USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) reports that tremendous growth in demand for renewable diesel over the past few years is resulting in significant impacts to global feedstock trade. Renewable diesel, like biodiesel, is produced from the same renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil (UCO). The difference is that renewable diesel is produced using a …
Iowa Corn Pumped for NASCAR Series Race
Iowa Corn is pumped up for the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in the state, happening this weekend in Newton, Iowa. The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, will showcase the performance of ethanol at the fastest short-track on the planet, which is surrounded by corn fields. “As a farmer, seeing NASCAR run on ethanol is a proud moment. It’s …
Study Shows Plug-in Hybrid Flex Fuel Vehicle Advantages
A new study released by the Renewable Fuels Association this week documents the economic and environmental benefits of the world’s first plug-in electric hybrid flex fuel vehicle (PHEFFV), concludes that it offers distinct advantages over fully electric vehicles. Last year, RFA converted a 2022 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to a flex fuel vehicle capable of operating on gasoline …
FEW Awards Honor Industry Leaders
Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy Management and former Renewable Fuels Association chair, was recognized with this year’s Women in Ethanol Award (WIE) at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) Tuesday. McCaherty was awarded this honor during the second annual award ceremony. Ethanol Producer Magazine recognized women within the ethanol industry and highlighted the crucial role women play …
ISO Updated Marine Fuel Specs Include Biodiesel
The International Standards Organization (ISO) recently updated its specifications for fuel use in marine applications, including biodiesel blends up to B100, ensuring their suitability and safety for use in nearly every distillate and residual fuel grade. According to Clean Fuels Alliance America, this marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable fuel options within the maritime industry. By adopting the …
Sustainable Aviation Caucus Created in Congress
Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) this week announced the creation of the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus (CSAC). Co-chaired by Davids and Johnson, the caucus will work to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact and maximize its financial sustainability. By accessing federal policy, holding forums, and bringing together public and private partners, the caucus will play a key …
Biofuels Help Drive Economic Impact
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has just released a new report on “The Economic Impact of the U.S. Industrial Bioeconomy” that spotlights economic activity tied to the transformation of renewable biomass into fertilizers, bioplastics, biofuels, bio-lubricants, and other industrial bioproducts. “Our abundant natural resources, unparalleled agricultural sector, and strong leadership in the sciences have combined to establish America’s industrial …
Iowa RFA Criticizes Sierra Club Report
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is blasting a report from the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter this week claiming the Summit Carbon pipeline project in the state will need over three billion gallons of water and threatens to drain the aquifer. “Today’s ‘so-called’ study from the Iowa Sierra Club is no more based in reality than the report they released …
U.S. Ethanol Exports Jump in April
For only the second time in history, U.S. ethanol exports in April exceeded the 200-million-gallon (mg) mark, increasing 34% to 214.2 mg, the highest volume since the record set in March 2018, according to the latest Trade Monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association. Canada continued to be the largest importer for the 37th consecutive month, taking in 62.3 mg, …
Ethanol Exports Bright Spot in USDA Outlook
The latest USDA export outlook has overall agricultural exports expected to be lower this year, but one of the bright spots in the forecast is ethanol, according to USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. “For ethanol, we’re talking about a $3.5 billion export value rising to $4 billion in 2024,” said Meyer. “That’s about a 15 percent increase year over year …