is because ethanol plants are responsible for capturing roughly 40 percent of the national supply of CO2, as much as 3.5 million tons annually – and CO2 makes dry ice, which is used for transporting things …
Corn Groups Join Ethanol Plants to Distribute Sanitizer
State corn grower organizations have been partnering with local ethanol producers this year to distribute hand sanitizer. The National Corn Growers Association gave a few examples of how farmers have been helping out. The Illinois Corn Growers Association partnered with other farm groups to distribute sanitizer to retailers to keep them in the field through the critical planting period. “I …
NBB Communications Director to Head KS Soybean
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is losing a great communications director, but Kansas soybean growers are gaining a great new CEO for their organization. NBB director of communications Kaleb Little has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas Soybean Association and Administrator of the Kansas Soybean Commission. Little, who is a native of Kansas, follows in the footsteps of …
Ontario to Increase Ethanol Content in Gas to 15%
Canada’s most populous province has made a commitment to gradually increase the required ethanol content in gasoline to 15 percent by 2030. Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) welcomed the release of Ontario’s Environment Plan “Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan” and the move to 15% ethanol in gasoline. RICanada estimates the province’s move to 15% …
Growth Energy Threatens to Sue EPA
Growth Energy has submitted a notice of intent to sue letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its failure to fulfill its statutory obligation to issue the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by the November 30th statutory deadline. The notice gives EPA 60 days to issue the 2021 RVO before risking a lawsuit in federal court. Growth Energy CEO …
NFU Disappointed by EPA Failure to Set 2021 RVOs
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is disappointed by the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to meet the November 30 deadline to issue 2021 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “By punting a decision on 2021’s RVOS to the next administration, EPA is introducing yet more uncertainty to the biofuels industry – uncertainty that most farmers and …
Less Flex Fuel Vehicle Offerings for 2021
The annual Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analysis of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements finds almost all new 2021 automobiles are approved for E15 gasoline, but very limited offerings for flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of operating on fuel blends containing up to 85% ethanol. Only Ford and General Motors are offering FFVs in model year 2021 with 11 models …